When Parents Face Depression: What You Can Do?
If you're a parent feeling weighed down by depression, take heart—you’re not alone, and you’re not a bad parent. This gentle, hope-filled message offers comfort, encouragement, and support grounded in both Scripture and mental health care.
Parenting is both a sacred calling and a daily challenge. It requires emotional presence, patience, and perseverance. However, for many parents, the struggle is compounded by something more profound— depression. As a licensed mental health clinician and a follower of Christ, I’ve seen firsthand how depression can affect loving, faithful parents. It doesn’t mean you’re broken or unworthy; it means you’re human. Moreover, there is hope, both clinically and biblically.
Depression often whispers lies: You’re not a good parent. Your kids deserve better. You’ll never feel joy again. These are heavy burdens, but Scripture and sound mental health support offer a path forward. Our adversary frequently engages in subtle whispering, masquerading as the Holy Spirit and disseminating falsehoods that undermine our self-worth and instill a sense of inadequacy. We must cultivate discernment in our thought processes, distinguishing between accusatory thoughts that divert our attention from God and repentant thoughts that foster a closer connection with Him.
Acknowledge the struggle. Trust me, you are not alone as a Christian parent who suffers from depression. Many faithful men and women in the Bible faced depression-like experiences. After a decisive victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled into the wilderness and prayed to die (1 Kings 19:4). David wrote psalms full of sorrow and anguish (Psalm 42, Psalm 88). Even Jesus experienced deep grief in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). God isn’t afraid of your sadness and doesn’t withdraw from you in your suffering. He invites you to bring your pain into the light. Depression is not a spiritual failure; it’s a signal that something deeper needs care: emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
Know when to seek help. Author Henry Cloud* said, “God uses His people to help His people.” Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.” God often uses therapists, pastors, doctors, and the community to bring healing. If you’re experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty functioning, please seek professional advice. A Christian counselor can support you in exploring root causes, learning coping tools, and reclaiming your sense of hope.
Engage in rhythms of renewal. God created us for rest and renewal. In Mark 6:31, Jesus told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Depression often pulls us away from life-giving routines, but small acts of restoration matter. Getting outside and grounding ourselves, eating nourishing meals, praying, reading Scripture, or simply taking a nap can soften the fog of depression. A study indicates that physical activity releases “happy hormones,” which are secreted by muscles during exercise. In some cases, engaging in movement can be beneficial even when feeling unmotivated.
In your weakness, God’s strength shines through (2 Corinthians 12:9). He’s not waiting for you to get it all together—He’s near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Cultivate honesty and empathy in your interactions with your children. Your children don’t need every detail of your struggle, but they must see your authenticity. Saying something like, “Mommy/Daddy has been feeling really tired and sad lately, but I’m getting help and trusting God,” can model vulnerability and faith. Kids are more resilient than we think, and seeing you get help teaches them it’s okay to ask for help, too.
Maintain hope. Life is an adventure; at times, that adventure can be daunting, dark, or boundless. Depression can feel like a valley, but valleys are not permanent. Every storm has a beginning, middle, and end. Psalm 23 reminds us that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are not alone. God walks with us. There is healing, purpose, and joy to be found again.
If you’re a parent facing depression, don’t give up. You are not disqualified from being the parent your children need and deserve. God is with you, and healing is possible—one step, one prayer, and one day at a time.
*Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. S. (2004). How people grow: What the Bible reveals about personal growth. Zondervan.
Matthew Knabe, MA, LPCC, is the Director of Operations at Emerge Counseling Ministries and a licensed professional clinical counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health. He earned his master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and Mental Health from Ashland Seminary. Matthew has worked extensively with adolescents, young adults, and adults, seamlessly integrating clinical care with faith-based principles. Before pursuing counseling, he recorded and toured as a musician, including with the Christian band Sonicflood. Currently, he hosts the Experience Emerge (ExEm) podcast, where he explores the intersection of mental health and faith through insightful conversations and perspectives.
