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Loved Back to Life: How I Found the Courage to Live Free
Join Sheila Walsh on her journey from despair to joyBeautiful and talented, Sheila Walsh was at the pinnacle of her career, appearing daily on television as cohost of The 700 Club. One day she found herself walking away from it all and checking in to a psychiatric hospital, where she stayed for a month.From the outside everything seemed fine, but on the inside Sheila was in trouble. In her journal she wrote, "Lord, please hold me. I'm falling into a dark well. I feel as if I am disappearing a little more every day. I am so angry inside that I am afraid of myself. I feel so alone." How did this happen? What brought her to her knees?Loved Back to Life takes readers on Sheila's journey of the soul from hopelessness to joy as she finds that although the road was scary, at every turn God beckoned her to follow and trust Him. And He did not let her down.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
127 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Walsh
248 books588 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.
Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.
Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects
Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.
Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.
Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 13, 2015
Loved Back to Life by Sheila Walsh is not a story about the good life, of God miraculously keeping His children from all difficulty. Like David’s psalms, it serves as a record of the dragon’s mouth, the flood’s torrent, and the God who does not abandon. Carried by faith through a difficult childhood, Sheila Walsh began her speaking and singing ministry fresh out of college and rode the wave of success to its crest as a cohost of the 700 Club. Her formula for life became “work more, strive more, feel less,” until the point that her life onstage was more real to her than her life offstage. When it was apparent to her coworkers and her viewers that she was losing her struggle to push through her depression, Sheila entered a residential treatment facility in a last, desperate search for wholeness.
Loved Back to Life, a spiritual memoir, bursts the boundaries of its genre by teasing out biblically sound teaching from the narrative of Sheila’s anguish and recovery process, and also by debunking some of the faulty theology that shames and silences individuals and their families who suffer from mental illness. Fear of intimacy, fear of failure, fear of disapproval and the resultant anger and isolation kept Sheila Walsh a stranger to grace. In spite of her status as a “Christian celebrity,” she had virtually no support system, and her ministry was actually a pathway to her Dark Night of the Soul. Her fight for joy was aided by these words from John of the Cross:
“For a soul will never grow until it is able to let go of the tight grasp that it has on God.”
Releasing all her erroneous theories about God, Sheila shares with candor how she learned to give and to receive forgiveness and to follow the Shepherd of her heart. The key truth that she discovered through her journey and unpacks for her readers is that a right understanding of the grace of God yields courage to acknowledge one’s imperfections and hope that give thanks for God’s faithfulness in the broken places.
Each chapter of Loved Back to Life is adorned with a very fitting epigraph from an historical writer. Anne Morrow Lindbergh on Chapter 7 captured the essence of Walsh’s return to life:
“It isn’t for the moment that you are stuck that you need courage, but for the long, uphill climb back to sanity and security.”
Loved Back to Life is an extended hand to those who want to begin, or who are already on that “long, uphill climb.”
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through the BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Loved Back to Life, a spiritual memoir, bursts the boundaries of its genre by teasing out biblically sound teaching from the narrative of Sheila’s anguish and recovery process, and also by debunking some of the faulty theology that shames and silences individuals and their families who suffer from mental illness. Fear of intimacy, fear of failure, fear of disapproval and the resultant anger and isolation kept Sheila Walsh a stranger to grace. In spite of her status as a “Christian celebrity,” she had virtually no support system, and her ministry was actually a pathway to her Dark Night of the Soul. Her fight for joy was aided by these words from John of the Cross:
“For a soul will never grow until it is able to let go of the tight grasp that it has on God.”
Releasing all her erroneous theories about God, Sheila shares with candor how she learned to give and to receive forgiveness and to follow the Shepherd of her heart. The key truth that she discovered through her journey and unpacks for her readers is that a right understanding of the grace of God yields courage to acknowledge one’s imperfections and hope that give thanks for God’s faithfulness in the broken places.
Each chapter of Loved Back to Life is adorned with a very fitting epigraph from an historical writer. Anne Morrow Lindbergh on Chapter 7 captured the essence of Walsh’s return to life:
“It isn’t for the moment that you are stuck that you need courage, but for the long, uphill climb back to sanity and security.”
Loved Back to Life is an extended hand to those who want to begin, or who are already on that “long, uphill climb.”
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through the BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my unbiased review.
March 26, 2015
Honest, powerful and comforting
A must-read for every woman who has ever felt broken. I really needed to hear Sheila's story and her message of hope as well as grace. I finished the last page feeling less alone and more loved. You will too.
A must-read for every woman who has ever felt broken. I really needed to hear Sheila's story and her message of hope as well as grace. I finished the last page feeling less alone and more loved. You will too.
January 7, 2019
In the early 90s, singer-songwriter Sheila Walsh was at the height of her fame. She was the co-host of 'The 700 Club', a daily Christian talk show screened across America, and she was performing concerts most weekends. However, she was falling apart on the inside. At her lowest point, she took leave from the show and checked herself into a psychiatric hospital where she was diagnosed with clinical depression. In those days, there was little awareness that depression was a disease, especially in some Christian circles where it was assumed you had a spiritual problem if your prayers for healing weren't answered.
In this updated version of her earlier book 'Honestly', Sheila talks candidly about her journey through that dark valley and the lessons she learned along the way. There were no quick fixes and she still needs medication, but God has met her where she is and given her a new sense of how God can use broken people to help others. Indeed, she now has a speaking and writing ministry that has touched millions.
The book is peppered with insights that will help others who are going through similar journeys and see more of who they are in Christ. I found a lot of it personally relevant and will be dipping into it again. It's a sad indictment that there are still some sections of the Christian community who shun those with mental health issues because they don't tick the right box of people's expectations. Sheila talks about these struggles with grace and forgiveness, and also touches of humour.
If you've ever felt like a second-rate Christian because of difficult issues in your past or because prayers for healing don't seem to have been answered, this book is for you.
In this updated version of her earlier book 'Honestly', Sheila talks candidly about her journey through that dark valley and the lessons she learned along the way. There were no quick fixes and she still needs medication, but God has met her where she is and given her a new sense of how God can use broken people to help others. Indeed, she now has a speaking and writing ministry that has touched millions.
The book is peppered with insights that will help others who are going through similar journeys and see more of who they are in Christ. I found a lot of it personally relevant and will be dipping into it again. It's a sad indictment that there are still some sections of the Christian community who shun those with mental health issues because they don't tick the right box of people's expectations. Sheila talks about these struggles with grace and forgiveness, and also touches of humour.
If you've ever felt like a second-rate Christian because of difficult issues in your past or because prayers for healing don't seem to have been answered, this book is for you.
April 8, 2020
Shelia Walsh reading her story was wow to me she really is someone who is struggling but she is trusting God trusting what her helpers are telling her cause her journey has not been easy.
January 4, 2016
Wonderful book full of hope and courage! Sheila Walsh honestly and poignantly describes the journey she took as she came to understand her illness and the work and medical attention it would take to bring her "back to life." She seemed to have it all, at least to all of those who watched her, but inside she was falling apart. Through the care of doctors who understood where she was, and the love of God that gave her strength to fight back, Sheila began the journey forward. This is a book for everyone, a book that should make us face how we treat those with mental illness and how we can help. I highly recommend it.
June 11, 2015
A Great Help
I know the pain and darkness of depression. But I have become very good at hiding it, but I now find I have become very isolated. I know Christ is always with me but I didn't realize how much I have sinned by staying were I have been until Christ open my eyes as I read this book. Thank you Shelia for allowing God to use you in this way. Now is the time for me to ask for forgiveness and to learn to live in transparency.
I know the pain and darkness of depression. But I have become very good at hiding it, but I now find I have become very isolated. I know Christ is always with me but I didn't realize how much I have sinned by staying were I have been until Christ open my eyes as I read this book. Thank you Shelia for allowing God to use you in this way. Now is the time for me to ask for forgiveness and to learn to live in transparency.
May 2, 2016
Loved Back to Life is a touching book by one of my favorite speakers, Sheila Walsh. It tells of how she was able to get out of this dark well she fell into, struggling with her mental health. She spoke into my heart, I could relate to some of the things she was talking about. Her story inspires me to have faith in Jesus and how to find happiness in small things. This book opened my eyes to how loved I am, how truly blessed I am.
Read
May 21, 2023Sheila Walsh's 'Loved Back to Life' is a deeply personal and profoundly moving memoir that chronicles her own struggles with mental health, faith, and finding a path to healing. With raw vulnerability and captivating storytelling, Walsh invites readers into her journey of restoration and offers a message of hope for those who may be walking similar paths.
In 'Loved Back to Life,' Walsh fearlessly shares her battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the profound impact these struggles had on her life. With courage and authenticity, she takes readers on a transformative journey that ultimately leads to discovering the power of God's love and grace.
What sets Walsh's memoir apart is her ability to convey her experiences with a sense of compassion and empathy. Through her writing, she creates a safe space for readers to explore their own pain and confront the stigma surrounding mental health. Her narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing that can be found through faith and a supportive community.
Walsh's prose is lyrical and heartfelt, and her storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Each chapter unfolds with a delicate balance of introspection, relatable anecdotes, and inspiring moments of triumph, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates deeply.
However, it's important to note that 'Loved Back to Life' is not a quick fix or a step-by-step guide to overcoming mental health struggles. While Walsh shares valuable insights and offers hope, readers should approach this memoir as a personal testimony rather than a universal solution to every situation.
In conclusion, 'Loved Back to Life' is an uplifting and courageous memoir that shines a light on the realities of mental health challenges and the transformative power of love and faith. Sheila Walsh's personal journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder that healing and hope can be found, even in the midst of darkness. For anyone seeking solace, encouragement, and a story of triumph over adversity, this book offers a compassionate and empowering perspective."
In 'Loved Back to Life,' Walsh fearlessly shares her battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the profound impact these struggles had on her life. With courage and authenticity, she takes readers on a transformative journey that ultimately leads to discovering the power of God's love and grace.
What sets Walsh's memoir apart is her ability to convey her experiences with a sense of compassion and empathy. Through her writing, she creates a safe space for readers to explore their own pain and confront the stigma surrounding mental health. Her narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing that can be found through faith and a supportive community.
Walsh's prose is lyrical and heartfelt, and her storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Each chapter unfolds with a delicate balance of introspection, relatable anecdotes, and inspiring moments of triumph, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates deeply.
However, it's important to note that 'Loved Back to Life' is not a quick fix or a step-by-step guide to overcoming mental health struggles. While Walsh shares valuable insights and offers hope, readers should approach this memoir as a personal testimony rather than a universal solution to every situation.
In conclusion, 'Loved Back to Life' is an uplifting and courageous memoir that shines a light on the realities of mental health challenges and the transformative power of love and faith. Sheila Walsh's personal journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder that healing and hope can be found, even in the midst of darkness. For anyone seeking solace, encouragement, and a story of triumph over adversity, this book offers a compassionate and empowering perspective."
December 31, 2018
I've been a fan of the Women of Faith conferences from the very beginning. I've always wanted to attend, but I simply never have taken the time to go, sadly. It is a regret of mine. But I have read a number of books by a number of the women who have spoken at the Women of Faith conferences and Sheila Walsh is definitely part of that list. As I read Loved Back to Life, I honestly felt, in many places, as if I was reading my own story. I am still battling my depression, on the medication. I know personally the darkness Sheila discusses. I have referred to mine as a cave. Truly, one of the best reasons for reading Sheila's precious book is the comforting reminder that I AM a Believer who loves Jesus; I may be broken, but I am broken in Him. I am held in the arms of my Jesus and He will use my brokenness for His glory, like Joseph. May I have the courage to stay the course and to continue trusting in Him. 🦋👣
January 6, 2020
I found this book incredibly helpful; encouraging and yet at the same time causing me to honestly examine myself.
This book is wonderful for many reasons. For one thing, Mrs. Walsh's raw honesty and truth is so refreshing. In a world where Christian's are encouraged to put on perfect airs this is sorely needed.
The raw honesty that she exemplifies in her story, as well as the following points that she made are vitally important. Those two points are 1)our need for community in which we are honest and 2)community which listens to and helps us in our time of need.
A second thing that makes this book wonderful is Mrs. Walsh's focus on Christ. She emphasizes that He alone is our ultimate healing.
Finally, this book is steeped in scriptural references. Mrs. Walsh uses many passages from the Bible for case studies.
I would highly recommend this book. it is a refreshing, healing, encouraging, and challenging book
This book is wonderful for many reasons. For one thing, Mrs. Walsh's raw honesty and truth is so refreshing. In a world where Christian's are encouraged to put on perfect airs this is sorely needed.
The raw honesty that she exemplifies in her story, as well as the following points that she made are vitally important. Those two points are 1)our need for community in which we are honest and 2)community which listens to and helps us in our time of need.
A second thing that makes this book wonderful is Mrs. Walsh's focus on Christ. She emphasizes that He alone is our ultimate healing.
Finally, this book is steeped in scriptural references. Mrs. Walsh uses many passages from the Bible for case studies.
I would highly recommend this book. it is a refreshing, healing, encouraging, and challenging book
June 23, 2017
Sheila Walsh's honesty with her life with depression gives permission to the reader to be ok with our own imperfections. It's ok not to have it all figured out; it's ok to take off the mask and to let others see our true selves.
Her story is also an honest example of how much God loves us when we are messy, broken, trying our hardest and failing miserably. She also gives insight on how we should treat our friends when they are going through a hard time. We need each other's support after all.
I highly recommend it to everyone. If you or a loved one suffer with depression, this book is a reminder that you are not alone. If you have no relationship with depression, this book has so much wisdom and insight that I would still recommend it.
There is so much wisdom found in these pages. God.Loves.Me. God.Loves.You. Just the way you are right now, but you will never be the same.
Her story is also an honest example of how much God loves us when we are messy, broken, trying our hardest and failing miserably. She also gives insight on how we should treat our friends when they are going through a hard time. We need each other's support after all.
I highly recommend it to everyone. If you or a loved one suffer with depression, this book is a reminder that you are not alone. If you have no relationship with depression, this book has so much wisdom and insight that I would still recommend it.
There is so much wisdom found in these pages. God.Loves.Me. God.Loves.You. Just the way you are right now, but you will never be the same.
January 17, 2020
What a beautiful beauty-from-ashes testimony from a woman, a prominent public figure, who had everything to loose in the “Christian World” and yet she still risked it all to really come crawling to the Savior. Her transparency about her struggles from childhood to being self committed at a psychiatric hospital will encourage you if you ever struggled with mental health and depression. I’ve seen her twice at Women of Faith conferences, and wow! I’ll let the book tell you of the messages she shared while she spoke to thousands and thousands of women; I was always encouraged as I listened to her.
April 30, 2025
This book came at just the right time. It was a very personal story that highlights how crucial it is for each of us to find our identity—IN CHRIST, not in ourselves or in another person. If we fail to do so, whether by circumstance preventing it, or by our own stubborn desires taking over, we will fail eventually, and even if we Dao succeed in worldly ways, we will fall apart on the inside.
Bravo, and a huge thanks to Sheila for sharing her story.
Bravo, and a huge thanks to Sheila for sharing her story.
December 31, 2018
This book wasn't what I thought it would be... It was ten times better. So refreshing to read about someone who was fed the same lies about struggling. I couldn't put this book down. Thank you Sheila !!
February 19, 2017
I think this is a really good book. It was hard to read at first, but the more I got used to her style, the more I could understand.
May 5, 2017
Excellent
Excellent book on mental illness and some christians believing that you shouldn't seek treatment. Thankful that Shelia shared her story.
Excellent book on mental illness and some christians believing that you shouldn't seek treatment. Thankful that Shelia shared her story.
July 25, 2017
3.5 stars ✨
January 28, 2018
An honest account. Interesting.
October 21, 2018
This is an excellent book on the real struggle that many believers have with clinical depression. If you struggle or you know someone who does, read this book. (That means everyone should.)
June 9, 2019
Great book
Loved how honest and well written it is. She is a wonderful author and shows others you're in this book
Loved how honest and well written it is. She is a wonderful author and shows others you're in this book
August 6, 2019
Inspiring
Those of us with depression will be encouraged by this book. It will give you the strength to keep going for one more day.
Those of us with depression will be encouraged by this book. It will give you the strength to keep going for one more day.
October 4, 2019
Heartfelt truth
Excellent read.. getting a copy so I can reread I again and again. So relatable, so honest. Thank you Sheila!
Excellent read.. getting a copy so I can reread I again and again. So relatable, so honest. Thank you Sheila!
October 24, 2019
Loved this book
December 29, 2019
Wonderful book for anyone dealing with depression
If you or someone you love is dealing with depression, read this book. It is truly inspiring and helpful. Loved it
If you or someone you love is dealing with depression, read this book. It is truly inspiring and helpful. Loved it
October 26, 2020
Honest and real
Just could not put this down. Felt drawn to read it. So glad I did . Truly inspiring story. I would highly recommend
Just could not put this down. Felt drawn to read it. So glad I did . Truly inspiring story. I would highly recommend
September 16, 2021
Loved the vulnerability and transparency of Sheila’s story!
December 19, 2023
A great book. Sheila's story is one that helps others see that even though we may feel like damaged goods, God loves us & can use us.
Read
October 15, 2025Wonderful for those who are needing hope, I recommend it to all pastors or mentors
January 6, 2017
Loved Back to Life
is a memoir/inspirational work that frankly deals with mental illness from a Christian perspective. Sheila Walsh goes back through her journals to retell the journey from recognition that she needed help dealing with fear and anger issues that she had been repressing since her father's death when she was a young child, to an understanding of the stigma often attached to mental illness within the Christian community, an eventual learning of how to give the struggle over to God, and to let Him use her experience to help others. It is a dark journey at times but with a great light of revelation at the conclusion.
Sheila Walsh seemed to have the ultimate Christian life. From an early age she gave her life to Christ, she went to London Bible School, joined the Youth For Christ music ministry, became a successful entertainer, released record albums, and eventually became a co-host of the 700 Club, a Christian television ministry centred in Virginia Beach, Va. All in a very short period of time. In addition to her television duties, she was also giving concerts on the weekends. She did interviews with many of her spiritual heroes — Billy Graham, Charles Colson, Elizabeth Elliot, and so forth. She received letters at the 700 Club from people so grateful for her ministry and influence on their lives. She writes,
When in 1992 she finally made the decision to commit herself to a Christian hospital program in Washington, DC. Friends she thought would support her, drifted away, seemed more concerned about the impact news of her illness would have on the ministry, or made cruel, thoughtless, debilitating comments. She felt more isolated than ever before.
Her memories are poignant. The process was an up and down, step by step, emotional journey. Because the institution was Christian, everything was based on Bible principles. Each chapter of her journey begins with an inspirational quote that was meaningful to her and she wrote poems baring her soul in her journal. She drew meaning from childhood stories like the Velveteen Rabbit who wanted to learn how to become real and the Wizard of Oz who wasn't a wizard at all. But mostly, she prayed the psalms along with King David and took the 23rd Psalm line by line and faced her fears.
I was struck by the resemblance her process had to the grieving process and, having lost my father in the past year, I appreciated the verses, emotions, and inspiration she found along her way. I loved the way she relied on the Bible verses and how she had the courage to try to restore relationships where there was a perceived injury caused by her.
This is a marvellous, hopeful story that is ongoing. Sheila returned to a normal life, doing her master's degree at a seminary school in California, made new friends, married, and joined a ministry called Women of Faith along with women like Barbara Johnson, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, and Marilyn Meberg. She found that"their lives were about how God had met them and was faithful in the broken places. Their stories, their lives, were their messages." She soon realized that there were millions of Christian women hiding in fear and shame because of a debilitating mental illness and they craved her message and openness — that God still loves them and can use them. If you have ever struggled with depression, the love and transparency of Sheila's life will certainly help you find your way.
Sheila Walsh seemed to have the ultimate Christian life. From an early age she gave her life to Christ, she went to London Bible School, joined the Youth For Christ music ministry, became a successful entertainer, released record albums, and eventually became a co-host of the 700 Club, a Christian television ministry centred in Virginia Beach, Va. All in a very short period of time. In addition to her television duties, she was also giving concerts on the weekends. She did interviews with many of her spiritual heroes — Billy Graham, Charles Colson, Elizabeth Elliot, and so forth. She received letters at the 700 Club from people so grateful for her ministry and influence on their lives. She writes,
On the surface I had it made, and everything looked fine – but I was not fine. I had not been fine for a long time. Even surrounded by others, I felt isolated. Trapped by a suffocating anxiety. Restless, though I couldn't say why. Numbed by a frantic pace. I felt as if I was slowly losing my mind.
When in 1992 she finally made the decision to commit herself to a Christian hospital program in Washington, DC. Friends she thought would support her, drifted away, seemed more concerned about the impact news of her illness would have on the ministry, or made cruel, thoughtless, debilitating comments. She felt more isolated than ever before.
Her memories are poignant. The process was an up and down, step by step, emotional journey. Because the institution was Christian, everything was based on Bible principles. Each chapter of her journey begins with an inspirational quote that was meaningful to her and she wrote poems baring her soul in her journal. She drew meaning from childhood stories like the Velveteen Rabbit who wanted to learn how to become real and the Wizard of Oz who wasn't a wizard at all. But mostly, she prayed the psalms along with King David and took the 23rd Psalm line by line and faced her fears.
I was struck by the resemblance her process had to the grieving process and, having lost my father in the past year, I appreciated the verses, emotions, and inspiration she found along her way. I loved the way she relied on the Bible verses and how she had the courage to try to restore relationships where there was a perceived injury caused by her.
This is a marvellous, hopeful story that is ongoing. Sheila returned to a normal life, doing her master's degree at a seminary school in California, made new friends, married, and joined a ministry called Women of Faith along with women like Barbara Johnson, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, and Marilyn Meberg. She found that"their lives were about how God had met them and was faithful in the broken places. Their stories, their lives, were their messages." She soon realized that there were millions of Christian women hiding in fear and shame because of a debilitating mental illness and they craved her message and openness — that God still loves them and can use them. If you have ever struggled with depression, the love and transparency of Sheila's life will certainly help you find your way.
January 10, 2017
What a beautiful testimony from a beautiful woman! Sheila Walsh reaches down deep to give us a heartbreaking and heartwarming testimony of how her rise to success was masking a deep, debilitating depression. Rather than admitting she had a problem, she threw herself into ministry for every waking hour—a very public, exposed ministry as a singer and then as co-host of The 700 Club.
When it finally became too much, she walked away from a promising career and checked herself into a psychiatric hospital, despite critical comments from friends and colleagues who said she was ruining her career and tarnishing the ministry she worked for.
I’ll admit, I pre-ordered Loved Back to Life because I couldn’t wait to read it. I have bipolar disorder and wanted to know what goes on in a psychiatric hospital, in case I ever end up in one. On this voyeuristic level, Sheila Walsh didn’t disappoint.
Beyond my voyeuristic desire to take the fear out of a psychiatric hospital, I also needed to read someone's testimony so I could hang on to hope that there are happy endings. The author didn't disappoint on that front, either.
Sheila Walsh’s candor with her experiences and personal feelings was both gripping and difficult for me to read. She takes time to unpack specific lessons learned in her private and group sessions, devoting entire chapters to fear, shame, and loneliness so readers could understand and apply those same principles to their lives. Sometimes this felt too close to home and I’d have to slow down and take a break from reading after a few minutes so I could absorb and recover from what I was reading. It was that powerful.
I really applaud Sheila Walsh for sharing her mental illness with the world because there are so many people who face the same struggles, fears, and resistance from themselves and others. The Church, in particular, has a long way to go toward understanding and acceptance of mental illness.
If you or anyone you know struggles with depression, you need to read Loved Back to Life. It will help you understand what those who struggle with depression are experiencing and how you can love them back to life (and what not to do or say, too).
This review first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
When it finally became too much, she walked away from a promising career and checked herself into a psychiatric hospital, despite critical comments from friends and colleagues who said she was ruining her career and tarnishing the ministry she worked for.
I’ll admit, I pre-ordered Loved Back to Life because I couldn’t wait to read it. I have bipolar disorder and wanted to know what goes on in a psychiatric hospital, in case I ever end up in one. On this voyeuristic level, Sheila Walsh didn’t disappoint.
Beyond my voyeuristic desire to take the fear out of a psychiatric hospital, I also needed to read someone's testimony so I could hang on to hope that there are happy endings. The author didn't disappoint on that front, either.
Sheila Walsh’s candor with her experiences and personal feelings was both gripping and difficult for me to read. She takes time to unpack specific lessons learned in her private and group sessions, devoting entire chapters to fear, shame, and loneliness so readers could understand and apply those same principles to their lives. Sometimes this felt too close to home and I’d have to slow down and take a break from reading after a few minutes so I could absorb and recover from what I was reading. It was that powerful.
I really applaud Sheila Walsh for sharing her mental illness with the world because there are so many people who face the same struggles, fears, and resistance from themselves and others. The Church, in particular, has a long way to go toward understanding and acceptance of mental illness.
If you or anyone you know struggles with depression, you need to read Loved Back to Life. It will help you understand what those who struggle with depression are experiencing and how you can love them back to life (and what not to do or say, too).
This review first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
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