My Name is Hope: Anxiety, depression, and life after melancholy

by John Mark Comer

For years, John Mark Comer thought he was the only man on the planet who struggled with anxiety and depression. He was dead wrong.Staggering numbers of modern Americans fight anxiety and depression on a daily basis. In 2010, there were 253 million prescriptions for antidepressants in the U.S. alone. That's in a nation of 311 million people. And the battle is nothing new. My Name is Hope is the story of one follower of Jesus who went through the horrors of anxiety and depression and came out the other side. It is his ruthlessly authentic and scripturally authoritative account of prophets and poets, mothers and fathers, and even a Messiah who all came up against anxiety and depression."With obvious relevance and prophetic resonance," My Name is Hope "speaks needed truth into the over-stressed, over-medicated reality of our lives and culture. It is a book that will awaken and guide many towards a return home to the hope that is ours in Jesus."

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity, Psychology, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2012

About the author

John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of Practicing the Way, Live No Lies, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, God Has a Name, and three more. His podcasts, John Mark Comer Teachings and Rule of Life, have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the U.S. and U.K.

He's also the founder of Practicing the Way, a simple, beautiful way to integrate spiritual formation into your church or small group. After serving as the pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in California, where he serves as a teacher in residence at Vintage Church LA.

Reviews

[John Mark]

Well, I wrote it, so I'm a bit biased!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the beginning, Comer had me questioning his 'holier-than-thou' view of these very real problems. His essential argument is that those battling depression and anxiety simply don't have a right relationship with God, and I think this completely over-simplifies and misrepresents many people's struggle with these illnesses.

To state that depression is always a symptom is just false. Circumstantial depression is real, but so is genetic predisposition to depression and anxiety (along with true chemical or hormonal imbalance). As a Christian, I appreciated how this book had a foundation in scripture, but was ultimately disappointed by Comer's advice that medication is never the answer. It's time we get over this hyper-spiritual perspective that suggests that you're sick because you don't pray enough, or go to church enough, or read your bible enough, etc.

Medication is a very real answer for many people, as is a change in diet, increased exercise, meditation, therapy, etc. We need to begin talking about mental illness more often and without so much stigma and religiosity, especially for those who are not religious but are seeking viable solutions to their issues - not least of which should be a supportive community of believers and non-believers alike that care to respect and dignify a person rather than seeing them as a way for them to spew their religion.

I appreciate hearing about Comer's own personal journey through mental illness and what he found helpful, but cannot recommend this to anyone, especially those reading this book to learn more about the struggles that a loved one is facing. This is not the fix-all solution to depression and anxiety. It may have been for Comer, and could be for some others, but what all people with depression and anxiety need is for a supportive community that comes alongside them, tells them their feelings and problems are REAL and VALID, and partner with them to find real, sustainable solutions.

[Christina Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might recommend this book to you if you were feeling a little down. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone deep in the throes of depression. Comer provides a very simplistic guide to looking at anxiety and depression from a holistic perspective with an emphasis on Christianity. I thought the chapters encouraging readers to reflect on their lives and identify, confess, and repent of any underlying sin were encouraging. I appreciate how he brought the gospel into each portion of the book in ways that most anyone can relate to. Comer is very clearly against treating depression and anxiety with medication and suggests that any kind of “chemical imbalance “ or physiological component is just a myth. While I respect his perspective, agreeing that there is much more research to be done, I disagree that any benefit from an antidepressant can be chalked up to the placebo affect. Overall, this book could inspire healing and bring comfort to dark places but I felt it lacked deep insight and wisdom making it seem like relief from depression is just a spinach and kale smoothie away.

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hugely disappointing. Comer is prescribing medical and mental health advice with a broad brush stroke that is not only unhelpful, but potentially very harmful. As a mental health professional myself, Comer's premise that depression always has a "cause" badly misses the mark. I write this as someone who has come to admire Comer and his writing but on this subject, I think he should have been more hesitant to publish his very personal views on a very complex topic for which he has no professional training. There's so much more that could be said, but I think the major takeaway is that every reader should be hugely discretionary. Not everything that makes it into publication is true/ helpful and moreover, it could be potentially harmful if not viewed through a critical lens.

[Mandi Ehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent, biblical look at depression and anxiety. However, I worry that it is oversimplified and that some people will read it as “You are depressed as punishment for sin in your life” or “You’re weak if you need counseling or medicine to climb out of depression.”

To be clear, I don’t believe that’s what John Mark Comer is saying, but I would be hesitant to hand this book to someone who is struggling with anxiety or depression, because I think it would be easy to misread it and see it as condemning.

That said, for me personally, this book gave me so much hope as I fight my own battle with both, and I am pretty sure it will be one I reread again and again.

I also look forward to sharing the principles and Scripture references with people in a face-to-face setting where I can control the tone.

[Goletagoodland · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started out great... good look and packaging and even good empathy in first third. But then it seemed to turn towards saying depression is possibly "all my fault" and that's when I felt duped.

[Kathleen Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book or not, but a friend recommended it and gave it to me to read. The title and sub title are misleading. This book is not only for those that are depressed or suffering from hopelessness. It's a wonderful book about how to live a life of joy and gratitude. To feel everything and have faith in the future. The future God has planned for you, not the one you have inside your head.

I loved this book and can't recommend it highly enough. It's not overly religious but does have a spiritual theme and does talk about God.

[Caroline Niziol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up hoping to get a good Christian view of experiencing anxiety and depression. Although I really appreciated the Biblical sections and scripture references, Comer lost me when he stated plainly that depression wasn't a disease but was instead an emotional issue. Some depression is circumstantial, but not all. Some depression is definitely chemical.

He also stated that doctors treated both anxiety and depression with the same drug (and clearly takes an anti-medicine stance for anxiety and depression). First of all, some drugs are used to treat both, but in many cases doctors treat one or the other with whatever medication will better treat the issues at hand. It's not like there is one drug that is always prescribed for either or both. Secondly, medication is a worthwhile tool to use in treating anxiety and depression and should not be so quickly discounted.

[Hope Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay so this book was surprisingly convicting and very rich with information. I picked up this book because I love the author, not because I feel that I currently have a problem with anxiety and depression. but I’m so glad that I gave this a read! it is not only insightful for people outside of the problem, but it deals with things that every Christian struggles with. I also really love that the author has personally gone through the struggles that he speaks of, it gives what he’s saying a lot more weight. really enjoyed this.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would think that John Mark Comer had it all together.

A wife who loved him.

A church who adored him.

And a job that he loved.

All these things were true but John Mark had a secret. He struggled with anxiety and depression. He was good at faking happiness and joy as he taught 20-somethings on Friday nights. But it wasn't until he encountered a young woman named Hope that his heart was revealed.

John Mark needed help.

The book "My Name Is Hope: Anxiety, Depression, and Life after Melancholy" is powerful. It's powerful because it is true and it is brutally honest. The narrative follows John Mark's story of healing and redemption. Along the way, tough issues like antidepressants, sin, and depression are exposed.

John Mark's story is full of Jesus and the power of God's transformation. It's one of those books that you could give a friend who is struggling with depression. It's also one of those books that you could give anyone. I don't struggle with depression but I do understand loneliness. I understand what melancholy looks like when it's smothered with a smile.

And this book was like a fresh breeze across my soul.

I would recommend it to any follower of Jesus who wants to discover a way to get to the cause of depression. A person who wants healing. A person who wants to feel joy.

[Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong: I love JMC as a church leader and author. This book was written in 2011, before he experienced pastoral burnout and a vocation change, followed by therapy. In my opinion, this book contains theology, tone of writing, and pastoral advice that he wouldn’t adhere to or recommend today (or, say, during the composition time of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, 2019). His approach to mental health issues is very simplistic—much of it is reduced to a mere “sin” issue. Instead of sensitivity, compassion, and a combination of biblical and psychological gold nuggets, such as I think he would include today if he were to rewrite this book, it contains fire and brimstone-like theological reflection, inappropriately blunt advice, and proof-text methodology in terms of his use of scripture. On another note, it is cool to see how much John Mark has grown as a writer and teacher over the last few years.

[Anna Catherine Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend to anyone in the fight of anxiety or depression, or who bends toward feelings of melancholy. John Mark Comer writes with authenticity and personal experience. He does not spare the hard truths, and he gives you practical ways to move forward towards Jesus, our sure and living Hope.

[Lauren Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

so dang good! John Mark Comer speaks beautiful words of compassion & truth & hope in this book… it’s so timely & so needed. would 10/10 recommend if you or someone you know struggles with anxiety and/or depression.

[Taylor Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the notes already found within these pages, this was my second time reading this book (although I don’t really remember when I read it the first time or where I was at in life at that time regarding mental health).
I picked this book up when I was feeling really heartbroken after my miscarriage, worried my loss would lead me back down the path of depression and severe anxiety. Now, as I’ve finished this book and I’m a few months out from my loss - I feel like my mental health is starting to feel like it’s on steady ground. I cannot credit this book alone for that, it’s taken MUCH prayer and internal work to journey through and out of this current season of darkness and heartbreak I’m living through, but this book was a good, simple, easy to follow companion in my journey toward peace and joy. 🤍

[Lathan Craft · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. Loved “God has a name”, however, I disagree with the main point behind this book which allowed me to not be able to read it the way it probably should have been read.

[Jimmy Bero · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love JMC’s work so I bought this when it was on sale. I think if he rewrote it today he would be a lot lore nuanced and a lot less “Jesus is the answer”.

[Felipe Câmara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Forgiveness is setting somebody free, and then realizing that somebody is you.”

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We simply cannot bifurcate our soul and body. We are integrated, holistic beings.”

“God is not shocked by your emotions. No matter how messed up your soul may be, God is right there with you, listening.” 🤍

[Jana Schröder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enttäuschend.

[Jonah Shiramizu · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my first book by John Mark Comer, it was pretty good. It's got helpful information regarding the brokenness of man in regards to anxiety and depression which many including me struggle with. Anyway. Pretty chill read

[Corey Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comer as a communicator has always compelled and stirred the Spirit within me. The way that he engages with audiences through word is both convicting and comforting. He wields truth with every ounce of love he can muster, which is a beautiful thing, and why I always enjoy his works. Additionally, he communicates from a foundation of solid and life-giving theology, which is essential in a moment when either hopeful truth is sacrificed, or soul crushing legalism takes the wheel.

“My Name is Hope”, even as his first work sets that tone clearly. Although this book wrestles with the difficult and touchy topics of anxiety and depression, JMC never fails to reorient his reader to the goal - Jesus. For believers, that is always what it comes down to. And for those who are in the gladiator arena wrestling the mighty foe of anxiety and depression, Comer reveals the beauty time and time again that The Christ has defeated that foe. Better yet, He has torn down the arena itself.

I wouldn’t immediately recommend this book to someone outside of the faith, because in all honesty, they would probably struggle reading it. Comer, as a good steward of his role as a pastor within the body of Christ balances grace with conviction. He reminds his readers that this world is broken, and as creatures in this world, we are broken too. Christ in his perfection redeems that brokenness and frees us from the weight of our imperfection. But we are still responsible for some of that brokenness. Not always, especially when it comes to things like abuse, rape, disease, etc., but he compels those wrestling with depression to take account for where their lives are out of sync with the heart of God, and how that may be perpetuating the presence of anxiety and depression in their lives. In all reality, shouldn’t we as believers all be doing this anyway?

I am not one who actively wrestles with either anxiety or depression, so I cannot recommend how true this work is to every experience with these real foes, but I know Comers view of depression and anxiety as symptoms of a larger problem may rub readers the wrong way. But his view does seek to empower his readers rather than give them permission to lay down in front of the overbearing monster that is depression and anxiety. I suspect Comer would say believers must consider the spiritual reality (unresolved sin) as well as the physical reality (a broken body in a broken world) of anxiety and depression, rather than assuming it’s just one or the other.

I truly enjoyed this work, as I always do with JMC’s writing. I encourage you as you read to remember that Comer is most concerned with people being formed into the image of Jesus, which he addresses at the end of the book. For the body of Christ, such a pastoral work like this with a vision set on the person of Jesus is all we can ask for. Grace fills the rest in.

[Cole Morton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes I am obsessed with Comer and think he is a genius and sometimes I totally disagree with what he says or the way he says things. This book contains both. I think the topic is super important in this book and he is someone who has a lot of personal experience to lean on which I always respect. I agree with the fact that people often turn to medicine when what the need is spiritual medicine or even just some practical life style changes, but I also think there is a place for modern medicine when it comes to mental health struggles and he kinda dismissed it. I just don’t personally think that over spiritualizing mental health struggles is a great way of viewing it. As always though JMC was thoughtful, easy to engage with, and bold. I enjoyed him talking about all the practical lifestyle advice that is incredibly important when it comes to dealing with mental health, I totally agree. Even just things as simple as sleep and exercise really affect our mental health. Also, absolutely love him talking about prayer and it’s role and specifically enduring in prayer! Such an important thing for us as believers to grasp. The reason I gave it 2 stars is cuz I just didn’t think it was as unique and ground breaking in what he was saying as his other books, and I disagreed with his thoughts on medicine. But still love JMC!

[Laura Hiebenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not afraid to admit that I've dealt with anxiety and depression issues in recent years (let's be honest...who hasn't?? If you say you haven't, I don't really believe you.) so I was intrigued when I saw John Mark Comer had written a book about "anxiety, depression, and life after melancholy." Generally I love his stuff, so I was excited to see what he would say on this topic.

I think the thing that took me by surprise--in a good way--was Comer's challenge to each individual to step up and really kick depression's ass. He says no more to the 'woe-is-me' or 'I'm-an-innocent-victim' attitudes. That's a little hard to read at first. It kind of stung. Comer, more or less, says that each of us needs to shove depression out of the driver's seat and take back the wheel and control of our lives for ourselves...and that it's doable. While he is not opposed to therapy or medication, it is clear he is a little skeptical and suggests we fall back on those options a little too easily. Instead, we need to dig deep and find the root of our depression (ie: sin) and then do something about it: mainly pray and get control of one's thought life with God's word. He acknowledges that it won't be easy and it might take a long time, but that there is HOPE.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Mark could publish his grocery list and I’d read it and give it 5 stars. He just writes in a way that is factual and practical without making you feel stupid or it being said in a way that’s above you or too hard to understand. It’s conversational and easy to follow. I always coming away learning so many things. Also it’s one of his earlier books so it’s really cool to see him point to being a disciple of Jesus and becoming like him now because that’s where his life’s work took him (aka Practicing the Way is out later this month and Ruthless Elimination of Hurry came out like 2 years ago?). Like the man left being a pastor to lead his organization Practicing the Way (become like Jesus). So cool!

Finally, as someone currently struggling with anxiety & depression, I left feeling hopeful yet knowing there’s a journey in front of me. Sometimes I do need a swift kick in the pants to begin to get me out of it which I felt like this has done. It’s helpful for me to have someone else point out what to look at or change in my life currently to move forward because I can just get stuck in the cycle even though I know things that can help it’s easier to stay there but when someone else points out those things it makes me want to do them. Does that make sense?

[Steve Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" but this less so. As a Christian pastor who suffers depression I recognise some really helpful advice and perspectives here. However, I think that while he writes that he is not against medication for depression, he does sometimes seem a bit dismissive of it, while I have found it useful.

[Hannah Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book to someone facing severe depression. But I was very encouraged by the overflow of verses straight from the Bible on almost every page. It’s not a self-help book, but a message of hope.

[Sydney Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I wished the nuances of Comer’s arguments were a bit more developed, but overall this book has plenty of good wisdom to share.

[Mitchell Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many others wrote in their review, when I began reading this book I was a bit put off on Comer’s perspective on depression & anxiety not being a disease but rather a natural symptom of sin in our lives (whether our sin or others). But I kept reading, and really began to process what he said.

I think depression and anxiety is certainly a disease for people. And later on Comer says it himself (honestly he could have been more clear about this at the beginning of the book). But I think he is hitting a nail on the head here, that so much depression and anxiety in our world (even for those with whom it is a disease) is tied into our sinful nature, and lack of God.

This book is filled with wisdom. And (as in the title) hope. It is a call to action and Faith. To live in a way that follows The Way of Jesus. And to truly truly believe in the healing power of God.

The main message of the book is not so much that you should never take medication or see a therapist (in fact Comer speaks highly of therapy). The main message of the book is that we have tried to replace God and his wisdom with over medication and the flawed wisdom of man.

[Dave Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different than I anticipated. I thought it was more about hope, but it ended up being mostly about depression and how to deal with from a Christian perspective. It just so happens that hope is part of the answer.

I haven't dealt with chronic depression but I have had to deal with it before, but probably a milder case than most. This was very good for that audience and the writing was mostly good, and very honest.

The book's style honestly looks like it was ripped off from Rob Bell, but thankfully the content was WAY more grounded in scripture.

As with everything I read, there are pet peeves that bother and things that I think are strange with his writing, but mostly this was a very good book. It really challenged my thinking and gives me things to consider. I think the subject matter, despite being about depression, is really about something greater: that God heals broken people, and we are incapable of healing ourselves.

A friend gave me this book, and I am glad he did.

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m happy for him. I thought the book had a lot of good ideas and advice and I actually agreed with a lot of it. Having said that, I don’t think I would actually ever recommend this to any of the 15-20 college women I talk to every year who struggle with anxiety or depression because i think it would just make them feel guilty, faithless, or mocked (Quote: “Something is wrong with the chemicals in your brain (whatever that means)” - from chap 3) He has written other great books, two of which rank among my favorites and most recommended to my students; this just isn’t one of them.