What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do: Discouragement & Depression

by Henry Cloud

A New series inspired by the incredible success of "What to do When You Don't Know What to Do."

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Counselling

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.

As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book through a website that gives book recommendations on depression for Christians. Relatively short in length, the content was delivered thoroughly, that was rich with direct passages & analysis from the Bible. Oftentimes in Christian books, I see authors trying to forcefully create their own interpretation of the Bible to match their personal stories. This puts at a high risk for inaccuracy, causing readers to be mislead and confused. Understanding and analyzing the Bible in great detail requires the Holy Spirit to work within certain individuals, and Dr. Cloud is one of them.
One thing I wanted to point out is that the chapters need to be reorganized. The later chapters should be placed at the beginning, and the beginning in the end, since the reasons for depression were discussed before defining what depression is. Other than that, I feel blessed to have come across this book highly recommend this to everyone (even those without depression).

[Elizabeth Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written to help people and especially Christians to understand about the depression that they are dealing with. The authors, Henry Cloud and John Townsend, give some very practical advice about how you can think about and try to figure out which type of depression that you have. The authors ask some really great questions that were very thought provoking and they helped me to really think about my depression and some of the causes of my depression. The authors do not try to give advice and professional advice, they just suggest that if you think that you might need to seek out a counselor then you should do this. The authors also often use Bible verses to help you to find your way around depression and how these verses can help you to focus on the word of God and to help start you on your journey of health, healing and wholeness. I would highly recommend this book, if you would like to learn more about depression and discouragement.

[Lia Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will admit, for others this could be a great book, but for me it was something my dad made me read at 11 when I was struggling for anxiety. This is for adults- don’t force your kids to read it because at their age they will not be able to fully understand it. This is not the book for a teenage girl figuring out there emotions, it is for adults who are struggling with depression.

[Jane E.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provking on the questions of christians dealing with depression.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and encouraging

This book is very helpful and encouraging, with God we can get thru anything, even when it feels like we are alone and overwhelmed.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who is experiencing real depression, it is extremely difficult to adequately describe what's going on inside your heart and mind, especially to someone who has never dealt with depression themselves.
While reading this book, I felt as though some had open up my heart and mind, swirled things around a bit to see what was there, and then succinctly wrote down everything that I've never been able to find words for. I find that saddening and freeing at the same time. It saddens me because no one should ever have to feel this way, but it is amazingly encouraging because the fact that this book exists and lays out exactly what I've been going through means that someone out there GETS IT and understands how to help those of us that are in the throes of seemingly inescapable depression.
In the 80 pages of this book, the authors give understandable and relatable examples, explanations, and advice about depression and discouragement. They never once belittle, dismiss, or condemn but instead comfort, encourage, and engage the reader. Along with their own support, the authors include numerous scripture references for the reader to study in order to help draw oneself into a deeper relation with God as a means to overcome one's depression.
A close friend gave this to me and I'm so grateful that she did. I've read it straight through once and I plan to go back and read a second time while delving into the scriptures and studying them as they relate to my struggles and how I can overcome. I think this book may have a very serious positive effect on my life.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good primer book for people suffering from depression. It has short paragraphs and short chapters: a good thing for depressed people with brain fog. Part two of this book is fantastic and should be read by anyone wanting to better understand the experience of depression.

[Mark Manderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read with some good little pieces of advice.