Talking about depression is hard, and not talking about it is worse. It’s a difficult conversation to have.
In these podcasts, we are able to tune into some of those conversations. Whether you are struggling with depression and looking for answers, or a concerned friend, these podcasts will get the conversation going, and answer some of the questions you may be afraid to ask.
Here are 4 different podcasts I found about depression:
Why Are Podcasts Valuable?
When you are struggling with depression, especially as a Christian, it can be hard to open up to people about what is going on. Podcasts are a great way to start getting some answers to your questions until you work up the courage to talk to someone.
You may be wondering, is it wrong to be depressed? Does God love me in my depression? How do I follow God as I work through this?
You are not the only one who has asked these questions, and, unfortunately, the church is not always prepared to answer them. This may be part of your solution.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
-Psalm 9:9
CXMH
It can be hard to see, sometimes, where faith and mental health come together, and it is an issue that isn’t talked about a lot. CXMH is looking to change that. By bringing in the experts in faith and mental health CXMH is getting the conversation going, and when you tune in, you get to be a part.
CXMH is hosted by Robert Vore and Dr. Holly Oxhandler.
Vore is a therapist and consultant with a focus on teens and young adults. He helps churches and other ministries learn how to deal with mental health, and is an advocate for the engagement with this issue amongst Christians.
Dr. Oxhandler works at Baylor University as an assistant professor and the dean for research and faculty development. Her passion is to study how religion affects mental health and how that is integrated into the client’s lives.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Blubrry, Overcast, and Podbean.
Click here to learn more.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
-Psalm 23:4
Anthem of Hope
Storytelling is perhaps one of the greatest forms of communication ever created, and each person has their own to contribute to the world.
In the Anthem of Hope podcast, real people share their stories of struggle on a variety of topics including mental health.
Anthem of Hope was founded in 2016 by Jarrid Wilson as a way to connect with people struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, and suicide. The goal was to help the body of Christ have a way to hear from people who are struggling in these areas and realize that they are not alone.
Available on Soundcloud, and iTunes.
Click here to learn more.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
-Psalm 34:17-18
YMI
Depression is beginning to be recognized as a bigger issue than ever before, and it is leaving a lot of people with questions, especially Christians.
Can Christians be depressed? Is my depression sinful? What do I do about it?
These are all questions people are asking, maybe even you. In this episode, YMI does a special with host James Burke and RZIM apologist Max Jeganathan to answer some of these questions, and share their own experiences as well.
Click here to learn more.
Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
-Psalm 143:7-9
Depression
Sometimes it can be difficult to understand God, and ourselves as Christians working through depression. If God loves me, why do I feel this way?
This podcast works through a variety of sermons that aim to bring hope to the hurting and hope for a better tomorrow.
Available on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to learn more.
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
Life.Church with Craig Groeschel
When dealing with depression joy can seem so far away, and sometimes you don’t even have the energy to reach for it.
In this podcast’s series “Emotions,” Pastor Craig Groeschel works through several emotional challenges that many of us can identify with. Part four deals primarily with sadness and finding joy.
Don’t be deceived – remember that joy is a choice. Joy is choosing to trust God’s goodness and focus on that above our circumstances. You can still choose joy while dealing with depression, and this podcast will help you to learn how.
Craig Groeschel is the Lead Pastor at Life Church in Oklahoma and is also the author of Hope in the Dark: Believing God is Good When Life is Not.
Click here to hear his series on emotions.
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
Other Resources
At the end of the day, podcasts are great, but they are no substitute for counseling or talking through your problems with a pastor.
If you are struggling with depression, or know someone who is, don’t struggle alone. Find someone you can talk to, a family member, friend, or counselor, to help you process this season of your life.
God created community and desires fellowship in his church (Acts 2:42-47). Don’t cut yourself off from your relationships, allow God to use them in your life to provide support and healing the way He designed us to function.
And, as always, continue to pursue your walk with Christ, be in the Word, pray, spend time with your Heavenly Father who is right there walking this path with you.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30