Product Description

To be happy involves defeating the depression that threatens to engulf. Three psychologists offer Bible-based guidance on ways to cope with depression.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #946979 in Books
• Published on: 1993-10-01
• Released on: 1993-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Customer Reviews

Authors feel that depression is a spiritual problem only
I am Christian, and I also have been diagnosed with depression. When I received this book, I opened it expecting anecdotes and little things to do in my daily living to help me get through my depression. However, the book focuses entirely on Christianity. Phrases such as "The person who is depressed should ask himself what he is doing to make himself depressed. He may discover that he is living a lifestyle that is clearly against God." For those to which this statement applies, the book could be very helpful. The authors believe that depression is some sort of mindset that can be easily overcome, not a real disease that millions deal with daily. If you want tangible ways to overcome depression, beyond prayer and an active relationship with God, then look elsewhere.

Depression, Mind Based, Not Bible Based
I am very disturbed that the author is even allowed to publish his ideas concerning depression. I am a 57 year old man, who just recently after 9 years of "chemical" inbalance deep depression, evolved into complete freedom from depression. It was the right "chemical" medicine, from a great doctor, which saved my mental life. I would still be in a state of horrible depression, if i was waiting for Prayer as a cure. The author needs to realize that there are two kinds of depression:(1) "chemical" inbalance,(2)mild, or no "chemical" inbalance. The first one is finally treated only by correct "chemical" medication, which brings you out of the depression itself. It is organic in nature, like an infection of the body, which can be healed by a wonder drug. You take aspirin to help stop pain by a "chemical" action in your body; you could pray all day and a tooth ache will not stop hurting. Likewise, "chemical" inbalance depression of the brain will be erased only by "chemical" means: proper medicine given by a doctor who deals with "chemical" inbalance disease. Mild depression, on the other hand, is treated by talking out your problem. A certain idea in your head is bothering you; after talking about it( whether death of a friend, husband, or loss of a job), a person over a period of time comes out of depression. It is not "chemical" in nature. It may be emotional,etc.; however, it can be resolved by talking it "out" loud, so to speak, with any person who will just listen very carefully to you. After a period of time, the person in "mild" depression will get over it, or will no longer be in depression. The idea that a "christian" life style, as suggested by the author, can treat severe, "chemical" inbalance depression-- is just plain foolishness. It is very dangerous; and, i am sure that most people will take it with a "grain" of salt--so to speak. The author should concern himself with religion, and get out of the "mental" health field. He presents solutions which are bible based; the correct solutions, which most educated people would likely agree with, are mind based.

Unbelievably misguiding
The notion that depression is not real and rather a state of mind is frustratingly misguiding and the reason that scores of people commit suicide around the world every day. Depression is a crippling disease that requires treatment and therapy just like any other and anybody who has ever fought it knows this. What this book screamed to me as someone who is vulnerable to mild depression, is that people allow themselves to be depressed; That depression is an attitude, perhaps one I can wake up tomorrow and throw out the window. But the truth is, it is not. It is not something we imagine nor is it something we can forget. In fact, sometimes, we don't even have a clue what is causing it in our lives so how can we simply "pray for it to end." I'm somebody who talks to God and prays for help with a lot of the challenges that come across my life, but even I know that depression is not something, which will simply go away with prayer. A person needs friends, support, therapy and sometimes a prescription to fight depression.