The Masks of Melancholy: A Christian Physician Looks at Depression & Suicide

by John White

John White identifies the symptoms of depression, explains its complex causes, and discusses available treatments.

Genres: Psychology, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Health

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

John White was an Evangelical Christian author, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and a pastor of Church of the Way.

Reviews

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

O livro é bom, talvez fique chato para os leigos em alguns momentos e exija mais concentração e foco. Não é um guia, mas é um bom primeiro passo para começarmos a falar sobre transtornos mentais, suicídio, medicação e psicoterapia em nossas igrejas.

[Randy Corn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this author is a physician, he does not come down on the side that only a secular approach will work. In fact, he says a great deal about the demonic in the opening section of the book. I fully believe that he sees demons as real and that they may well be the cause of some of the depression in our world.

I suppose the thing I appreciate most about this book is the way that the author discusses the deeper issues and approaches which the medical community has taken to depression without getting too technical. It is a difficult balance, but he achieved it well. I put this down as a tribute to his writing skill.

I think that I will be recommending this book to some folks in the future, but not indiscriminately. I might mention it to people going through depression or those trying hard to counsel people in that circumstance. I can’t imagine that the average pastor would find it all that engaging.

[Laura Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an amazing perspective on depression from a Christian point of view. Unlike some other Christian writings on this topic it doesn’t look at the sin factor as much as it actively explains and examines the science side of depression and the impact this has within a Christian community.

A great read if you are in a position of counselling or support for a depressed person. Less of a recommend if you yourself are in the throes of depression. Although if you are a Christian and it has come or gone in your life I do recommend it.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A now somewhat, dated and therefore, limited over view of depression and suicide from Christian psychiatrist.
More suited to pastors and practicioners than the average reader

[Abigail Cantrell]

this guy's a genius christian psychologist. I still like his fiction best though. it was very influential in my early thought life, and i still have the first four in the book of Geburah series.

[Tim Ponygroom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of many books I have read that touched on depression. It is now 30 years old. I plan to re-read it to see how my perspective has changed in three decades.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent - addresses the spiritual and medical sides to the issue, and the taboo and difficulties in the church. Superb advice.