Symptoms of Depression in Men: 10 Bible Verses of New Hope

Depression, although perhaps more openly acknowledged among women, affects men equally in its severity. Stressful lives lead us to worry and grow anxious over matters that, if not resolved, can lead to depression in men.

Questions plague us:

• Can I make this deal with the new client work?
• What do I feed the family for dinner tonight?
• How will I afford this trip to the dentist that I simply can’t avoid?
• How can I make my wife happier?

The list is endless. The following Bible verses on symptoms of depression in men help allay fears and give new hope to men (and women) struggling in this area.

God stays close in hardship.

The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NIV

This psalm is rich in sayings from David on how the Lord will save, redeem and protect those who believe in His power. The wicked will be slain. Do good and seek peace and you will not be condemned. God hears your cry for help in all matters.

Symptoms of depression in men can be caused by problems we face every day at work, at home, or socializing with those who envy or hate us. Even Jesus cried over the death of Lazarus and felt miserable. Meditating on this verse helps us to remember that God is with us, He has a heart of compassion toward us and is there to comfort and pick us up when we hit rock bottom.

God will lead you.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV

Moses spoke these words when he was 120! He was telling his followers he would not be crossing the Jordan with them, but that the Lord would go ahead of them and lead them to the Promised Land.

Christ has likewise gone before us through the cross to prepare the way so that we can be in relationship with God. He is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Joshua was summoned and instructed to lead the people across the river.

Even though symptoms of depression in some men can make a person feel hopeless, this truth from the Bible is extremely encouraging. We too can trust that God will lead us through what we are going through, to what lies ahead.

Words are powerful for depression in men.

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. – Proverbs 12:25, NASB

Solomon states that worry is not a small thing. Everyday burdens can weigh you down, make you despair and cause you to be depressed. A kind word will uplift, encourage and cheer one up. Proverbs 12:18 speaks of words that hurt or heal. Remember to choose your words wisely, both the ones you speak and those you listen to.

Nothing can overcome God’s love.

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:39, NIV

Romans is the rock upon which all Christian doctrine is based. For those who believe, through faith in Christ, you are saved eternally. God loves us always and forever. Remember symptoms of depression in men occur through ongoing worry and anxiety. With Christ in our corner, we need not fear those who wish us harm.

We are protected in every realm and category despite what hardships come our way. While this is hard to hold onto when it seems like everything is crumbling around us, it is true regardless of our feelings and emotions.

Know who is in control.

The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps He has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. – Psalm 37:23-24, NIV

The Lord is in control of the lives of the righteous. We may falter and fall, but God will protect us from sin. If we see one of the faith stumble, we are dutybound as fellow believers to help.

As we experience symptoms of depression, in both men and women, we see that only God can alleviate the hardship we are going through. Job suffered so many losses, but the Lord blessed him in abundance in later life.

You can always call upon God.

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. – Psalm 50:15, NIV

God was unhappy with the Israelites. Their sacrificial offerings were made as if God needed something. He needs nothing from us, but we need Him. Only offerings made in thanksgiving, obedience, and complete trust will be accepted.

As Christians, we should look to the Lord for support when disaster befalls us. Symptoms of depression in men will then fall away as they realize God’s hand is upon them. We must then remember to give thanks for His help.

God restores joy in place of depression in men.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. – Psalm 51:12, ESV

David had lost his joy and become depressed due to his adultery and murder. While our depression may be caused by something a little less severe, only God can restore our joy. Jesus promises us His abiding joy to those who keep His commandments.

David also requested God to “uphold him with a willing spirit.” If we also commit to God’s will, we too will be prevented from again falling into sin. The symptoms of depression in men, require us to ask God to blot out our transgressions, wash away our iniquities and restore in us a clean heart and right spirit.

God can change your heart.

You have turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. – Psalm 30:11, NIV

Sackcloth, a rough loose garment made from goat’s hair, was worn when in mourning. David had worn the garment because the Lord had disciplined him. Upon his forgiveness by the Lord, he felt gladness and was able to rejoice and remove the garment.

While we don’t follow such practices today, symptoms of depression in men can make you feel like you are weighed down by a heavy item. Believe in the Lord’s justice, providence, and restoration.

Over time, and perhaps with the help of some counseling, you will start to see areas in your life where you need to confess and receive forgiveness. This results in a positive change of attitude making you will feel lighter. We are blessed by the Lord’s mercy.

There is refuge in the Lord from depression in men.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. – Psalm 9:9, NIV

David talks here of the needy and oppressed, the poor, and those who trust in the Lord. This implies other forces are exercising control over them. Placing one’s trust in the Lord will alleviate this depressing situation.

As the apostle John states, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, ESV) Symptoms of depression in men can start with the oppression of desire and dreams. God sees this. Ask Him for help and to guide you.

God is with you.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory. – Psalm 73:23-24, NIV

God will never abandon us. Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). The Lord has a purpose for the life of each one of His people.

You do not need to stay depressed by the world and its ways. Symptoms of this depression in men start with us allowing our envy of those who seem to have it all to consume us. Remain faithful. The Lord will sustain and uplift you.

Remember, there is help for depression in men.

On reading through these verses on symptoms of depression in men, we see the Book of Psalms has a lot to say about the various authors and what they suffered. You are not alone in your fear and anxiety.

Seeking guidance from a Christian counselor in Valencia, California can be an important step toward walking out of depression and into the fullness of life which God has prepared for you. Connect with our office today at Valencia Christian Counseling for more faith-filled support.