Do demons cause depression in certain people?

Yes. Demons CAN contribute to depression in certain people, but not all depression is caused by demons.

Wayne Grudem comments:

“Not all depression is demonic in origin. Some may be caused by chemical factors that will respond to medical treatment. Other depression may be due to a variety of behavioral patterns or interpersonal relationships that are not being conducted according to biblical standards. But we should not rule out demonic influence as a possible factor.” (Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology, p.423, 1994)

Because this question asks specifically about demonic influence in depression, I will not address the cases where the depression has true medical basis. I will focus on the influence of demons and the influence of our own evil desires.

Depression is a state of being, an attitude, an emotion or a mood. “Depression is a persistent mood that is characterized by intense feelings of inadequacy, sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, irritability, apprehension, and a decreased interest in or ability to enjoy normal activity. This mood must last at least two weeks to be diagnosed as clinical depression.” (Asher, Marshall and Mary, The Christian’s Guide to Psychological Terms, p. 56, 2004.)

Demons are sneaky and stealthy, not wanting to be obvious and easily exposed and confronted. So it is often difficult to know or understand the exact means by which the influence occurs. Demons cannot read our minds or know our thoughts. However, they are real and they are present around us. Demons can see the things that we do and hear things that we say. Therefore, our activities and our words can be used by demons to influence us. Demons influence non-Christians and Christians alike through:

1. temptation (Luke 4:2),
2. physical pain or illness (Job 2:7, 2 Cor 12:7, Luke 4:39, Luke 13:16),
3. spiritual attack (Eph 6:12), and
4. deceit (cf. Acts 13:10).
5. Satan (and therefore perhaps other demons as well) works through other people (Job 1:13-15, 17) and weather (Job 1:16, 18-19).

However, the influence, power and activity of Satan and demons are limited by God (Job 1:12, 2:6).

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can resist temptation (James 4:7), put off evil behavior (Eph 4:22; Col 3:9), put on godly behavior and thinking (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:22; Col 3:10-14), and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7). In order to fight off demonic influence that causes depression or any other sinful thinking or activity, we must put on the armor of God:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

On the other hand, sin also comes simply from our own evil desires, not specifically from the influence of demons. James 1:13-16:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”

One who is depressed can be tempted to allow their minds to go into despair. There could be several reasons why people would be tempted to do this: the attention gained from others, the escape from the responsibility of facing and solving one’s problems, or as an excuse for not doing what needs to be done.

How a person thinks affects the way they feel. We cannot allow the way we feel prevent us from doing the things that please God. Our feelings will improve when we obey God’s Word by thinking and doing things God’s way.

The sin in depression is dwelling on:

Guilt, not forgiveness. (1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:13-15)
Despair, not hope. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Pain, not comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
False gods, not the One True God. (Exodus 20:2-4)
Sadness, not joy. (Nehemiah 8:10; James 1:2-4)
Self, not others. (Philippians 2:3)
Self-pity, not self-worth. (Romans 8:35-39)
Fear, not love. (1 John 4:18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a)
Anxiety, not trust. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Sinful anger, not righteous anger. (Ephesians 4:26)
Defeat, not victory. (Romans 8:35-39)
Depravity, not self-control (1 Peter 5:8)

Dwelling and focusing on these depressing emotions to the point that the conscience is seared, the Holy Spirit is grieved and God is displeased, is sin. This focus pulls the mind away from the abundant life that Jesus came to give (John 10:10).

A biblical solution to depression is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. One would benefit from reading further context in 2 Corinthians both before and after this passage.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.


Submitted by Fred Schmitt.