Coping with Depression

When Life goes Dark
Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression
by Richard Winter

Psychiatrist and theologian Richard Winter explores the complex medical and psychological issues surrounding depression. He discusses recent scientific research on its biochemical and genetic causes and examines social and cultural factors including common Christian misunderstandings of depression. Throughout he offers ways to help the suffering. Even in the shadow of the valley of death, there is hope for healing and deliverance.
Published by IVP Books.  Paperback.  224 pages.  £9.99

The Worry Book
Finding a path to freedom
by Will van der Hart and Rob Waller

Most, if not all, of us worry.  The Worry Book is an honest, sympathetic and practical examination of why we worry and how to break the cycle of worry.  The authors distinguish between solvable and 'floating' problems, show what the Bible really says about worry and give workable solutions. 

Coping with depression
by Siang-Yang Tan and John Ortberg - £7.99

Having looked at understanding depression, the authors go on to ask ‘how are you feeling?’, ‘what are you doing?’ and ‘how are you thinking?’ They describe how each of these may be linked with depression and offer “highly practical and proven strategies for coping”. The book ends with an interesting case study of someone wrestling with depression. It balances a spiritual approach with recent scientific research, and is a useful resource for those suffering with depression or caring for someone who does. 

Seeing Beyond Depression
by Jean Vanier - £4.99

In this book Jean Vanier has written simply and clearly about depression. Chapters include  ‘depression, a real illness or a wounded heart?’, ‘understanding depression’, ‘knowing how to rest’, ‘going down into the darkness’,  ‘a crisis which can set us free’.

Vanier talks in an honest way about the darkness of depression, and in the later part of the book explores how we can move beyond depression, out of the darkness and into the light. 

Life on the dark side of the Cross (Supporting Depressed people) by Ali Walton - £2.75

This booklet examines the facts about depression, and then goes on to look at the different phases of depression and the help that we can offer to those who are suffering in this way. This would be useful for anyone involved in pastoral ministry.

 Sharing the Darkness (The Spirituality of caring) by Sheila Cassidy - £10.95

“Sharing the Darkness is about the nature and cost of Christian discipleship in the front line of caring”. Sheila writes from the perspective of a professional ‘carer’ . She shares her own experiences of brokenness and depression, and highlights the need for those in a caring role to also care for themselves -  “do we not owe it to those we serve to accept our limitations and cherish our minds and bodies so that we will be available to serve them a little longer?” (p.84).

This is a book which will be of help to those in any kind of caring role, and is both challenging and inspiring. 

Overcoming negative self image by Neil T. Anderson -  £7.99

This book begins by examining how we have all learned to see ourselves from the world’s viewpoint, and goes on to explain how we can learn to see ourselves from God’s viewpoint. This is by learning to understand who we are as Christians, and grasping the reality of God’s unconditional love for us. This sets us free and can empower us to live life in a new way.

This book is based on the popular ‘Victory over the darkness’ series. It is well presented and thoughtfully illustrated with practical examples of how these principles work in our every day lives. 

Overcoming Doubt by Neil T. Anderson  -  £7.99

“Everyone has doubts……… Persistent doubting, however, can affect your mental health………The answer is…………” (back cover)

Neil looks at the nature of both doubt and faith and the battle for the mind. He encourages the reader to move beyond doubt into a wholehearted and fruitful life.

This easy to read book also contains thought-provoking questions to enable the reader to go deeper and to apply the material to their own life.

This book is based on the popular “Victory over the darkness” series.  

Desperate Dependence by Max Davis - £6.99

“When you reach the end, God’s best begins”

In this book, Max grapples with the questions raised by pain and suffering. One of his main themes is that in times of desperation we become aware of our own helplessness and our need to depend on God. He gives some helpful examples of how this has worked out in people’s lives.

A clearly written book, useful for those grappling with hard questions about life and difficult times, or for those walking with people in this place.