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Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness
Looking away from despair towards hope can feel risky. What if God doesn't come through for you? What if you don't feel instantly better? Instead of offering simple platitudes or unrealistic "cure-all" formulas, Edward T. Welch addresses the complex nature of depression with compassion and insight, applying the rich treasures of the gospel, and giving fresh hope to those who struggle. Originally published as Depression: A Stubborn Darkness: Light for the Path, this new edition is updated with added content.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2000
380 people are currently reading
1910 people want to read
About the author
Edward T. Welch
98 books466 followersEdward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for thirty years and is the best-selling author of many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 23, 2015
This is one of the most compassionate and most accurate descriptions on depression I've read so far.
I found myself nodding along a lot as the author talked about depression to those who suffer from this illness but also it opened my eyes to what the carer or loved ones of people who suffer from mental illness see or go through.
During the time I had this illness, I found it so difficult to read anything. Especially connecting sentences, paragraphs or making any sense at all of what point was being made in the text.
I knew, as I read this, if I were in the throes of depression, that this would be something I could have quite happily put together in my mind and understood what was being said because the love and understanding of the author that comes across in his written work.
As it stands now, God has been my healer and I'm in a much better place but I have found that I am now using this book and my experiences to help others and to prepare myself and by making personal notes in case of any future episodes.
This is a wonderful book for anyone on any side of the fence, so to speak. Or to shine a light for those who may not understand the illness.
I found myself nodding along a lot as the author talked about depression to those who suffer from this illness but also it opened my eyes to what the carer or loved ones of people who suffer from mental illness see or go through.
During the time I had this illness, I found it so difficult to read anything. Especially connecting sentences, paragraphs or making any sense at all of what point was being made in the text.
I knew, as I read this, if I were in the throes of depression, that this would be something I could have quite happily put together in my mind and understood what was being said because the love and understanding of the author that comes across in his written work.
As it stands now, God has been my healer and I'm in a much better place but I have found that I am now using this book and my experiences to help others and to prepare myself and by making personal notes in case of any future episodes.
This is a wonderful book for anyone on any side of the fence, so to speak. Or to shine a light for those who may not understand the illness.
May 15, 2015
"God sometimes puts his children to bed in the dark."
True enough. But how do we wrap our minds around that? How do we move forward, still in pain, and trust? How is it possible to keep living even in the dark?
This book is an honest, yet gentle help for the depressed spirit. While admitting that there are biological components to depression and encouraging medical treatment for them, this author addresses the spiritual questions and struggles that are often intertwined.
"What depressed people need—what we all need—are daily reminders of spiritual reality. As the truth of Christ is impressed on our hearts, we must offer that to others, and they to us. The target is always Christ and him crucified."
"Etch this in stone: if depression gives you an early warning—and it usually does—bring everything you have to the fight. Take your soul to task. Ask for help. Force feed yourself Scripture and words of hope. Be on guard against self-pity, grumbling, and complaining. And keep the cross close at hand."
This book is a great resource for those who strive to do that very thing.
True enough. But how do we wrap our minds around that? How do we move forward, still in pain, and trust? How is it possible to keep living even in the dark?
This book is an honest, yet gentle help for the depressed spirit. While admitting that there are biological components to depression and encouraging medical treatment for them, this author addresses the spiritual questions and struggles that are often intertwined.
"What depressed people need—what we all need—are daily reminders of spiritual reality. As the truth of Christ is impressed on our hearts, we must offer that to others, and they to us. The target is always Christ and him crucified."
"Etch this in stone: if depression gives you an early warning—and it usually does—bring everything you have to the fight. Take your soul to task. Ask for help. Force feed yourself Scripture and words of hope. Be on guard against self-pity, grumbling, and complaining. And keep the cross close at hand."
This book is a great resource for those who strive to do that very thing.
May 31, 2020
This was a very good book. I would not recommend it to a depressed person (and Welch himself does not seem to recommend it), but I would recommend it to an average person, particularly since psychological health is going to be increasingly rare these days. I also would not recommend reading it during the night: read it when you are in good spirits. One of Welch's best virtues is that he knows exactly what the darkness of depression looks like and he describes it perfectly. That's not to say he doesn't also get the deep joy of the Lord--he most certainly does--but describing joy in one's earthly existence is harder to do than to describe depression.
At any rate, this book captures the balance between identifying real problems in your life and recognizing that sin and ingratitude are also huge factors and that indeed often the heart of depression is unconfessed sin and immaturity: cry out to Jesus instead of bathing in self-pity. Also, get more exercise and sun and meet with a friend or pastor before the winter sets in, rather than being passive when you see predictable trials coming. Also valuable was his point that often people don't know how to talk to depressed people and sadly silence often is worse than offending them. He also says, I think, that depression is often an unnecessary hassle.
One final thing which he does brilliantly is attack the problems of guilt: often we think that church is where we are "convicted" and that the pastor has done their job if you go out wanting to try harder. Instead, Welch says that feelings of penitence are actually a denial of the Gospel: remember what Jesus has done for you, cling to the promises, and don't grab onto the guilt. This is a powerful and helpful thing for me, and he also carefully distinguishes this from therapeutic feel-good-ism. This book made me want to pray more, slow down, and desire what God desires. Welch points out that joy in the Lord is not necessarily being happy, but is about being calm in a storm. Life always has difficulties and those are the moments that we can grow in.
At any rate, this book captures the balance between identifying real problems in your life and recognizing that sin and ingratitude are also huge factors and that indeed often the heart of depression is unconfessed sin and immaturity: cry out to Jesus instead of bathing in self-pity. Also, get more exercise and sun and meet with a friend or pastor before the winter sets in, rather than being passive when you see predictable trials coming. Also valuable was his point that often people don't know how to talk to depressed people and sadly silence often is worse than offending them. He also says, I think, that depression is often an unnecessary hassle.
One final thing which he does brilliantly is attack the problems of guilt: often we think that church is where we are "convicted" and that the pastor has done their job if you go out wanting to try harder. Instead, Welch says that feelings of penitence are actually a denial of the Gospel: remember what Jesus has done for you, cling to the promises, and don't grab onto the guilt. This is a powerful and helpful thing for me, and he also carefully distinguishes this from therapeutic feel-good-ism. This book made me want to pray more, slow down, and desire what God desires. Welch points out that joy in the Lord is not necessarily being happy, but is about being calm in a storm. Life always has difficulties and those are the moments that we can grow in.
December 14, 2024
When I was pregnant with our middle child, I was depressed. Being a new mom and having serious health issues for almost the first time in my life, I felt like in a dark tunnel where light can't be seen. I remember, when my husband came home, I'd cry as soon as I saw him. I wish I would have had this book as a guide instead of trying to divert my attention from everything I was feeling and thinking through watching movies. Even multiple per night. It didn't grow me spiritually. It didn't help me deal with depression I was in.
Surprisingly compassionate and insightful book with biblical wisdom that every christian will accept and love when in the dark night of the soul.
Surprisingly compassionate and insightful book with biblical wisdom that every christian will accept and love when in the dark night of the soul.
April 6, 2021
As most would expect, Welch has provided a thoughtful, nuanced, treatment of a difficult subject. I'm very thankful for it. From the 7 pages of notes I took, here are some key insights:
- Depression is a form of suffering that is complex without a clear, singular cause. So don't rush in.
- Whatever depression is, it certainly is a form of suffering.
- For sinners, sin will always be involved with depression, but that does not necessarily mean sin is THE cause.
- Our struggles are complex (not simple). Therefore do not pursue a singular cause of depression. We do not need to know the exact cause to find hope.
- Suffering is theological. Suffering forces the God question: Will you believe in and trust God, even in suffering?
- Depressed persons are tempted to feel no purpose. But the Bible makes our purpose clear: Fear and Obey God.
- Bad circumstances are not enough to explain depression. Bad circumstances are usually necessary but not sufficient.
- All pain is interpreted pain.
- Depressed people are extremely loyal to their interpretation of self and world! (113)
- "Joy is not the opposite of depression. It is deeper than depression. Therefore you can experience both." (124)
- Basic Rule (When thinking about medical treatment): Physical treatment may help alleviate symptoms; but no treatment can treat the guilt, fear self-loathing, and other distinctly spiritual symptoms.
- Depression is a form of suffering that is complex without a clear, singular cause. So don't rush in.
- Whatever depression is, it certainly is a form of suffering.
- For sinners, sin will always be involved with depression, but that does not necessarily mean sin is THE cause.
- Our struggles are complex (not simple). Therefore do not pursue a singular cause of depression. We do not need to know the exact cause to find hope.
- Suffering is theological. Suffering forces the God question: Will you believe in and trust God, even in suffering?
- Depressed persons are tempted to feel no purpose. But the Bible makes our purpose clear: Fear and Obey God.
- Bad circumstances are not enough to explain depression. Bad circumstances are usually necessary but not sufficient.
- All pain is interpreted pain.
- Depressed people are extremely loyal to their interpretation of self and world! (113)
- "Joy is not the opposite of depression. It is deeper than depression. Therefore you can experience both." (124)
- Basic Rule (When thinking about medical treatment): Physical treatment may help alleviate symptoms; but no treatment can treat the guilt, fear self-loathing, and other distinctly spiritual symptoms.
July 3, 2023
This book made me more depressed; I would highly recommend NOT reading this while depressed. He frequently implies that depression is a sin, and that all depression is wanting to die, which is far from true. He also says that having lasting grief over a sin (he uses abortion as an example) is sinful and means you are acting in grace + works, which is absolutely untrue. Grieving over your dead child does not equal works. He talks down on medication then says maybe you should try it, especially postpartum. And he only briefly mentions that depression can be caused by physical/chronic conditions, otherwise he talks like you are sinfully suicidal.
The first chapter was great, and the last two were helpful, but ultimately this book was more harm then good for me.
The first chapter was great, and the last two were helpful, but ultimately this book was more harm then good for me.
June 7, 2012
Welch's book is some of the most insightful and helpful information I've read about the struggle with depression. He not only addresses those who struggle with depression, but also their loved ones. As a person who struggles with depression, I think this book is an excellent resource for family members, spouses, and friends who want to better understand (or understand at all) the struggle of their depressed loved ones.
It's also an excellent resource for those of who struggle/have struggled/will struggle again.
Welch is sympathetic-he does not give a "suck it up" message, but he also unashamedly presents depression in the light of biblical Truth. He gives the much-needed grace that those who struggle with depression need, but he also gives hard truth that we need to hear.
This is not a guide on "how to fix your depression" or a "how to fix your loved one's depression." It's more of a "Truths to Cling to When You're Depressed" guide, which is excellent and useful because, as you well know if you've struggled, depression is not a problem that is easily "fixed." In fact, it is something you will probably struggle with to some capacity the rest of your life.
Welch emphasizes the theological truths that 1) God is well acquainted with suffering-He has suffered and empathizes with your depression and 2) He is good and generous. He uses scripture to back up all his claims.
Though this book is not a "how to fix" guide, Welch gives some practical advice in how to deal with depression. One of the most helpful sections is Ch.11 where Welch helps identify the external and internal causes of depression. He recognizes that depression is complicated and brought on by many factors.
It's also an excellent resource for those of who struggle/have struggled/will struggle again.
Welch is sympathetic-he does not give a "suck it up" message, but he also unashamedly presents depression in the light of biblical Truth. He gives the much-needed grace that those who struggle with depression need, but he also gives hard truth that we need to hear.
This is not a guide on "how to fix your depression" or a "how to fix your loved one's depression." It's more of a "Truths to Cling to When You're Depressed" guide, which is excellent and useful because, as you well know if you've struggled, depression is not a problem that is easily "fixed." In fact, it is something you will probably struggle with to some capacity the rest of your life.
Welch emphasizes the theological truths that 1) God is well acquainted with suffering-He has suffered and empathizes with your depression and 2) He is good and generous. He uses scripture to back up all his claims.
Though this book is not a "how to fix" guide, Welch gives some practical advice in how to deal with depression. One of the most helpful sections is Ch.11 where Welch helps identify the external and internal causes of depression. He recognizes that depression is complicated and brought on by many factors.
December 30, 2015
Excellent book for those who suffer from depression or those who want to help those suffering from depression. Welch's insights are theologically robust, compassionate, and applied in tangible ways.
December 20, 2022
Love his chapter on suffering. And his articulation of depression and what it feels like was helpful (as someone who hasn’t suffered from it). Definitely pulled away with some gems. Did not love his treatment of medication…but loved his christocenteic view of healthy- Jesus is the end goal.
October 2, 2021
Still the best book on depression I've read. Welch comes at the issue as that of a Christian and a seasoned counselor. I began re-reading this when I felt I was falling deeper into a depressive state. This book was helpful to me over 10 years ago, so I wondered if it would be again. yes. it was. A fresh wind of hope blew through me as I read. I regained perspective and felt like my newly built misconceptions of God were challenged in a way I could hear. Welch writes to those who are depressed and to those in search of help for depressed loved ones. He is not naive, trivial or superficial in his approach, but digs deep into how one thinks about God and life in order to grab hold of the roots bringing about the depressive state. He acknowledges medication can be helpful and recommends its use wisely. This is a great resource for lay people as well as counselors and pastors seeking to walk well and with wise compassion with their suffering friends and family.
July 14, 2019
Took me a long time to read this book, and I'm glad I didn't finish it soon after I started. Easy read, just didn't really want to read it. Lots of problems with the ideas in here. Lots of them may be true, but there's a big difference between theory and practise. You have to buy into the ideas for them to work, but anyone who's deeply depressed would struggle to buy into them (speaking from personal experience). Felt a bit like Welch came close to basically saying being depressed in a sin quite a few times. That said, despite being a Christian, Christian based counselling was never going to be for me.
Possibly better for Christians who have friends with depression than those who have depression.
Possibly better for Christians who have friends with depression than those who have depression.
August 21, 2021
2021 reads: #35
Rating: 4 Stars
A balanced approach to depression that acknowledges a wide variety of causes for depression, encourages the depressed to view their pain and suffering rightly, exhorts the depressed to think rightly about God, and which offers biblical hope.
Rating: 4 Stars
A balanced approach to depression that acknowledges a wide variety of causes for depression, encourages the depressed to view their pain and suffering rightly, exhorts the depressed to think rightly about God, and which offers biblical hope.
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June 5, 2021Simplesmente desisti do livro.
O autor é muito prolixo, e suas conclusões são muito superficiais e de conhecimento geral.
Lamento...
Não recomendo. 🙁 ☁️
O autor é muito prolixo, e suas conclusões são muito superficiais e de conhecimento geral.
Lamento...
Não recomendo. 🙁 ☁️
August 3, 2013
A really good book on depression and how to understand it! It has taught me a lot about the subject of depression and shown me how to not only deal with it in my own life, but how to respond to others in the midst of depression. There are parts where he could have been a bit more compassionate and sensitive, but overall he does a good job of relating and sympathizing.
April 15, 2018
Depression is difficult to understand and even more difficult to live with. The author uses biblical truths to help the reader look away from despair towards hope. Many people who suffer from depression have a hard time focusing to read; but, strive to finish each chapter. Some of my favorite insights are in the second half of the book.
June 14, 2008
A book that drew me back to read it again. Welch doesn't give pat answers or simple solutions but draws sufferers of depression to examine heart issues and leads them to find true hope in spite of the pain. Very wise.
August 27, 2016
An useful primer on how to deal with depression, taking into due account both the Biblical (as dominating perspective) and psychological (as in tools and contemporary vocabulary) sources.
July 11, 2020
This book truly enters into the heart and root of depression, while also looking at its consequences. I have not found a resource more helpful than this one.
November 21, 2022
Wonderful. Absorb these truths to help yourself and absorb these truths to help others. Everyone should read this book. I listened to the audible version.
September 8, 2023
One of the most helpful books I've ever read. And not because I really struggle with depression, but because this book's content applies just as well to suffering and sin in general as to depression specifically. Worth reading whether this is an issue for one or not.
"...joy is better. Thanksgiving is gratitude for a benefit we have received. Joy includes gratitude, but its true delight is in the beauty of God and the deep goodness in all the things that come from him. Joy draws attention outward with a non-possessive appreciation for something that is good... Thanks and thanksgiving can be found dozens of times in Scripture. Joy, gladness, rejoice, and enjoy can be found hundreds of times." (p. 240)
"...Do you want to change? As bizarre as it might seem, depression can come to feel like a friend. You wouldn't choose this friend if you had a choice, but now that you have him, he is comfortable and predictable. You can even derive personal identity from him, which is especially tempting when you feel like you have no identity without him. If you are not engaging in the spiritual battle we have discussed so far, it is possible that you are deceiving yourself. Perhaps you are merely going through the motions. Then you can say that you have tried when you haven't and you can have a clear conscience when you remain entrenched in your hopelessness. This is a battle. If you want to change, you must be willing to take yourself to task." (p. 57-8)
"You have already heard the question, "Do you want to change?"...There are logical reasons to resist change...Most likely, you want to change less than you realize. So don't be deceived. We do hopelessness. We choose it. But there is a way out." (p. 155-6)
"...joy is better. Thanksgiving is gratitude for a benefit we have received. Joy includes gratitude, but its true delight is in the beauty of God and the deep goodness in all the things that come from him. Joy draws attention outward with a non-possessive appreciation for something that is good... Thanks and thanksgiving can be found dozens of times in Scripture. Joy, gladness, rejoice, and enjoy can be found hundreds of times." (p. 240)
"...Do you want to change? As bizarre as it might seem, depression can come to feel like a friend. You wouldn't choose this friend if you had a choice, but now that you have him, he is comfortable and predictable. You can even derive personal identity from him, which is especially tempting when you feel like you have no identity without him. If you are not engaging in the spiritual battle we have discussed so far, it is possible that you are deceiving yourself. Perhaps you are merely going through the motions. Then you can say that you have tried when you haven't and you can have a clear conscience when you remain entrenched in your hopelessness. This is a battle. If you want to change, you must be willing to take yourself to task." (p. 57-8)
"You have already heard the question, "Do you want to change?"...There are logical reasons to resist change...Most likely, you want to change less than you realize. So don't be deceived. We do hopelessness. We choose it. But there is a way out." (p. 155-6)
February 22, 2021
This book was a pick for my local book club which is why I picked it up. We haven't met yet to discuss it (but I finished it on time! Hurrah!) and so I don't want to say too much about it just yet. I will only say the following:
1. I am not depressed, nor do I know anyone who is (at least, not currently).
2. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever faced or is facing a trial in life and not just of depression.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to and complicate the human spiritual condition and this book takes a look of a lot of aspects and angles relating to depression. It offers encouragement and some practical advice from a Christian perspective. You should know that Welch does discuss the use of medication near the end of the book and I suspect he doesn't go far enough in support of medicine as some Christians would like to see. I was glad to have him acknowledge that there is a dawning realization and emphasis, even in Christian counseling, that we are made up of more than just a mind, but also a body which has its weaknesses. He strongly suggestions that both body and mind issues need be addressed but doesn't offer specific advice. And nor should he. I thought he had a fairly balanced approach between faith issues and physiological issues.
I would definitely recommend this read as being a useful tool in the toolbelt for fighting depression or just "low spirits" in response to the trials of daily living. I felt very much encouraged by this read and also challenged by it.
1. I am not depressed, nor do I know anyone who is (at least, not currently).
2. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever faced or is facing a trial in life and not just of depression.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to and complicate the human spiritual condition and this book takes a look of a lot of aspects and angles relating to depression. It offers encouragement and some practical advice from a Christian perspective. You should know that Welch does discuss the use of medication near the end of the book and I suspect he doesn't go far enough in support of medicine as some Christians would like to see. I was glad to have him acknowledge that there is a dawning realization and emphasis, even in Christian counseling, that we are made up of more than just a mind, but also a body which has its weaknesses. He strongly suggestions that both body and mind issues need be addressed but doesn't offer specific advice. And nor should he. I thought he had a fairly balanced approach between faith issues and physiological issues.
I would definitely recommend this read as being a useful tool in the toolbelt for fighting depression or just "low spirits" in response to the trials of daily living. I felt very much encouraged by this read and also challenged by it.
April 30, 2019
Solid book. Lots of good in here. I almost gave it four stars. However, there are aspects of it that I would be concerned about if isolated from the context of the book.
For example, Welch sometimes speaks of hopelessness as a sin. There are certain contexts in which that is true. However, I’m not sure that is a helpful, or even true statement in most cases of depression. In fact, that can be pretty damaging. In places where he makes that statement, it is clear that there is some insight about the effects of misplaced faith that can lead to hopelessness. I’m sure there are some cases of depression that are complicated by a person’s refusal to find their hope in Christ, but the vast majority of the time a statement like that is going do more harm than good.
Overall, the book is compassionate, realistic, and wise. In spite of occasional missteps like that, I’d still recommend it. I just wouldn’t want someone latching on to one idea like that, taking it out of context, and making life harder for themselves or others who are suffering from depression.
For example, Welch sometimes speaks of hopelessness as a sin. There are certain contexts in which that is true. However, I’m not sure that is a helpful, or even true statement in most cases of depression. In fact, that can be pretty damaging. In places where he makes that statement, it is clear that there is some insight about the effects of misplaced faith that can lead to hopelessness. I’m sure there are some cases of depression that are complicated by a person’s refusal to find their hope in Christ, but the vast majority of the time a statement like that is going do more harm than good.
Overall, the book is compassionate, realistic, and wise. In spite of occasional missteps like that, I’d still recommend it. I just wouldn’t want someone latching on to one idea like that, taking it out of context, and making life harder for themselves or others who are suffering from depression.
July 7, 2017
This book is for depressed people and those who love them. Welch looks at what depression is and what can be done to deal with it. I have two minor problems with the book:
1. The book assumes that the depressed reader is able to read the book rationally and put the steps into practice honestly and without the depression warping everything, which is not always true of depressed people.
2. The book assumes that the depressed person has multiple people in their life who are willing and able to support and help them, which is not always true.
Overall, this is a very good book on depression for both those who suffer with depression and those who love someone who is depressed. It would also be a good book for pastors to read, as depressed people often seek out their pastor for advice.
1. The book assumes that the depressed reader is able to read the book rationally and put the steps into practice honestly and without the depression warping everything, which is not always true of depressed people.
2. The book assumes that the depressed person has multiple people in their life who are willing and able to support and help them, which is not always true.
Overall, this is a very good book on depression for both those who suffer with depression and those who love someone who is depressed. It would also be a good book for pastors to read, as depressed people often seek out their pastor for advice.
May 9, 2019
Мне очень понравился этот автор. Он ответил на многие из моих вопросов: о том, откуда берётся депрессия, что это вообще такое, как с этим жить, как поступать если кто-то из твоих родных ею болеет и самое главное, как начать путь исцеления. Я очень рада, что именно христианин написал эту книгу. Понятно, она не исчерпывающая, но она очень откровенная, честная и при этом нежная. Я думаю, что нужно будет еще перечитать и проработать ее.
July 19, 2021
Both comprehensive and accessible, this is the best entry on this topic I've read so far. Welch peels back the layers of causes and symptoms in each chapter, extending compassion to those suffering while asking you to consider how to obey where you are. I had to take this one slowly – I read this over a two-year period, picking it up when I needed it.
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"On this side of the cross, misery persists but the sales are tipped in favor of joy. The King is seated; the celebration has begun in heaven; we could not be loved anymore than we are right now; and there are tastes of heaven available even now. There are realities present now that can sustain your hopes."
–––––
"On this side of the cross, misery persists but the sales are tipped in favor of joy. The King is seated; the celebration has begun in heaven; we could not be loved anymore than we are right now; and there are tastes of heaven available even now. There are realities present now that can sustain your hopes."
April 16, 2019
A most thorough and compassionate book on depression deeply embedded in Scripture, with a deep love of the Gospel, but also rooted in the grounds of practical psychology and theology. Written to be read by someone who lives with depression, or read together with someone as a helper-friend, chapter by chapter, side by side.
October 16, 2023
Very good. I liked his focus on the resurrection and the heavenly hope.
January 1, 2018
Phenomenal. A help and a blessing. And beautiful writing to boot.
April 7, 2020
What a compassionate, accurate, reflective read for any human, depressed or otherwise.
June 3, 2019
"The heart is the real battleground during suffering, and it deserves your utmost attention" (190). This is one of the convictions that lies behind this book, where Welch is particularly concerned with "listening to depression," and then responding with gospel truth. In the central section of the book, he explores the thoughts and heart attitudes that are thrown up when depression of all kinds comes upon Christian believers. As such, this isn't just a book for those with diagnosed clinical depression; other believers would benefit from Welch's insights.
At the same time, I would be cautious about recommending this to someone with moderate to severe depression. It's quite an intense read, at a point where someone might not want to read at all! It is particularly intense because, contrary to the title, a lot of the book encourages readers to "look in", which could produce unhelpful introspection for some - and a few of Welch's remarks could easily be misheard by a depressive mind. I would also take issue with some of Welsh's reservations about medication and non-Christian treatments.
Even so, if you're a depressed Christian looking for something good to read, you might still want this book. And the best way to use it would probably be to go through it slowly with a trusted friend, when the mental storm is not raging quite as much. In the process, you will learn a lot more about yourself - and you'll be reminded to look to the Lord, however dark things get.
At the same time, I would be cautious about recommending this to someone with moderate to severe depression. It's quite an intense read, at a point where someone might not want to read at all! It is particularly intense because, contrary to the title, a lot of the book encourages readers to "look in", which could produce unhelpful introspection for some - and a few of Welch's remarks could easily be misheard by a depressive mind. I would also take issue with some of Welsh's reservations about medication and non-Christian treatments.
Even so, if you're a depressed Christian looking for something good to read, you might still want this book. And the best way to use it would probably be to go through it slowly with a trusted friend, when the mental storm is not raging quite as much. In the process, you will learn a lot more about yourself - and you'll be reminded to look to the Lord, however dark things get.
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