Valley of Sorrow: A Layman's Guide to Understanding Mental Illness for Latter-Day Saints

by Alexander B. Morrison

Book by Morrison, Alexander B.

Genres: Self Help, Lds, Nonfiction, Religion, Psychology, Health, Mental Health

146 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2003

Reviews

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with major depression when I was 14 years old. I am now a 30 year old mother of 3, and I'm still trying to perfect a balanced life.
One of the hardest parts of depression is explaining it to those you love. This book did an amazing job! A therapist recommend I read it and share it with my family. I also shared it with my bishop at the time. He was grateful for some greater insight into ward members that he wanted to understand better.
I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with a mental illness, their families, their friends and any church leaders that want to understand depression better!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken me a while to review this one, but I've thought about it a lot. I wish that I had heard of this book 10 years ago when my children were first diagnosed with mental illness and I was struggling with depression myself. This is the book I wish every LDS bishop had in his office and most members as well. Everyone knows someone who struggles with mental illness, but sadly, most of us don't understand it. This book dispels some of the myths about it and gives helpful definitions for those who want to learn more.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that is a Layman's guide. Elder Morrison's daughter has suffered for many years with depression. He knows whereof he speaks. A good book to help people broaden their understanding and compassion for people who struggle with mental illness. I think this would be an especially useful book for anyone in a church leadership/counseling position.

[Susan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book except for one thing. He continually referred to those with depression, bipolar, etc. as "victims". For some reason that really rubbed me the wrong way. I think mental illness is hard enough without a victim mentality.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good explanation of how mental illness fits into God's plan for His children.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I have a family member with multiple mental disorders, I've been trying to educate myself on the disorders and how I can best help my loved one. Since this book is written by a member of the religion to which I belong, I hoped that it would provide both a practical and spiritual framework. I guess it does, but not to the extent that I needed. Perhaps that's inevitable in such a brief book that covers so many different disorders.

The most important aspect of the book was that it gave me an actual term to use to describe what I feel as I grieve for my loved one's suffering, and experience sadness and frustration at not being able to offer more relief - "secondary sufferers." I'm afflicted by being an observer and witness.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a really hard time with this book. I don’t know why, maybe it hits to close to home? Maybe it’s to preachy for me at this time in my life? I just don’t know. I guess I was hoping for something totally life changing and I just didn’t get it. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great book with a lot of great information but it just didn’t give me what I need.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I think I already knew much of the info presented, I appreciated how the author clearly explained a variety of mental illnesses, so that readers can relate with greater compassion and understanding.

[Jonathan Plowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book, along with Jayne Clayson Johnson’s Silent Souls Weeping, for a Latter-day perspective on depression, anxiety, and mental illness. Elder Morrison empathetically and compassionately also analyzes such topics as schizophrenia, eating disorders, and suicide.

[Cassaronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covers a wide range of mental issues but doesn’t dig super deep. Still, good info

[Cherie Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what the title describes- a good basic overview of mental illness.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written in 2003, this book is a wealth of knowledge about the more common of mental illnesses: MDD, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Schizophrenia, Eating Disorders. Each condition is described and discussed relating to what is known in the medical world and also what has been said by leaders of The Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints. Whether of the Mormon faith or not, the Christian view of mental illness and God's empathy and love for his children is important. It helped me in understanding the Atonement of Christ and how it plays into the suffering of those with mental illness.

A lot was written of society's views, myths and attitudes toward mental illness. The author empathically stated several times that mental illness is no difference than someone who has diabetes, cancer or any other serious malady.

I am mentally ill. I have MDD and an Anxiety Disorder. The book, and the manner it was written, was comforting, loving and accepting. It brought relief to my fears and answers to my questions where I, as a Christian, stand in the eyes of the Church, God and my Savior.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be helpful because it was informative. I read a copy I borrowed from the library but I'm going to get it for myself. I think it's worth having and I plan on sharing with others. Most of us just don't have a good understanding if mental illness. We come in contact with it a lot more than we realize. If we're going to serve the Lord we need to able to support His children in the best way that we can. Knowledge is essential because it helps us see what we can do and where we need more qualified help. I've been inspired to become more informed about such topics. Thought it was a easy read well worth my time.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book so effectively covers the spectrum of various mental illness than I am hard pressed to give it an adequate description. The subtitle "A Layman's Guide to Understanding Mental Illness" give a succinct description of the territory that it covers. It does an excellent job of covering the various manifestations of mental illness, how to help someone deal with it, and gives information to put it into perspective.

[Kayel · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good. this book was definitely more written toward the "secondary suffers" of mental illness (the loved ones), kind of a guide into the mind and diseases of mental illness to help increase understanding for those who don't already understand. so once I got past all the"duh" and all the scriptures (ALL! I don't like to be preached to!) it was okay- a nice, spiritual, optimistic approach to mental illness

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book for anyone suffering from any form of mental illness. Written by an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[The Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for any family dealing with a child with a mental illness.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every leader (Bishopric, Relief Society, home & visiting teachers) should read this book, in my opinion.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful someone wrote this book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!It gives a whole new perspective on mental illness. Everyone should read read this!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic book on understanding mental illness from an LDS perspective.

Good if you just need a general understanding of mental illness and how to cope from a scriptural standpoint.

[Mandi Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of mental health in general. I think it’s a great resource, especially for people who have loved ones dealing with mental illness. Also my favorite part was dealing with the myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, I wish everyone would read that!