The feeling of happiness is a human need because it keeps us fulfilled and motivated through whatever obstacles life throws our way. Although it’s normal to occasionally feel down in the dumps, for some people, fatigue, demotivation, and worry are long-term problems that cannot be fixed by quick solutions like sleep or by hanging out with friends.
If you suffer from long-term sadness, worry, stress, exhaustion (that no amount of sleep can fix), emptiness, sleep disorders, and more, then you may have noticed how these things have slowly shifted things in your life. You lose interest in your hobbies that used to give you happiness and inspiration. You feel irritable and get annoyed at the tiniest triggers. You feel like the days are just a blur of misery and hopelessness.
Because of these, seeking the Lord is important in times of depression and anxiety so that you can share your problems with Him and seek healing and comfort.
Prayer for anxiety and depression
Merciful God,
You are the Creator of the universe and the Conqueror of all evil. You alone know the depths of my soul and heart. You created me in Your own image, and now I traverse through life with Your principles, teachings, and commandments lighting my path. Your miracles are wondrous, and Your presence in my life, although subtle, is great and marvellous. You are my omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Friend, Provider, Comforter, and Shield.
Now that I am faced with a great enemy, I am quick to bow before You and call for Your help. I am deeply sorry for the moments in joy when I would easily forget to thank You for the countless blessings You have given me. I easily get drunk on my earthly joys that I forget to thank Your eternal love and goodness for my loved ones and for me. I am no more than a sinner, but in Your eyes, I am Your child, and I am most thankful for Your love and care. Continue to patiently guide me and guide me gently when I commit mistakes. I will never be perfect, but I know I can be better.
In this long journey called life, I have come across steep cliffs and treacherous roads that often led me to places that I did not plan to go, but they taught me things I did not regret learning. This time, Lord God, I face a mighty and stormy sea. I am drowning in misery and depression, plagued by anxiety and worry. Even as I look up, all I see are storm clouds that hide all traces of the sunshine that my loved ones are trying to show me. I am thankful for these people–the people who stick with me through thick and thin and love me at my worst the same way they love me at my best. I am grateful for their presence in my life, for their comforting words and the way they hold my hand, assuring me that I am not alone. Whenever I look upon their gentle eyes, I see You, and I know that somehow all will be fine one day. Thank You for bringing these wonderful people into my life, for blessing me with the gifts of friendship and family: treasures that no amount of gold can buy.
Lord God, I beg You to have mercy on me and bestow healing, happiness, and calmness upon me as I have endured this emotional battle for so long. I pray that even though I doubt my worth too often these days, I will be able to feel the love of those I hold close to my heart. Restore my mental health and help me feel whole, safe, and secure again, and banish all negative thoughts that have taken root in my mind. I understand that the route to mental health will not be easy, but I fully trust Your plans for me.
These I ask in Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Short prayer for depression and anxiety
Dear God, I ask for healing and comfort from depression and anxiety, which have negatively affected me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Despite this, my faith in You remains strong. You are the anchor that will help me weather this storm. I know that You are with me always; even when I cannot feel Your presence, I know that You will never forsake me. Thank You for everything that is good and wonderful in my life, and may You use these things to brighten my perspective once more.
I ask this in Your Most Gracious Name, Amen.
The Word of God
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NRSVUE
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NRSVUE
I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
John 16:33 NRSVUE
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Dymphna
Saint Dymphna, you are the patron saint of all who suffer from depression and anxiety and also the patron saint of mental health. From a young age, you purposefully built a sanctuary for those with mental health disorders, and your legacy lasted for centuries. Your kindness was untouched by discrimination or prejudice. The memory of your generous acts greatly inspired the people around you and started a tradition of welcoming psychiatrically ill patients.
Now, I knock upon your door, seeking your generosity. Give me a respite from my misery and guidance on how I can heal. Guide me towards wellness, carry my prayers to the Lord, and tell Him to grant hope to my hopeless heart. With Your support, my prayers will be heard.
Saint Dymphna, pray for me.
Amen.
Further reflection
Experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses or disorders can be a difficult phase and may even be the devil’s opportunity to shatter your relationship with God. A person vulnerable to doubt can easily be swayed by words of sweetened poison. Aside from the purpose of healing, remember to pray to the Lord for discipline in the face of temptations. Ask for God’s help in protecting you during your slow but progressive healing process. Seek purpose, meaning, and beauty in the world around you, and you will quickly realize that there is much to hold on to. Never be afraid to ask for help, never suffer in silence, talk to a friend, a doctor, a parent or even an anonymous helpline. Let God become your anchor; He will keep you grounded in faith and shield you from the battering waves that will threaten to wash you away from Him.
Remember that on your own, God made you strong, capable, and unique. But with Him by your side, you are unstoppable and unbreakable. Call unto Him, put your faith and trust in Him, and He will be with you always.
