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St. Dymphna’s Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Winner of a first-place award in the healing and self-help category from the Catholic Media Association and a third-place award in general interest from the Association of Catholic Publishers. Are you or someone you love struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, or other mental health concerns? Tommy Tighe, a licensed marriage and family therapist, wants to help you take steps toward reaching and maintaining mental and emotional well-being, not only through self-care, healthy coping mechanisms, and professional intervention but also through prayer, scripture, and developing a relationship with the saints. St. Dymphna’s Playbook combines a therapeutic approach with the deep wells of Catholic faith and spiritual practice, exploring paths toward hope, healing, and wellness. Born out of Tighe’s podcast of the same name, St. Dymphna’s Playbook provides a practical, ready-made game plan for moving toward wellness. It offers concrete explanations of a wide scope of mental health concerns and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and grief, as well as the common emotions and situations that allow them to grow—including fear, social anxiety, isolation, loss, and unhealthy relationships. Tighe shares best practices for understanding and beginning to address each concern and offers a uniquely Catholic understanding, diving into relevant scriptures and introducing us to a Catholic saint or holy person who lived with the same issue—including St. Dymphna, patron of those with mental disorders. Whatever your concern or struggle, you are not alone. The witness of scripture and the saints reminds us of the community we already have as we begin working toward mental well-being.
224 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2021
77 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 1, 2021
I love this book so much. It showed a Catholic vision about mental illness.
It's so important that catholics talk about this topic. A lot of Christians suffer with mental illness and feel bad about it.
The author shows that it is an opportunity to God fill our emptiness, heal our wounds and turn into sources of graces.
I love the Bible's passagers and the storys of saints' life.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for free ARC in exchange of honest review.
4.5/5
🇧🇷Eu amei o livro. Mostra uma visão católica sobre doenças mentais.
É muito importante que os católicos conversem sobre esse assunto.
Muitos cristãos sofrem com doenças mentais e se sentem mal por isso.
O autor mostra que é uma oportunidade de Deus preencher nosso vazio, curar nossas feridas e transformá-las em fontes de graças.
Eu amei as passagens bíblicas e a histórias da vida dos santos que trazem uma esperança. Se os santos sofreram e passaram também por doenças, mostra que também nos podemos passar. Deus age muito nas nossas fragilidades humanas e os santos são a prova disso.
Obrigada a Netgalley e a editora pela ARC para uma resenha.
4.5/5
It's so important that catholics talk about this topic. A lot of Christians suffer with mental illness and feel bad about it.
The author shows that it is an opportunity to God fill our emptiness, heal our wounds and turn into sources of graces.
I love the Bible's passagers and the storys of saints' life.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for free ARC in exchange of honest review.
4.5/5
🇧🇷Eu amei o livro. Mostra uma visão católica sobre doenças mentais.
É muito importante que os católicos conversem sobre esse assunto.
Muitos cristãos sofrem com doenças mentais e se sentem mal por isso.
O autor mostra que é uma oportunidade de Deus preencher nosso vazio, curar nossas feridas e transformá-las em fontes de graças.
Eu amei as passagens bíblicas e a histórias da vida dos santos que trazem uma esperança. Se os santos sofreram e passaram também por doenças, mostra que também nos podemos passar. Deus age muito nas nossas fragilidades humanas e os santos são a prova disso.
Obrigada a Netgalley e a editora pela ARC para uma resenha.
4.5/5
August 27, 2022
This was an interesting and helpful book on mentail illness through a Catholic lense. Each chapter explained symptoms and suggested steps toward treatment. I especially appreciated the inclusion of saints who experienced the same mental heath struggles. I also love that mental illness was never over-spiritualized at any point. I don't think it's necessary to read cover-to-cover if you are wanting to learn about something specific, but I'm glad that I read it in its entirety.
October 28, 2021
The title of this book is what initially got my attention. As a Catholic, I knew St. Dymphna was the patron saint of those suffering from things like depression and anxiety. Seeing grief as one of the topics in the book also got my attention, due to suffering the loss of my father unexpectedly this year.
Tommy Tighe does a fantastic job of tackling the many issues so many people don’t want to. Tying it into what the Church can do to help alleviate the stigma surround the things that so many of us are either dealing with or have dealt with at one point or another.
Tighe gives suggestions on things the reader can do to help with whatever they are facing. His suggestions of therapy and medication are presented in ways that the reader does not feel he is pushing either one of them. They are presented with ways each may help and a reminder that either one does not have to be a life-long thing but can often provide help in the short term to help the reader be successful.
The inclusion of the saints and what the bible says about these various things is a wonderful part of each chapter. From my own experience, I often cannot thing of the appropriate verses during hard times. Having this resource will be very helpful. Some of the saints mentioned I had not heard of and I like knowing I have more heavenly friends to call on in times of need.
This will be a book I purchase for my own library when it is published. I can see it being helpful in so many situations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ave Maria Press, and Tommy Tighe for the copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Tommy Tighe does a fantastic job of tackling the many issues so many people don’t want to. Tying it into what the Church can do to help alleviate the stigma surround the things that so many of us are either dealing with or have dealt with at one point or another.
Tighe gives suggestions on things the reader can do to help with whatever they are facing. His suggestions of therapy and medication are presented in ways that the reader does not feel he is pushing either one of them. They are presented with ways each may help and a reminder that either one does not have to be a life-long thing but can often provide help in the short term to help the reader be successful.
The inclusion of the saints and what the bible says about these various things is a wonderful part of each chapter. From my own experience, I often cannot thing of the appropriate verses during hard times. Having this resource will be very helpful. Some of the saints mentioned I had not heard of and I like knowing I have more heavenly friends to call on in times of need.
This will be a book I purchase for my own library when it is published. I can see it being helpful in so many situations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ave Maria Press, and Tommy Tighe for the copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2021
When prayer alone doesn't help us out of a dark place, what does? If talk therapy hasn't led us back to the land of the living, what will? Therapist Tommy Tighe offers a sweeping, comprehensive list of coping mechanisms, including Bible verses, a saint or sage who struggled with one of the many issues covered here, and a uniquely Catholic approach to mental well-being. When all else fails, he suggests prescription meds as a way to jump-start getting ourselves onto the path for healing.
I like the way Tighe organizes the chapters around words from the sisters of Lazarus, "Master, the one you love is ill." No need for explanations or specific requests: "Jesus knows what we need before we ask," he understands sorrow, and he weeps with us. The chapter titles repeat this like a mantra: Lord, the One You Love Feels Nothing, or The One You Love is tired, is worrying, is battling intrusive thoughts, feels helpless or detached, is hurting themselves, is isolated. Universal struggles such as grieving over a lost child are presented along with less common DSM-5 conditions, from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to clinical depression.
The saints are fascinating and inspiring, and the community of saints is a great resource. It may seem that nobody hears our prayers, not even God, but a devotion to the saints has brought comfort to so many, it is not a concept I would discredit. Tighe quotes Dorothy Day: "We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community." Tighe recommends "trying to foster a Catholic community where we all suffer together, unafraid to walk forward with our sisters and brothers through their valley of tears."
This idea, too, is comforting: "the darkness and hopelessness we see all around us is not the final word." Does that make it any easier to overcome the heartbreak of burying a loved one? Only if we believe that God exists and we meet our loved ones again in some heaven after this life is over. Atheists, agnostics, skeptics, you may need to look elsewhere for help. Then again, even if you cannot believe the Bible is true, the examples and stories of others may be the key to helping us soldier on through the pain and sorrow of this world.
One takeaway from this book is that we may need medical assistance before we can find the wherewithal to crawl out of a deep slump. "Depression attacks our concentration, focus, and motivation, so we're quite frankly impaired in our ability to come up with solutions..... And it's not something we can just suck up and get over, as our culture often advises." Neurotransmitters in our brains affect chemical levels that in turn can leave us without energy and motivation, in which case, "therapy alone can even have a hard time making an impact, which is why medication is worth considering.... Therapy requires *some* motivation, some interest. If intense depression inhibits that drive, we should most definitely consider medication first."
Which meds? Which pills, and how long should we take them? That is for you and your therapist to discern. Never mind the stigmas on "mental illness" and drugs: "Medication for depression, even short term, can often be a crucial first step to feeling better."
Vitamin D, a healthy diet, keeping a diary, reaching out to others even if it means sitting on a park bench surrounded by other people socializing with each other: these are just some of the tools, besides Rx meds, that Tighe offers.
I haven't even begun to summarize or touch on the many ways Tighe ties together the ways we can utilize the teachings of the Bible, the wisdom of the saints, the community of others who suffer with us, and still others who've survived and conquered, along conventional talk therapy and even prescription meds, which seem to be the tool of Last Resort, the thing we shouldn't need if we really trust in God to help us through all difficulties. Instead of laying the burden on us to just BELIEVE and we shall be healed, Tighe acknowledges that not everyone who prays for healing will receive automatic healing. It takes time and effort, and we have to do the work, but it may help us to know (believe) that we are not alone, and that there is no stigma to using a pill to jump-start the process.
I've debated: five stars, or four? For Christians, and especially Catholics, it's a solid five stars.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I like the way Tighe organizes the chapters around words from the sisters of Lazarus, "Master, the one you love is ill." No need for explanations or specific requests: "Jesus knows what we need before we ask," he understands sorrow, and he weeps with us. The chapter titles repeat this like a mantra: Lord, the One You Love Feels Nothing, or The One You Love is tired, is worrying, is battling intrusive thoughts, feels helpless or detached, is hurting themselves, is isolated. Universal struggles such as grieving over a lost child are presented along with less common DSM-5 conditions, from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to clinical depression.
The saints are fascinating and inspiring, and the community of saints is a great resource. It may seem that nobody hears our prayers, not even God, but a devotion to the saints has brought comfort to so many, it is not a concept I would discredit. Tighe quotes Dorothy Day: "We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community." Tighe recommends "trying to foster a Catholic community where we all suffer together, unafraid to walk forward with our sisters and brothers through their valley of tears."
This idea, too, is comforting: "the darkness and hopelessness we see all around us is not the final word." Does that make it any easier to overcome the heartbreak of burying a loved one? Only if we believe that God exists and we meet our loved ones again in some heaven after this life is over. Atheists, agnostics, skeptics, you may need to look elsewhere for help. Then again, even if you cannot believe the Bible is true, the examples and stories of others may be the key to helping us soldier on through the pain and sorrow of this world.
One takeaway from this book is that we may need medical assistance before we can find the wherewithal to crawl out of a deep slump. "Depression attacks our concentration, focus, and motivation, so we're quite frankly impaired in our ability to come up with solutions..... And it's not something we can just suck up and get over, as our culture often advises." Neurotransmitters in our brains affect chemical levels that in turn can leave us without energy and motivation, in which case, "therapy alone can even have a hard time making an impact, which is why medication is worth considering.... Therapy requires *some* motivation, some interest. If intense depression inhibits that drive, we should most definitely consider medication first."
Which meds? Which pills, and how long should we take them? That is for you and your therapist to discern. Never mind the stigmas on "mental illness" and drugs: "Medication for depression, even short term, can often be a crucial first step to feeling better."
Vitamin D, a healthy diet, keeping a diary, reaching out to others even if it means sitting on a park bench surrounded by other people socializing with each other: these are just some of the tools, besides Rx meds, that Tighe offers.
I haven't even begun to summarize or touch on the many ways Tighe ties together the ways we can utilize the teachings of the Bible, the wisdom of the saints, the community of others who suffer with us, and still others who've survived and conquered, along conventional talk therapy and even prescription meds, which seem to be the tool of Last Resort, the thing we shouldn't need if we really trust in God to help us through all difficulties. Instead of laying the burden on us to just BELIEVE and we shall be healed, Tighe acknowledges that not everyone who prays for healing will receive automatic healing. It takes time and effort, and we have to do the work, but it may help us to know (believe) that we are not alone, and that there is no stigma to using a pill to jump-start the process.
I've debated: five stars, or four? For Christians, and especially Catholics, it's a solid five stars.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2021
When someone you love suffers from depression and anxiety, you tend to read a lot of books or articles to find the causes, treatments and best ways to help them. I know I have done that in the past, so when I found St. Dymphna’s Playbook - A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being by Tommy Tighe as a NetGalley ARC, I admit I was intrigued. Tommy Tigne is an experienced marriage and family therapist and St. Dymphna is the patron saint of mental illness, so after I read her story, I wanted to know more about the author’s view on mental illness and garner any helpful tips, or advice he had to offer. What I received was a whole lot more. This beautiful book is so engaging and sensitive to the needs of those who suffer from mental illness, that anyone reading it will be left with a feeling of reassurance and hope.
Unlike your typical self help books, Tommy Tinge takes a different approach when broaching the subject of mental health. His intent is to let the one who suffers know that they are not alone. There is often a stigma attached to people who suffer from mental illness and his goal is to remove that brand so people who suffer can feel free to discuss their problems and know there are others going through the same journey.
Each chapter is dedicated to a particular problem or illness someone may be having. For example, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, OCD or loneliness, are just a few of the many problems he tackles. He describes the symptoms of each illness or problem in detail and gives not only professional advice, but spiritual comfort as well. He includes how best to approach a problem based on how serious it is and assures us there is professional or medical help and spiritual consolation to be had. He also includes what the Bible says about a particular topic and also gives us examples of any saints that may have struggled with the same issue. This book not only contains medical knowledge and encouragement, but comforting spiritual guidance to those who are suffering and in pain. With empathy and sincerity, he approaches each and every illness with an insight from someone who has seen others struggle and relates to others by sharing his own personal testimony after suffering a personal loss of his own. I really appreciated his candor and honesty in how he grappled with regaining balance through the same knowledge, experience and spiritual consolation he gives his readers. I believe his honest and open dialogue will bring a lot of comfort to many people who are in pain and enlighten those who want to help someone they love to feel happy and whole again.
I want to thank NetGalley and Ave Marie Press for an ARC of St. Dymphna’s Playbook - A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being by Tommy Tighe. “The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own”.
Unlike your typical self help books, Tommy Tinge takes a different approach when broaching the subject of mental health. His intent is to let the one who suffers know that they are not alone. There is often a stigma attached to people who suffer from mental illness and his goal is to remove that brand so people who suffer can feel free to discuss their problems and know there are others going through the same journey.
Each chapter is dedicated to a particular problem or illness someone may be having. For example, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, OCD or loneliness, are just a few of the many problems he tackles. He describes the symptoms of each illness or problem in detail and gives not only professional advice, but spiritual comfort as well. He includes how best to approach a problem based on how serious it is and assures us there is professional or medical help and spiritual consolation to be had. He also includes what the Bible says about a particular topic and also gives us examples of any saints that may have struggled with the same issue. This book not only contains medical knowledge and encouragement, but comforting spiritual guidance to those who are suffering and in pain. With empathy and sincerity, he approaches each and every illness with an insight from someone who has seen others struggle and relates to others by sharing his own personal testimony after suffering a personal loss of his own. I really appreciated his candor and honesty in how he grappled with regaining balance through the same knowledge, experience and spiritual consolation he gives his readers. I believe his honest and open dialogue will bring a lot of comfort to many people who are in pain and enlighten those who want to help someone they love to feel happy and whole again.
I want to thank NetGalley and Ave Marie Press for an ARC of St. Dymphna’s Playbook - A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being by Tommy Tighe. “The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own”.
December 2, 2021
Author and therapist Tommy Tighe states in the introduction that he wants us to feel heard, loved and supported as we work together to heal from mental health experiences. He accomplishes that and more in his book St. Dymphna's Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being.
The book is broken up in sections with different mental health and emotional experiences we might be living through and then the sub-chapters delve deeper into each one. The format of each chapter first talks about and defines the mental health issue of the chapter, then covers;
So What Do We Do?
Is there Healing and Relief Out There?
What the Bible Says about ….
What the Saints Say about ….
Summary
Closing Prayer
When I read a certain section and exact chapter that I have personally experienced the mental health topic, I felt heard, loved, and supported. Immediately, I knew I'm not alone. There are other good, solid people of faith who struggle with some of these things just like me. Tighe’s use of scripture reinforced that God recognizes my struggle and through the example of the Saints, he reminds me that they struggled as well and are now ready to intercede and pray for me. The closing prayer to that chapter is one I’ve heard over and over, but it now takes on new, deeper meaning for me.
Tighe discusses each topic with genuine care and concern. Reading the chapters covering mental health or emotional issues that I’ve not experienced gave me insight and understanding that is extremely helpful as I interact with people in my life who may be experiencing some of the topics he discussed. With the list of topics including Depression, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, and Relationships almost everyone will find a section or sub-chapter that will be helpful for themselves or a loved-one. St. Dymphna’s Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being
The book is broken up in sections with different mental health and emotional experiences we might be living through and then the sub-chapters delve deeper into each one. The format of each chapter first talks about and defines the mental health issue of the chapter, then covers;
So What Do We Do?
Is there Healing and Relief Out There?
What the Bible Says about ….
What the Saints Say about ….
Summary
Closing Prayer
When I read a certain section and exact chapter that I have personally experienced the mental health topic, I felt heard, loved, and supported. Immediately, I knew I'm not alone. There are other good, solid people of faith who struggle with some of these things just like me. Tighe’s use of scripture reinforced that God recognizes my struggle and through the example of the Saints, he reminds me that they struggled as well and are now ready to intercede and pray for me. The closing prayer to that chapter is one I’ve heard over and over, but it now takes on new, deeper meaning for me.
Tighe discusses each topic with genuine care and concern. Reading the chapters covering mental health or emotional issues that I’ve not experienced gave me insight and understanding that is extremely helpful as I interact with people in my life who may be experiencing some of the topics he discussed. With the list of topics including Depression, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, and Relationships almost everyone will find a section or sub-chapter that will be helpful for themselves or a loved-one. St. Dymphna’s Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being
July 19, 2023
I hadn’t heard of the author but the book description sounded fascinating. Tommy Tighe states that this is not meant to be a self-help book, rather he presents coping skills for various mental health experiences. It’s also an important reminder that we are not alone; others are suffering just like us. The author hopes that this book “will provide impetus for our Catholic Church to bring our mental health struggles out into the open without stigma and with a plan for moving forward … unafraid to walk with our sisters and brothers through their valley of tears”.
St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental illness and those who care for them. The ‘Introduction’ details her life story which is incredibly sad. I enjoyed reading the historical information. I especially like the chapter titles: ‘Lord, The One You Love Is …’. I found this a powerful prayer in itself - that’s before even delving into the chapters. Each chapter is dedicated to a different mental health experience: Depression; Anxiety; Trauma; Relationships; and Grief. Underneath each chapter title, there are four subheadings, each one contains a reflection, an explanation of the symptoms or diagnosis, practical and healthy coping skills, a brief explanation of what faith and the saints say about that particular experience, and a brief list of key chapter points. The chapters are followed by a Conclusion, Resources section and Notes.
I found the reading experience very moving and helpful. I highlighted many pages and passages in the book. The insights from a letter Mother Theresa wrote to her spiritual director is especially moving and heartbreaking. Because of this, I can identify with her in a new way and I find it amazing that St. Theresa of Calcutta is there for us too. Beautiful.
Overall, a very moving book that touches on an emotive, difficult and sensitive subject. The books message is very encouraging and the author brings comfort and reassurance that we are never alone. Help and hope are always out there. The holy saints suffered pain and mental anguish throughout their lives too.
St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental illness and those who care for them. The ‘Introduction’ details her life story which is incredibly sad. I enjoyed reading the historical information. I especially like the chapter titles: ‘Lord, The One You Love Is …’. I found this a powerful prayer in itself - that’s before even delving into the chapters. Each chapter is dedicated to a different mental health experience: Depression; Anxiety; Trauma; Relationships; and Grief. Underneath each chapter title, there are four subheadings, each one contains a reflection, an explanation of the symptoms or diagnosis, practical and healthy coping skills, a brief explanation of what faith and the saints say about that particular experience, and a brief list of key chapter points. The chapters are followed by a Conclusion, Resources section and Notes.
I found the reading experience very moving and helpful. I highlighted many pages and passages in the book. The insights from a letter Mother Theresa wrote to her spiritual director is especially moving and heartbreaking. Because of this, I can identify with her in a new way and I find it amazing that St. Theresa of Calcutta is there for us too. Beautiful.
Overall, a very moving book that touches on an emotive, difficult and sensitive subject. The books message is very encouraging and the author brings comfort and reassurance that we are never alone. Help and hope are always out there. The holy saints suffered pain and mental anguish throughout their lives too.
June 18, 2025
St. Dymphna’s Playbook by Tommy Tighe is an essential read for anyone battling severe depression and wrestling with questions about their Catholic faith, even as practicing Catholics. Tighe, a licensed therapist and devout Catholic, offers both professional insight and spiritual guidance throughout the book.
Why This Book Stands Out
Expertise and Empathy: Written by a licensed marriage and family therapist, the book combines clinical knowledge with Catholic wisdom, making it especially trustworthy for those seeking both mental health support and faith-based encouragement.
Scripture and Reflection: Tighe provides Bible passages and verses for readers to reflect on, offering comfort and hope to those in emotional pain.
Stories of the Saints: The book shares stories of saints who struggled with a range of mental health issues, including substance abuse, domestic violence, OCD, and more, showing readers they are not alone in their struggles.
Practical and Spiritual Help: Each chapter addresses specific mental health challenges, explains symptoms, and offers both therapeutic advice and spiritual consolation.
Who Should Read This Book
Catholics experiencing depression or other mental health issues
Anyone seeking to integrate faith and mental health care
Readers looking for stories of hope, healing, and real-life examples from saints who faced similar struggles.
St. Dymphna’s Playbook is a compassionate, practical guide for anyone seeking mental and emotional well-being through both faith and professional wisdom.
Why This Book Stands Out
Expertise and Empathy: Written by a licensed marriage and family therapist, the book combines clinical knowledge with Catholic wisdom, making it especially trustworthy for those seeking both mental health support and faith-based encouragement.
Scripture and Reflection: Tighe provides Bible passages and verses for readers to reflect on, offering comfort and hope to those in emotional pain.
Stories of the Saints: The book shares stories of saints who struggled with a range of mental health issues, including substance abuse, domestic violence, OCD, and more, showing readers they are not alone in their struggles.
Practical and Spiritual Help: Each chapter addresses specific mental health challenges, explains symptoms, and offers both therapeutic advice and spiritual consolation.
Who Should Read This Book
Catholics experiencing depression or other mental health issues
Anyone seeking to integrate faith and mental health care
Readers looking for stories of hope, healing, and real-life examples from saints who faced similar struggles.
St. Dymphna’s Playbook is a compassionate, practical guide for anyone seeking mental and emotional well-being through both faith and professional wisdom.
September 19, 2021
Often we feel steeped in fear, loneliness, feelings of exile, depression, or other mental illness from the evil one. It's not a romantic poem in a few short stanzas when it's a part of your daily life. This book is exactly what it sounds like: a playbook. Instructions for finding your way for a myriad of illnesses plaguing you or your loved ones.
I liken the book to a faithful complement to the DSM. Rather than cold descriptions, you have occasional anecdotes and real, spiritually practical solutions. The solutions are rooted in faith, prayer, scripture, and hope. Mental illness is real and it can feel like a dark room into which you've been dropped. But through the Church and scripture God reminds us our feelings aren't reliable.
If you or someone you love are struggling with anything related to mental illness (depression, anhedonia, irritability, fatigue, hopelessness, anxiety, self-consciousness, OCD, scrupulosity, trauma, relationship struggles of all kinds, grief, and more), pick up this book as a guideline to lead you out of the darkness and a way to figure out how to turn on the light.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liken the book to a faithful complement to the DSM. Rather than cold descriptions, you have occasional anecdotes and real, spiritually practical solutions. The solutions are rooted in faith, prayer, scripture, and hope. Mental illness is real and it can feel like a dark room into which you've been dropped. But through the Church and scripture God reminds us our feelings aren't reliable.
If you or someone you love are struggling with anything related to mental illness (depression, anhedonia, irritability, fatigue, hopelessness, anxiety, self-consciousness, OCD, scrupulosity, trauma, relationship struggles of all kinds, grief, and more), pick up this book as a guideline to lead you out of the darkness and a way to figure out how to turn on the light.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2021
I have followed Tommy Tighe from way back in Catholic Twitter, and when the good people at NetGalley and Ave Maria Press gave me the chance to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review, I jumped at the chance.
The format of this book is straightforward and clear - different aspects of mental health are put forward, reviewed and then looked at from the perspective of the Bible and the Saints. Bullet points for main themes and steps to take for progress in healing are included.
The real brilliance of this book shines through in the sharing of experiences from Tighe's life and the life of the Saints. After all, the main takeaway from this book is that we need to talk about mental health and help remove the stigma around the discussion. As a Catholic community, we are called to care for each other, to pray for each other, and how can we do all of that if we don't talk to each other? Tighe proposes this question beautifully.
Definitely pick up a copy, heck, pick up a few - share them liberally with those around you, and then, sit down and really, truly - talk!
The format of this book is straightforward and clear - different aspects of mental health are put forward, reviewed and then looked at from the perspective of the Bible and the Saints. Bullet points for main themes and steps to take for progress in healing are included.
The real brilliance of this book shines through in the sharing of experiences from Tighe's life and the life of the Saints. After all, the main takeaway from this book is that we need to talk about mental health and help remove the stigma around the discussion. As a Catholic community, we are called to care for each other, to pray for each other, and how can we do all of that if we don't talk to each other? Tighe proposes this question beautifully.
Definitely pick up a copy, heck, pick up a few - share them liberally with those around you, and then, sit down and really, truly - talk!
May 28, 2022
This is a great primer on what to actually do for mental and emotional wellness. It's not just "go to therapy" (society's go-to answer), or "pray about it" (the Christian's answer). The answer includes a little of both, depending on the severity: bring it to God, but also seek help. It's normal, we all experience something, and it encourages you to talk about it.
It's divided into easily-digestable sections, describing the symptoms for each illness (depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.) and how to cope. It actually explains what the Bible says about it, which is more than "do not fear." It also introduces saints who have struggled with these issues, most of which I'd never heard of before, so it was great to learn about some lesser-known Catholics through Church history.
This is a book to reference from time to time, not only for yourself but a guidebook to helping others as well.
It's divided into easily-digestable sections, describing the symptoms for each illness (depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.) and how to cope. It actually explains what the Bible says about it, which is more than "do not fear." It also introduces saints who have struggled with these issues, most of which I'd never heard of before, so it was great to learn about some lesser-known Catholics through Church history.
This is a book to reference from time to time, not only for yourself but a guidebook to helping others as well.
April 19, 2022
This is a useful resource that works more like a reference book than something you’d read cover-to-cover. Tighe breaks down different categories of mental illness into particular symptoms/manifestations of them, offering practices to help overcome them. He also looks to saints and Scripture to demonstrate that mental illness is not an obstacle to being a faithful Catholic.
Each section is quite brief so it’s more of a springboard to look deeper into the range of issues discussed, but I found it helpful to identify some of my experiences under diagnoses that are different to mine (e.g. I recognised some of the symptoms of OCD and grief even though those are not what I’m experiencing).
Each section is quite brief so it’s more of a springboard to look deeper into the range of issues discussed, but I found it helpful to identify some of my experiences under diagnoses that are different to mine (e.g. I recognised some of the symptoms of OCD and grief even though those are not what I’m experiencing).
December 18, 2022
I’ve read over 140 books this year on a range of topics, but this one combines so many aspects of my life into one place. I am happy to read a book that actually acknowledges that those with true mental illness sometimes need more than to pray about it, or talk about it. Medication has played a huge part in getting me to where I am now. But so has prayer and talking about it. At Dymphna will be my confirmation Saint and after reading this book and learning a little about her life I think I made a good choice.
May 29, 2024
This book is a breath of fresh air in the world of mental health and the Catholic church. It provides real life examples of people struggling, ideas that can help and saint quotes. It never belittled mental health struggles nor suggested to just trust God more and pray. This is a must have for those who work in the Church.
August 22, 2025
Exceptional Read!
This is a very comprehensive book about various types of mental illnesses strongly I highly recommend this book for persons who have mental illnesses, their loved ones, and Church members and clergy who are there to help support them. from one condition to the next in small.
This is a very comprehensive book about various types of mental illnesses strongly I highly recommend this book for persons who have mental illnesses, their loved ones, and Church members and clergy who are there to help support them. from one condition to the next in small.
November 20, 2021
I received an advance copy of, St. Dymphna's Playbook, by Tommy Tighe. This is a very good book about mental illness. We are not alone in our suffering, God and the Catholic Church is with us.
May 4, 2022
Good balance of clinical and spiritual guidance.
July 5, 2022
A beautiful, lovely book that everyone should read and appreciate- not just those interested in mental health and are Catholic.
July 24, 2022
Flew through this in just a few hours — practical yet still so beautiful, and truly inspiring to read about all the saints & their own struggles. Continued prayers for challenging the mental health stigma in our Church and the whole world! St. Dymphna, pray for us!
March 13, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up.
July 4, 2025
Fr. Brian gave me this book to read. Just reading a chapter a day, but feel confident in giving it 5 stars. I feel validated and seen.
May 20, 2025
I consider this book a step in the right direction, even if it does not reach the finish line.
The title of this book takes its name from the Catholic patron saint of mental illness. In this book, Tommy Tighe discusses mental illness from the perspective of a Catholic therapist. The chapters are divided into various topics which someone might discuss in therapy, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, etc.
Among the various mental illnesses which Tighe specifically discusses in this book, I feel that the omission of eating disorders was a glaring oversight. Tighe missed an opportunity to discuss the challenges that Catholics with eating disorders can face with regards to traditional religious fasts (for example, in Lent) and the many Catholic saints throughout the Middle Ages who struggled to curb their own fasting practices when ordered to do so.
Another concerning omission is that, in his chapters discussing relationship difficulties, Tighe falls short of directly advocating that victims of abuse and domestic violence leave their marriages.
All that being said, I still see value in this book as an introduction to a topic which many parishes are hesitant to address at all. I was also grateful to see specific mental illnesses addressed (such as OCD) which are often left out of conversations about mental health.
The title of this book takes its name from the Catholic patron saint of mental illness. In this book, Tommy Tighe discusses mental illness from the perspective of a Catholic therapist. The chapters are divided into various topics which someone might discuss in therapy, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, etc.
Among the various mental illnesses which Tighe specifically discusses in this book, I feel that the omission of eating disorders was a glaring oversight. Tighe missed an opportunity to discuss the challenges that Catholics with eating disorders can face with regards to traditional religious fasts (for example, in Lent) and the many Catholic saints throughout the Middle Ages who struggled to curb their own fasting practices when ordered to do so.
Another concerning omission is that, in his chapters discussing relationship difficulties, Tighe falls short of directly advocating that victims of abuse and domestic violence leave their marriages.
All that being said, I still see value in this book as an introduction to a topic which many parishes are hesitant to address at all. I was also grateful to see specific mental illnesses addressed (such as OCD) which are often left out of conversations about mental health.
April 12, 2023
Hope for the Hopeless
I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years. I've also experienced times of grief, abandonment, abuse and the joy that only comes from God! This book offered a lot of insight and practical applications as well as spiritual guidance from real life experience. I'm currently in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and found some very helpful descriptions to name some of my feelings and a sense of Hope for the future.
I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years. I've also experienced times of grief, abandonment, abuse and the joy that only comes from God! This book offered a lot of insight and practical applications as well as spiritual guidance from real life experience. I'm currently in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and found some very helpful descriptions to name some of my feelings and a sense of Hope for the future.
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