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Reaching For Hope: An LDS Perspective on Recovering from Depression
Why can't I get out of bed? How come I have no energy? Why do I cry so much? How come I'm not interested in doing things anymore? If you or a family member or friend are dealings with these or similar issues you may be dealing with depression. But you don't have to just "live with it." The authors describe the symptoms of depression and offer enlightening, compassionate ideas for combating this disease.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 8, 2016
I rated this book a 5 because it is perfect for a certain group of people: LDS folks recently diagnosed (or family members of people recently diagnosed) with depression. I once belonged in that group of people. The book has a good combination of clinical/academic information and spiritual reassurance, about half and half, and I feel the information is helpful for people in that specific LDS group. Would I rate it a 5 for the general public? No, but it isn't intended for the general public. It does an excellent job at what it is intended to do.
I got the book several years into my mental illness journey, and at that point I had already learned all of the academic information in the book from my own study. It would have been more helpful to me if I had bought it earlier. It does a good job proving that depression is a physical disorder, not a lack of faith or willpower. In this regard, the entire church population should read it!!!
I still gained valuable insight from the half of the book that was more pertinent to me. The spiritual half of the book's information was helpful to me because I've heard so few LDS perspectives on depression. A psychology teacher at BYU was the only LDS perspective I had on depression for multiple years.
Six years into my mental illness, I got an LDS therapist who had been a bishop. Talking with him about my spirituality, religion, and mental illness was essentially life-changing. Unfortunately, LDS therapists like mine are rare. This book teaches a lot of the same principles that I learned from my therapist. I think this book would be especially helpful for people who live outside of Utah or who don't have access to LDS therapists.
The authors together are LDS and also have advanced degrees to help in writing the book. In addition to their own perspectives, I am grateful they included so many short stories written by LDS women in different situations. Married, divorced, parents, single, old, young.... I probably gained the most from these stories. I felt less alone, better understood various manifestations of depression, and learned of others' successful and unsuccessful coping strategies.
I highly recommend the book for LDS people who have recently been diagnosed with depression.
I got the book several years into my mental illness journey, and at that point I had already learned all of the academic information in the book from my own study. It would have been more helpful to me if I had bought it earlier. It does a good job proving that depression is a physical disorder, not a lack of faith or willpower. In this regard, the entire church population should read it!!!
I still gained valuable insight from the half of the book that was more pertinent to me. The spiritual half of the book's information was helpful to me because I've heard so few LDS perspectives on depression. A psychology teacher at BYU was the only LDS perspective I had on depression for multiple years.
Six years into my mental illness, I got an LDS therapist who had been a bishop. Talking with him about my spirituality, religion, and mental illness was essentially life-changing. Unfortunately, LDS therapists like mine are rare. This book teaches a lot of the same principles that I learned from my therapist. I think this book would be especially helpful for people who live outside of Utah or who don't have access to LDS therapists.
The authors together are LDS and also have advanced degrees to help in writing the book. In addition to their own perspectives, I am grateful they included so many short stories written by LDS women in different situations. Married, divorced, parents, single, old, young.... I probably gained the most from these stories. I felt less alone, better understood various manifestations of depression, and learned of others' successful and unsuccessful coping strategies.
I highly recommend the book for LDS people who have recently been diagnosed with depression.
December 26, 2008
I read this book for the first time when my roommate was recovering from clinical depression. This book was co-written by the therapist she was working with at LDS Family Services. It's informative but easy to read - with lots of case stories. One thing I appreciated about this book was learning about how depression affects a person's ability to feel the comforting, joyful feelings associated with the Spirit. I had never thought about that before.
August 2, 2008
An excellent resource for those who have a loved one or are themselves suffering from depression. The title is really the focus of the book. Finding hope, and healing. Well written, informative, and actually an uplifting book despite the subject matter.
August 16, 2018
The first part of this book reads like a mostly typical book on depression. It shows its causes, its symptoms, its consequences, and its treatments from a medical, psychological, and (uniquely) an LDS point of view. I'm not sure how current their information is, but I wouldn't know. It seems okay.
(Added later: This book was written 18 years ago! Church leaders have been much more outspoken and helpful about mental illness in recent years. So for its publication time, this book is amazing!)
I appreciate some of their insights, most of which I'd heard or read previously, but I wasn't particularly moved by most of the book. However, toward the end of the book, where the authors share their own experiences, their families' experiences, and the experiences of others it becomes atypical.
The last section of the book almost feels like serious "TMI." These peoples' experiences are not always straight forward or definable as only causing or caused by depression. The focus is mostly on their problems rather than depression. Their circumstances are complicated and sometimes terrible. Their openness and vulnerability is astonishing, feels disturbing, and seems almost inappropriate to share at times. Oh the awful things people must survive! No wonder these people have dealt with serious depression.
As part of this section of the book, I read about the mother of the daughter with the "jello-blue hair." I relate to her story. Two of my children resemble Haney (super smart, rebellious, "have to learn the hard way," with the accompanying consequences) but not to that degree, at least not yet. What a blessing to realize my children who have made and are making non-LDS choices are doing much better than they could be. Her story made reading the book helpful and worth it.
The other interesting and helpful thing to me is how I initially reacted to the explanation of clinical depression at the beginning of the book. I thought I might have dealt with depression sometimes, I probably have to a degree. Or maybe I have just been dealing with circumstantially-based extreme sadness over the years. Based on the authors' description, I don't think I've ever been clinically depressed. I haven't been physically or emotionally disabled. I have been able to feel emotions and do my responsibilities. I've rarely felt that my prayers "hit the ceiling" and stopped there. That realization significantly cheered me up and made me feel very grateful for my life and the times I've been able to work through mild depression.
I have family members who have dealt with various levels of depression including clinical depression-- at least one of them has been periodically hospitalized. I have not always been understanding or sympathetic of those with less severe depression. I haven't understood the complexity of taking antidepressants and have been skeptical about their value. This book has helped me gain a greater understanding of how they help in some circumstances. I feel more open minded.
I'm glad I read this book. I'm not sure I would recommend it. To a depressed person, my guess is the stories at the end could be terribly triggering and possibly unhelpful. It's clear the authors' intentions are to help. I would be interested to know if this book has helped people who deal with severe depression. (I read other reviews after I wrote this and it seems the book has helped.)
(Added later: This book was written 18 years ago! Church leaders have been much more outspoken and helpful about mental illness in recent years. So for its publication time, this book is amazing!)
I appreciate some of their insights, most of which I'd heard or read previously, but I wasn't particularly moved by most of the book. However, toward the end of the book, where the authors share their own experiences, their families' experiences, and the experiences of others it becomes atypical.
The last section of the book almost feels like serious "TMI." These peoples' experiences are not always straight forward or definable as only causing or caused by depression. The focus is mostly on their problems rather than depression. Their circumstances are complicated and sometimes terrible. Their openness and vulnerability is astonishing, feels disturbing, and seems almost inappropriate to share at times. Oh the awful things people must survive! No wonder these people have dealt with serious depression.
As part of this section of the book, I read about the mother of the daughter with the "jello-blue hair." I relate to her story. Two of my children resemble Haney (super smart, rebellious, "have to learn the hard way," with the accompanying consequences) but not to that degree, at least not yet. What a blessing to realize my children who have made and are making non-LDS choices are doing much better than they could be. Her story made reading the book helpful and worth it.
The other interesting and helpful thing to me is how I initially reacted to the explanation of clinical depression at the beginning of the book. I thought I might have dealt with depression sometimes, I probably have to a degree. Or maybe I have just been dealing with circumstantially-based extreme sadness over the years. Based on the authors' description, I don't think I've ever been clinically depressed. I haven't been physically or emotionally disabled. I have been able to feel emotions and do my responsibilities. I've rarely felt that my prayers "hit the ceiling" and stopped there. That realization significantly cheered me up and made me feel very grateful for my life and the times I've been able to work through mild depression.
I have family members who have dealt with various levels of depression including clinical depression-- at least one of them has been periodically hospitalized. I have not always been understanding or sympathetic of those with less severe depression. I haven't understood the complexity of taking antidepressants and have been skeptical about their value. This book has helped me gain a greater understanding of how they help in some circumstances. I feel more open minded.
I'm glad I read this book. I'm not sure I would recommend it. To a depressed person, my guess is the stories at the end could be terribly triggering and possibly unhelpful. It's clear the authors' intentions are to help. I would be interested to know if this book has helped people who deal with severe depression. (I read other reviews after I wrote this and it seems the book has helped.)
December 28, 2008
Amazingly accurate. Very helpful and does as the title suggests, gives Hope. If anyone just mildly thinks they may be experiencing symptoms of depression, please get this book. It has options, suggestions, guidance, real life stories, and its refreshingly lacking in platitudes... I started reading it quite a while ago and just finished it about a week ago. I put it down for a long time as I found myself interested in other things because I didnt even get to the end before it did for me what I needed from it. It brings clarity to brains that are not seeing things very clearly. One of my favorite things is how well it teaches that depression is a brain illness. Slowly but surely we will take the stigma out of this illness.
August 7, 2017
Excellent resource. My favorite chapter was the explanation about the difference between "sadness" and "depression". We so often suggest solutions that would probably help someone suffering from sadness (such as serving, attending the temple), but those solutions wouldn't work for someone suffering from the chemical imbalance that is depression.
The book Healing Mind, Healthy Woman goes into more detail about dealing with cognitive issues, but this book is a good overview. Admittedly, I only skimmed the last third of the book because it is a collection of stories and essays written by women who suffer from depression. Some of them were heartbreaking and just plain hard to read. I wouldn't make a good therapist!
The book Healing Mind, Healthy Woman goes into more detail about dealing with cognitive issues, but this book is a good overview. Admittedly, I only skimmed the last third of the book because it is a collection of stories and essays written by women who suffer from depression. Some of them were heartbreaking and just plain hard to read. I wouldn't make a good therapist!
March 3, 2008
I have suffered from depression since I was a young teenager and have read many books on the subject. This is definatley the best. The two authors are not only professionals in this area, but they have both experiences depression. As the title indicates, it is written from an LDS Perspective (LDS - a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) but it would be equally beneficial to anyone of a Christian faith. It has really helped me through some difficult times, and reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles.
May 13, 2008
I read this book as a mother's day present to my mom. It was a good experience to read this book. I appreciated the opportunity to read about some of the things those who suffer from depression experience. Hopefully having read this book will help me relate to others better. I truly appreciated the explanation the authors give of depression that it is an illness like any other and should be treated just as we would treat diabetes or cancer. I also learned a lot when reading about the difference between sadness and depression.
January 28, 2013
Liked most of the personal accounts. The overall descriptions of depression left me with more questions than not, but perhaps this is just the way depression is? It's baffling that anyone is able to accurately diagnose it unless there is an major depressive episode, which this book seemed to focus on. The books has a limited audience intentionally and I found the verbiage very culturally-specific in that way. The LDS perspective was beneficial when discussing the inability to feel the Spirit and some of the cultural expectations that can feed an already burning fire of depression.
August 23, 2010
LDS women suffer depression in different ways than other women. We see it as not being spiritual enough. We think we must not be good enough for even God to listen to us.
This book tells the LDS perspective of the depression sufferer. It is good not to feel alone. That by itself, is helpful in dealing with the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy.
This book tells the LDS perspective of the depression sufferer. It is good not to feel alone. That by itself, is helpful in dealing with the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy.
December 18, 2011
I am gaining so much insight through this book! Who knew that 1 out of 3 women experience clinical depression??? And most of us suffer in silence, so most would never know.
There is a wealth of information here. I'm only half way through it, but I'm sure glad to have my own copy to jot notes in. Logan Library has it too.
There is a wealth of information here. I'm only half way through it, but I'm sure glad to have my own copy to jot notes in. Logan Library has it too.
April 16, 2015
This was a very personal read for me, because of that reason I do not think I can give an objective review. I will say that if you are or have ever suffered from clinical depression, if you have a loved one in your life that suffers from clinical depression, this is a book that I highly recommend. Even if you are not LDS there are many points that are most helpful in recovery.
December 3, 2009
This is the first book I came across about 10 years ago, that made me realize I may have a propensity for depression. This book realy was the hope I needed to understand what was plaguing me and gave me the clues I needed to combat it in the future.
April 20, 2013
This book was mentioned to me while a friend and I were discussing our concerns about a mutual friends battle with depression. I'm so glad that this book was written, about a subject that is difficult to discuss because of (unwarranted) shame and misunderstandings about this brain illness.
February 19, 2008
This book hekped me understand my life story and some of the things I've gone through in the past.
November 20, 2010
explains a lot about depression in an LDS perspective. Read it to understand the needs of some of my family members who suffer with this.
July 27, 2011
This book gives a great perspective of LDS women dealing with depression. It explains why depression suppresses religious desires and feelings of the spirit.
April 16, 2012
A good book for the LDS perspective. Extremely validating; very much a "this author gets it" sort of read. But again, beyond validating the experience, there isn't much helpful information.
September 14, 2013
Great book for those suffering from depression or know someone who is.
June 23, 2015
I don't remember this book well, but I have been wanting to read it again. I can't find my copy, so I purchased another.
October 23, 2008
Really great book on depression from an LDS perspective.
July 5, 2018
I think this was a good book for anyone who has suffered from depression, or is currently suffering. It gives good detail on what depression is you and that we should not be ashamed. The stories at the end dragged on for me. Some were too close to my own experiences to want to read. It’s why it took so long to finish the book.
August 18, 2024
As someone with an ongoing struggle with anxiety and depression; I am so grateful Meghan was courageous enough to share her story with everyone. Brilliant read!
April 7, 2025
A very thoughtful book on depression and the impact it has on not just physical but spiritual well being. I found it helpful and hopeful.
July 1, 2020
Most books by professionals on depression have anecdotes written by the author. Those only give the professional perspective and the wonderful results achieved by their method.
This one is much better. It has essays written by those who are depressed, which gives a totally different, and more valuable perspective. Occasionally the author gives a epilogue. This different approach made the book for me.
Marilyn Vos Savant: “You once answered a question about a broken heart, but what does one do with a broken spirit. Can it be repaired?”
She answered, “To me, the major difference between a broken hear and a broken spirit is that people break hearts and time mends them; but time breaks spirits, and people mend them. My suggestion is that you take any broken spirit you know and expose it repeatedly to the light of as many warm personalities as possible.” (Page 95)
“Willa Cather wrote; ‘There are only two or three great human stories and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.’” (Page 181)
This one is much better. It has essays written by those who are depressed, which gives a totally different, and more valuable perspective. Occasionally the author gives a epilogue. This different approach made the book for me.
Marilyn Vos Savant: “You once answered a question about a broken heart, but what does one do with a broken spirit. Can it be repaired?”
She answered, “To me, the major difference between a broken hear and a broken spirit is that people break hearts and time mends them; but time breaks spirits, and people mend them. My suggestion is that you take any broken spirit you know and expose it repeatedly to the light of as many warm personalities as possible.” (Page 95)
“Willa Cather wrote; ‘There are only two or three great human stories and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.’” (Page 181)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews