Depression and self-harm are serious issues that many individuals struggle with, often rooted in feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, the Bible offers a powerful message of hope, comfort, and strength. Through these scriptures, we can find encouragement and support during our darkest moments, reminding us that we are not alone and that God cares deeply for our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Below are Bible verses that speak to the heart of those who may be feeling overwhelmed by depression or contemplating self-harm.
Bible Verses About Depression And Self Harm
1. Matthew 11:28 – Invitation to Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Cross-References
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Psalms 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God…”
2. Psalms 42:11 – Hope in God
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalms 42:11
Cross-References
Psalms 43:5 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…”
Psalms 33:20 – “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”
3. Isaiah 40:31 – Strength in God
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Cross-References
Psalms 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”
4. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Comfort from God
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Cross-References
Psalms 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Isaiah 51:12 – “I, even I, am he who comforts you.”
5. Philippians 4:6-7 – Peace of God
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”
Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself…”
Psalms 119:165 – “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
6. John 14:27 – Jesus’ Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Cross-References
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 4:9 – “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
7. Psalms 139:14 – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalms 139:14
Cross-References
Isaiah 43:1 – “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.'”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…”
8. 1 Peter 5:10 – God’s Restoration
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Cross-References
2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…”
Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
9. Psalms 30:5 – Joy Comes in the Morning
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5
Cross-References
Isaiah 61:3 – “And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.”
Psalms 126:5 – “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
10. James 1:2-4 – Joy Through Trials
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-4
Cross-References
Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
1 Peter 1:6 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
11. Proverbs 18:10 – Strong Tower
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
Cross-References
Psalms 61:3 – “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”
Isaiah 25:4 – “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress…”
Psalm 91:2 – “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
12. Romans 12:2 – Renewing the Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:23 – “To be made new in the attitude of your minds.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
13. Proverbs 12:25 – A Kind Word
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…”
Proverbs 15:23 – “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Trauma Healing
14. Isaiah 61:1 – Proclaiming Good News
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
Cross-References
Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor…”
Matthew 11:5 – “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised…”
15. 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of Power
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Cross-References
Psalms 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.”
16. 1 John 4:18 – Perfect Love Drives Out Fear
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
Cross-References
Romans 5:5 – “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”
Psalms 91:5-6 – “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…”
Isaiah 43:5 – “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.”
17. Psalms 119:50 – Comfort in Affliction
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” – Psalms 119:50
Cross-References
Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…”
Psalms 138:7 – “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes…”
18. Matthew 5:4 – Blessed in Mourning
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
Cross-References
John 16:20 – “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices…”
Isaiah 61:2 – “To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn…”
19. Isaiah 53:4 – Jesus Understands Our Grief
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” – Isaiah 53:4
Cross-References
Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…”
Psalms 88:3 – “I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death.”
1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness…”
20. Psalms 18:6 – Crying Out to God
“In my distress, I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” – Psalms 18:6
Cross-References
Psalms 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Isaiah 58:9 – “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”
Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
21. Hebrews 12:1 – Endurance in Trials
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Cross-References
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…”
Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 1:11 – “Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…”
22. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Cross-References
Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
23. Romans 8:1 – No Condemnation
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Cross-References
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Romans 6:6 – “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with…”
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
24. Galatians 6:2 – Bear One Another’s Burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Cross-References
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
25. Isaiah 25:8 – Death Will Be No More
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth.” – Isaiah 25:8
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 15:54 – “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality…”
John 11:25-26 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'”
26. Romans 12:15 – Empathy for Others
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
Cross-References
Hebrews 13:3 – “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
27. Matthew 6:33 – Seek First
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Luke 12:31 – “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
28. 1 Chronicles 16:11 – Seek the Lord
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11
Cross-References
Psalms 105:4 – “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
29. Romans 15:13 – Overflowing Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Cross-References
Psalms 33:22 – “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”
Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
30. Jeremiah 29:11 – Plans for Hope
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Cross-References
Psalms 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
31. Revelation 21:4 – New Creation
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” – Revelation 21:4
Cross-References
Isaiah 65:19 – “I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.”
Psalms 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
32. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Cross-References
Matthew 15:18 – “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
Psalms 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
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Final Thought
It is important to remember that mental health struggles such as depression and self-harm are serious matters that affect many individuals in today’s world. The Bible reassures us of God’s love, support, and understanding in our times of need. Each verse provided offers a unique perspective on hope, healing, and the comfort that can be found in faith during difficult circumstances.
By engaging with these scriptures and seeking professional help when needed, individuals can find solace, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives. We are reminded to lean on God, lift each other up, and embrace the love and grace that surrounds us.