Silent Souls Weeping: Depression--Sharing Stories, Finding Hope

by Jane Clayson Johnson

Through the power of story, nationally recognized journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shines a light in the desperate, dark, and lonely reality faced by those who struggle with clinical depression. At once hopeful and heart-wrenching, Silent Souls Weeping examines the stigma and isolation associated with depression, as well as the dangers of perfectionistic tendencies and suicidal ideation. Beginning with an open and frank exploration of her own experience with clinical depression, the author goes on to share stories gathered from interviews with more than 150 men, women, and teens all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have suffered from depression. Within these stories is a plea to change the dialogue surrounding depression, particularly among Latter-day Saints, who face unique struggles as they try to fit a disease manifest through sorrow into a religion centered on a plan of happiness. The worst part of depression, writes the author Is the profound isolation it engenders, not just from the Spirit but from family, friends, and community. Sharing our stories is the first step toward ending that isolation. This important book opens the door for a new level of honesty and helpfulness; both for those suffer from depression and for their family members, friends, and Church leaders.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Memoir, Lds

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2019

About the author

Former co-host of The Early Show on CBS.

Reviews

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the insights I gained from this book. I love how it stresses the importance of getting the proper medical and emotional health support needed, and how vital self care is too. This is a subject that is close to my heart and needs to be talked about more openly so that we can better understand and help one another.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a mix of memoir and interviews she did with other people, about the issue of depression within the context of being a Latter-day Saint. My family has a lot of experience with mental health issues and neuro-divergence, so there really wasn't anything new for me.

The only thing that was a new insight wasn't even new - just a reminder to keep an eye on younger women in my circles of influence when they are pregnant, and to let them know clearly that 1. "postpartum depression" can also happen DURING pregnancy (because no one seems to know that until you actually go through it, which I did, and it's kind of scary when you don't know what's happening), and 2. that I am on standby for assistance should they experience any kind of depression during or after pregnancy.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought it was very informative and very eye opening. I think depression is a huge problem in our day and age and this book gave me ideas and resources to help identify depression in others and ways I can help. I hope along with the author that the negative stigma people have with depression and anxiety will go away as we understand that this is a real health issue like any other medical health problem.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enlightening. Some of this book didn't hold my attention and definitely had to be read with a learning attitude, not an entertainment attitude. Strangely, the chapter on suicide was the most interesting to me. Maybe because of Corey and Steve... Maybe I like to talk about dramatic sad things. Don't know. But, this book was very helpful and Again, enlightening.

[Tadd Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contributes to an important conversation that needs to occur in all faith communities. I appreciate the first person narratives and the attempt to normalize the difficulties that so many of us struggle with.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sensitive and important read--the subtitle says it all.

[Dilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while only because I was/am in the middle of school work. Helped me understand both my depression and spirituality