Depression Crushing Your Writing? 3 Truths to Help You Keep Going

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My friend, as someone who has intimately battled fear, anxiety, and depression, I know how consuming the darkness within our minds can feel.

Which makes the powerful light and breakthroughs from Jesus all the more miraculous.

This post might feel a little different from our others, but I truly feel it’s needed.

This is for the writer staring at her computer screen with no passion to finish her story.

For the mama who’s fighting back tears and wondering if all her sacrifices are worth it.

The one questioning her purpose and ready to close the door on all her dreams because it hurts too much to keep going.

This post’s for you, beloved.

Today, I want to give you three truths you can cling to when depression tries to silence your voice, showing you how to keep writing and rise as an overcomer.

If you’re a Christian writer struggling with depression, lack of motivation, or creative burnout, you’re not alone. In this post, we’re diving into three biblical truths that will help you renew your mind, reconnect with God, and keep writing—even in hard seasons.

Why Depression Hits Creative Writers So Deeply

Before we dive into our key scriptures for today, I’d love to share an interesting nugget you may not have considered before.

I love listening to people’s stories and hearing about their history. What they’ve gone through in life, and all the ways God has shown up for them.

But one of the things that always stands out to me about creatives is how emotional they are.

LOL. And no, I’m not meaning that in a derogatory way. I’m a creative myself. If anything, I’m calling myself out here.

If anything, let this give you permission to admit that those strong emotions are real, but they’re not meant to lead you.

You Were Created with Emotion on Purpose

I love the passion that Jeremiah 1:5 shares in reflection to a person’s value and purpose.

Before Jeremiah was even formed, God knew Him. God knew how He planned to use Jeremiah and what Jeremiah would need to fulfill his kingdom-ordained calling.

Just like with us, God knew us before conception, and He knows us so deeply now. There’s so much already ingrained within our makeup that it just needs to be awakened, matured, and developed.

As creatives, our emotions help us tap into a layer of humanity that others may not readily recognize. That sensitivity can inspire us to be quick with compassion and mercy.

However, here’s where we need to have a sit-down with ourselves.

If we allow our emotions to rule our thoughts, directions, mindsets, visions, etc., then we are choosing a type of captivity God never wanted for us.

Emotions Are Real, But They Do Not Govern You

So while emotions are part of your design, they were never meant to have authority over you.

If you feel that tug on your heart, may today’s chat be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.

You clicked on this post for a reason, and that’s telling me you don’t want depression and fear to keep stealing from you.

You want to take back your time and creativity. You want to re-ignite your passion for writing—and life in general.

You don’t want to become apathetic to the very ones God has called you to serve.

My friend, I see you, and I’d love to encourage you to commit to going all in with this chat. You are stronger than you think. The enemy fears your breakthrough. The enemy is terrified of you gaining this type of freedom.

While your mind might have been the enemy’s favorite playground, he doesn’t belong there. He’s evicted, and we’re reclaiming your mind as holy ground unto the Lord.

Now, that said …

Since our emotions aren’t meant to rule over us, let’s dive into some truths that are designed to empower us. These are truths to cling to when depression starts closing in.

Truth #1 — What You Think On Matters

We will face many mental battles in our lifetime. Those kinds of battles won’t cease this side of eternity.

Not to be a downer. Or to suggest that there won’t be victories. Because there will. I can testify all day that victories happen through Jesus.

But we’re being raw and truthful here.

What Philippians 4:8 Can Mean for Your Mind

Depression often feeds on fear and lies. Yep, depression at its core is fear-based. Depression will then make itself at home because of what we repeatedly think about.

Philippians 4:8 gives us a great truth we need to remind ourselves of frequently.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Some translations will read “think on these things.” So, what does it mean to meditate or think on these kinds of thoughts?

Replace Lies with Truth in Your Writing Life

The Greek word used for mediate is logizomai (log-id’-zom-ahee) and paints the picture of considering, taking account, weighing, meditating on.

Essentially, to judge, test, or weigh the value of the thoughts entering our minds.

Are those thoughts true, noble, just, pure, virtuous, praiseworthy, etc.? If not, kick them out and direct your thoughts to what is.

This practice helps us replace the “I can’t do this” statements by turning them into faith declarations of “God equipped me, and He will help me.”

Or how about the fear-based lie of “this story is garbage, no one will read it” being flipped to “God gave me this message for a reason. I choose to trust His plans.”

You Have Power and Authority Over Your Mind

Now, a quick caveat.

This does not mean we suppress our emotions or box them away. We don’t ignore our pain, and we don’t condone anyone who treats us poorly.

What we’re discussing today is the truth that we have the power to determine who we focus on and what thoughts we give our energy to.

Did you know you have power and authority? The enemy may have convinced you that you’re weak and have nothing to offer this world. But that isn’t true. You have power and authority that was won through Christ Jesus.

Remember, your mind is no longer the enemy’s playground. You have power. You are strong. And you are overcoming through Christ Jesus.

And when we gain freedom in our mind, clarity regarding our writing and creative business has room to develop. Along with a beautiful type of joy that’s connected with our next truth.

Truth #2 — Joy Comes Through Obedience (Even When It’s Hard)

When depressing thoughts hit, it makes starting a writing session seem like you’re attempting to climb Mt Everest.

The impossible of impossibles for regular writing mamas like us.

And here’s something I want you to lean in for.

As you may have heard from others, writer’s block is a myth. It doesn’t exist.

Is Writer’s Block Real—or Something Deeper?

Instead, what we call writer’s block is actually exhaustion, fear, or emotional overwhelm disguised as failure and defeat.

Depression, as a fear-based emotion, loves to keep our heads down and our backs bowed. Fear-based emotions like this cause our eyes to cloud, darkening our ability to see clearly.

Meaning we can’t see how weak our creative muscles have become. Or how burned out we’ve gotten. Our spirits could be drained and need to be refreshed, refueled, and revived.

And the only place to receive that deep-soul refreshing is at the feet of Jesus.

When we allow the Lord to minister deeply to our hearts, minds, and spirits, we no longer walk with our heads down or our backs bowed.

We stand taller, see more clearly, and feel our passion returning. With that comes a beautiful type of joy that can only resonate from the Father’s heart.

In Nehemiah 8:10, we read how “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

What I’ve come to learn from experience is that this kind of joy occurs when we walk in both freedom and obedience.

What to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Writing

Quick confession: I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sat at my computer and forced myself to write. There was no muse present. No heavenly light beaming with inspiration. I had to make myself put in the work.

There are times when I start a writing session in the proverbial dumps, but by the time I’m finished, I have joy and a different outlook on the day. Sure, some could consider writing as a type of cathartic activity, but I have a different take on it.

That joy wasn’t because I checked something off my to-do list. No, joy came from the Holy Spirit because I chose to spend my day in alignment with my calling. Fulfilling God’s purpose for me, and operating in accordance with my design.

So if you’re staring at that screen, knowing you should be writing but can’t dredge up the energy.

Take a quick minute to breathe and allow the Lord to minister to your heart. Allow His love to cover you, sustain you, and uplift you.

Then start writing, knowing that God is with you, for you, and empowering you. Your faith and obedience are ushering forth a level of joy that will boost you and strengthen you to the point that the enemy will not be able to stop you.

I can be here encouraging you. But I can’t make this choice for you.

Allow Obedience to Unlock Joy in Your Creative Process

So today, in love, I ask you to choose for yourself whom you will serve. Will it be the depression pulling you deeper into defeat and spiritual death? Or will you faithfully serve your Heavenly Father who loves you, sees you, and is encouraging you right this very moment?

It may feel like a hard choice because operating in faith will be in direct opposition to your flesh.

However, when you press forward in obedience, the Holy Spirit will meet you in that place to give you the strength to continue. He won’t make you take that first step, but He will absolutely walk alongside you, helping you carry the load.

So, girl, write those words.

And if you need some extra accountability, send me an email. I’ll be happy to challenge you as you courageously press onward.

So if joy meets us in obedience, what happens when we feel completely alone in our writing journey?

Truth #3 — You Are Not Alone in Your Writing Journey

Feelings of isolation are one of the quickest ways depression can deepen, effectively silencing our writing voice. Because a silent writer is an ineffective one.

But are we really as alone as we think we are?

You know I’ve said this a hundred times already, but we are never alone in this life.

The Ways God Sends Support (Even When You Don’t Expect It)

I’ve actually taken arguments to the Lord—I know bold and crazy, right? Yet those arguments where I attempted to “convince” the Lord that I’m justified in my depressing thoughts brought on by loneliness and isolation, instead turned into God lovingly—yet sternly—sitting me down to reveal the truth.

In those moments, He showed me all the ways He showed up and sent people to be present as I journeyed, battled, warred, and then overcame.

Community Matters for Christian Writers

It may not always be our inner circle who steps in and reveals God’s love for us. It could be the stranger at a conference who unknowingly speaks an on-time word that impacts your life. Or the new neighbor that invites you to a writers group you didn’t know existed.

Or the podcaster of your new favorite show that gives you a much-needed virtual hug.

There are so many ways that God shows He cares for us. Can we trust that He will meet our every need and build a supportive community when it’s time? He meets us where we are. Not just physically or financially. But emotionally and mentally as well.

1 Peter 5:6-11 fits so perfectly with today’s encouragement:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

A Moment to Reflect and Recenter

Before we continue, I’d love for you to take a moment and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight all the ways God has used people as His hands and feet in your life. These little nuggets, no matter how small, are active reminders of God’s faithfulness to move in ways we consider impossible.

So when depression tries to isolate you, silence you, and overwhelm you, I’d love for the truths we’ve shared today to inspire and empower you.

5 Simple Ways to Keep Writing When Depression Hits

If today feels especially heavy, here are a few ways to ground yourself and take your next step.

Tip 1: Just as Paul shook off the serpent in Acts 28, shake off the spiritual viper tormenting your mind. Remember, you have power and authority over your own mind. What you think on matters.

Tip 2: Remind yourself that you have chosen to put yourself under the authority of God, and He will exalt you in due season. Your sacrifice and obedience are never in vain, and the joy of the Lord is your strength. You can do what seems impossible through Him.

Tip 3: Reach out to a trusted friend. Let them know you’re feeling down and ask them to pray for you. Even share some funny memes. A good laugh makes the world of difference. Prayer ministers to your spirit while laughter relieves the pressure on your heart.

Tip 4: Immerse yourself in God’s word. Read it. Have an audio version playing. Whichever you want to do, but infuse the moment with God’s word. His word is life to your soul.

Tip 5: Listen to worship music and journal all your thoughts with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can bring revelations you never would have considered had He not been invited in to speak with you.

You’ve got this, beloved. You are stronger than you think.

Lift your eyes to Jesus, and He will see you through. You are an overcomer.

Final Encouragement for the Weary Writer

Creatives feel strong emotions for a reason. It’s part of our design, and if anything, let’s use it as a superpower rather than yielding it to our spiritual enemy to use against us.

And just as David had to encourage himself in 1 Samuel 30, we too will need to take a stand by exercising our faith and belief.

So today, we choose to believe:

• That God really is for you and will not leave you.
• That your life is important, and you are a valued treasure in the kingdom of God.
• That God created you on purpose for a purpose, and no demon in you-know-where will convince you otherwise.
• That while things might be hard in this moment, storms in life are never permanent. This too will pass, and God will lead you through.

The warmth you feel covering you is the Holy Spirit. Allow the love of the Father to breathe a fresh wind upon your spirit and your day.

Because, my friend, you have a mission to complete and a book to write.

You’re Not Alone—Let’s Stay Connected

I admit, today’s chat, was a heavy topic. So while today’s discussion doesn’t even scratch the surface of what we could dive into, I hope it has at least encouraged you to breathe and press onward.

Your labors are never wasted sacrifices. What you do for the kingdom matters. Even if you can’t see the fruit of it just yet.

My friend, I hope this post inspired you and re-ignited a spark within your spirit. If you know of a fellow writer who could use this encouragement, please send them a link to this heart chat.

This space is designed to uplift, encourage, and inspire, and I’m grateful to have you partnering with me to share its message.

You are a gem, and I’m so grateful for you.

Until next time, happy writing, and enjoy the journey.