When Depression Hits Your Marriage: A Pastor’s Guide to Hope and Healing

2026-01-19

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One in five adults will experience mental illness this year—including Christians, pastors, and people of faith. Yet depression remains one of the most silent struggles in marriage, especially in Christian circles where we're often afraid to admit we need help.In this vulnerable and practical episode, Bryce and Colette Schaffer tackle depression head-on, sharing their own experiences with postpartum depression, teenage struggles, and supporting congregation members through mental health challenges. As pastors with n...

In this vulnerable and practical episode, Bryce and Colette Schaffer tackle depression head-on, sharing their own experiences with postpartum depression, teenage struggles, and supporting congregation members through mental health challenges. As pastors with nearly 20 years of ministry experience, they've walked alongside countless couples through this darkness—and they're here to tell you: seeking help isn't weakness.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✓ The real difference between sadness and clinical depression

✓ Warning signs that your spouse may be struggling (changes in sleep, isolation, loss of interest)

✓ Why depression often has both physical and spiritual components ✓ What NOT to say when your spouse opens up ("Just pray more" or "Others have it worse")

✓ How to validate your spouse's feelings without trying to "fix" everything immediately

✓ Why isolation is the enemy's tactic—and why staying connected to church matters

✓ When it's time to encourage professional help or medication

✓ How to have regular "check-ins" that create safety for honest conversations

Bryce and Colette remind us that Jesus said "Come to me, all who are weary"—not "wait until you're all cleaned up." Depression isn't a spiritual failure; it's often a chemical imbalance that requires both faith and professional treatment. Your spouse needs you to be present, patient, and willing to walk through this marathon—not offer quick-fix solutions.

If you're the one struggling, please hear this: You are not alone. You are not weak. You are valued and valuable. God's mercies are new every morning, and there is hope for healing.

🆘 CRISIS RESOURCES: If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

Schafferministries.com

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