Anxiety, Depression, and Jesus: Finding Hope in All Things

by Aaron Hoover

For those of us feeling the weight of mental illness, we don’t only need hope that our pain will go away. We need hope that even if it lasts, God is still good. He promises never to leave us, and he’s sovereign over every minute of our pain and difficulty.

In Anxiety, Depression, and Jesus, Aaron Hoover normalizes the relationship between faith and suffering. Aaron is a pastor who has battled anxiety and depression for two decades and is compassionate and empathetic toward the similar experiences of others. If you are suffering—Aaron’s writing is a great reminder that you’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and there is a God who is with you.

Genres: Christian, Mental Health, Nonfiction

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2023

About the author

I’ve battled anxiety, depression, and OCD for over 20 years. Having grown up in the church, I’ve been told to have more faith to get rid of my anxiety. I’ve been advised to pray more. I’ve been given self-help books that would get rid of my mental illness.

None of that worked. And four years ago, life came to a grinding halt.

Then I started to read what the Bible actually says about anxiety, depression, and mental illness. And what I found shocked me. I found out that faith and struggle can coexist. I learned that Jesus is present in our illness. I saw openness from people who struggled and a response from God that was loving and not condemning.

So, I decided to write. I won’t promise that my books will take someone's pain away. But I am praying that they will give adults and children hope in the midst of pain. And, that every person who reads one of my books will know unequivocally they're not alone, they’re not crazy, and there’s a God who loves them.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 117 of 2023

If you struggle with or know someone who struggles with anxiety, this book is a must-read. I’ve read many books about anxiety, and they all aim to do one of two things:
1. Make you feel guilty (about not trusting God enough, taking meds, or struggling to begin with)
2. Provide a “quick fix”

This book does not do that. This is an open-hearted, Scripture-based look at anxiety that will leave you feeling less alone in your struggle. I found myself so encouraged by the countless examples from Scripture throughout the book. Aaron’s vulnerability in sharing his journey with anxiety and depression is courageous for the faith and trust it took to be open about some of his darkest days. He provides no “quick fix,” but rather, he walks through what it looks like for faith and struggle to coexist, how God can and will *use* our struggles for good, and why it’s important and necessary to ask for help.

My only critique here is that I didn’t read it sooner. Cannot recommend this one enough!

Format: ebook

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is quite a lot packed into this small book. It’s encouraging, real and hopeful. This is not about a “fix” or ten step plan, this is about living in the tension of weakness/brokenness and faith. It is also about not going it alone and reviving support from people and the gift of the gospel in Christ.

[tori Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aarons vulnerability is what makes this book like non other. He shares stories from the Bible we’ve all heard, yet gives us a new lense that makes you see how good and loving our God is. It’s an encouragement to those struggling and challenges each of us to wake up from complacency and live the life God calls us to with practical steps and questions to think through to make us more empathetic in this conversation.

[Jennifer LCF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, the most encouraging, faith based book about mental illness I’ve read. As a professional in the field who also struggles with my own mental health, this book provides practical, biblical support, validation, and a fresh take within the Church. I was deeply moved, blessed, and energized. I’ll have copies for my clients from now on.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part memoir, part biblical commentary & self help

As a Christian who has struggled with both anxiety and depression most of my life, I found this book challenging and necessary. The author addresses many common beliefs perpetrated by the church regarding mental health, those who deal with mental health issues, and the causes of mental health problems. I found it challenging because I have frequently heard many of the statement brought up in this book from pastors and other well-meaning Christians in regards to my battle with depression. They sound correct but don't hold up to biblical scrutiny. This book pointed out what God says regarding the mental health struggles faced by those in the Bible and provided hope in my long-term struggle.

The book is short enough to listen to in an evening yet deep enough to encourage a second listen in order to glean all of the details. I will be listening again soon to take notes of all of the biblical references. I recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, all caretakers and friends of those who have struggled, and to all church members who counsel those who struggle.

[Kathryn Egly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxiety, Depression, and Jesus by Aaron offers an insightful, compassionate, and deeply personal exploration of living with anxiety and depression. With vulnerability and honesty, Aaron invites readers into the mind of someone who navigates these challenges yet remains highly functional as a pastor, friend, husband, dad, and writer. This book doesn’t just share his struggles but also offers practical wisdom for those walking a similar path.

I found his insight particularly helpful in understanding what to say—and what not to say—to someone grappling with anxiety and depression. Aaron's guidance on ways to find relief and support resonates with empathy and understanding. His journey toward healing and freedom is both relatable and inspiring.

I recommend this book to anyone of faith who experiences anxiety or depression or who wants to support loved ones dealing with these issues. Anxiety, Depression, and Jesus is a meaningful resource for finding hope, connection, and spiritual encouragement on a challenging journey.

[Annalise Colglazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a pretty heavy read about mental illness. But gives tangible ways to deal with anxiety and depression while still remaining faithful. Includes the stigma’s behind anxiety and depression in the church and how we can counter that with the Lord’s word. By providing real life experiences from real people going through the same thing. A great reminder that the Lord remains beside you and loves you no matter your uglies.

[Alisha Konkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch read for anyone battling mental illness or those who love someone in that battle. Aaron does a great job of weaving the Word of God into all areas of mental struggle and encourages the reader out of isolation and onto a path of healing.

[Sheri Maskow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it would have been better if I did not listen to it on audible. The author read the book and his voice is TERRIBLE for this. It is so monotone no emotion and it really ruined the book for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Imagine hearing ‘me too’ instead of ‘you should try….’”

Such a heartwarming book to remind all of us that deal with mental health that we are not alone.

[Ashley Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-3.75. I did highlight a lot to look over in the future.

[Cory Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 — the first half of this book was *so* good, but the second half just kind of unraveled.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every Christian will get something out of this.
quick read.

[Megan Darvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short listen. Made me feel hopeful

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the tail end of my second journey through postpartum depression and it was a great comfort to me. Not only does Hoover outline mental health from a Biblical perspective, examining different historical figures who struggled with the same things we struggle with today and were still wanted and loved by God (!), but he is honest and raw with his own struggles. What a powerful book that I'm sure is going to open people's eyes to see God's heart for the broken. It did for me. Thank you!