You are not alone, I’ve been there. I have felt like I was in a deep dark pit of depression. I was a mom who needed these scriptures for moms battling postpartum depression.

In the summer of 2011, our family moved from a comfortable life into a temporary housing situation at his seminary. We were preparing to plant churches in Canada the fall of 2012. Everything was changing drastically from what we were accustomed to-smaller space, city life, less money, preparations, and so many unknowns.

On top of this, l was battling with postpartum depression and trying to care for 3 children under the age of 4. It felt like I was drowning. I was still going to church and a bible study but I could not feel any joy or end in sight.

I felt like my husband wasn’t helping me. Even though I knew that he couldn’t make it go away, I still blamed him for not being able to solve more of the problem. I know he felt so helpless as well.

I realized how bad it was one day when I felt like I was listening to some one else I didn’t know speak and explain my mental state to him: ” I don’t want to scare you but you know those women who drive their vehicles off the bridge with their children in them? I am not there yet but I think I understand their fragile mental health.”

He started praying hard for me. He kept trying to help as much as he could and he repeatedly encouraged me to seek out help. I felt ashamed, confused, and really didn’t want to be vulnerable.

Honestly, I didn’t feel like doing much of anything other than sleeping and trying to get through each day. I was going through the motions of life and felt so overwhelmed with no end in sight.

When You Don’t Feel Like It

One night I attended a ladies bible study, mainly to escape the realities at home. A lady at the seminary shared her personal story of battling with depression after moving to a new place. I knew God brought me there and was telling me to connect with her. It literally took every ounce of strength and courage I had.

We set up lunch and she sympathized with me but she also challenged me. She gave me some scripture cards to read every day and reminded me of the power of the word of God.

She gave me a set of index cards with a scriptures that dealt with depression printed on each one and encouraged me to read one every morning before I got out of bed. I started small, but soon, it was my source of strength. 

I started reading the entire Psalm that went with each verse and mimicking the psalmists prayer for strength. It was really a slow process but soon, I found it easier to laugh with my kids. I even started to look forward to some events going on in out day to day routine.

She also challenged me to stop blaming my husband or family and to start putting them first. I am thankful for God putting other godly women in our lives who will lovingly speak truth in love to us.

I hope that this post is that kind of encouragement to you precious Momma. First, that you aren’t alone, mostly because God is with you, but also because other women have been where you are. And, second, I hope that it challenges you to get out of your own hurt and start living for others.

Scriptures For the Mom Battling Postpartum Depression

You can download these verses plus a few more as a Free Printable to have them close at hand. If you are not a mom struggling with postpartum depression, please consider printing to share with a new mom. You never know who could use them.

• “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.” Psalm 43:5 NIV

• “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 NIV

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV

• “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.” Philippians 4:8

• “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

• “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

• “Cast your burden on the Lord — he will support you! God will never let the righteous be shaken!” Psalm 55:22

• “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

• “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” Psalm 54:4

• “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

Scriptures to Encourage New Moms

Short Prayers for Mothers

Encouragement While Struggling with Postpartum Depression

The encouragement to take away from these scriptures is that God is with you! God loves you. He wants to help you and work out the best for you. He wants you to keep gaining strength from His word, to keep crying out in your pain, and to focus on your blessings.

Several of the scriptures remind us to thank Him for His blessings and focus on the good things in our lives. It may seem impossible in the darkness. But, let me remind you, you have a beautiful baby, you are alive, and you have a God who loves you. Start there and see how far you get.

If you feel much stronger than the weakened state that I described of myself, I am glad for you. I want you to keep strong. Please consider reaching out to some one who will counsel and encourage you in the word of God. Also, keep praying and asking the Lord to be your strength.

If you feel like you are in a bad place like me, I also want to encourage you to reach out to some one. I know it might seem overwhelming but you will not regret it. Some one sharing your burden, praying for you, and encouraging you will go a lot further than what you imagine.

Finally, there is no shame in seeking out professional help. Contact your OBGYN or family doctor if you feel you might need medication. And, if you feel you may could benefit from a trained couselor, please find a Christian counselor who is trained to help women with depression. You can also find support groups on social media and at some local pregnancy centers.

Prayer for Postpartum Depression

Lord, I feel overwhelmed and anxious right now. My body is exhausted, my mind is out of control, and my outlook is bleak. Please use your word to encourage me and give me faith. Please forgive me for not focusing on you or your goodness. Help me to reclaim your joy. Help me to feel your peace. And, restore my hope! I trust you. You are my rock, my deliverer, and my salvation. Amen.

Sharing is Caring. Please consider passing along these scriptures for the mom struggling with postpartum depression to a new mom or consider sharing on Facebook. Postpartum Depression is serious, often overlooked, and many women feel shamed in seeking help.

If you need help and don’t know where else to turn, please email me with the form below.