A Practical Workbook for the Depressed Christian [Paperback]

I borrowed this book from a local theological library and decided to buy it. The author is an evangelical Christian and a GP. What I find helpful from a Christian perspective is the busting of some typical Christian "folk myths" such as "If you are depressed, there must be something wrong with your spiritual life" and "Guilt is always sent from the Holy Spirit and is always good for us" and "Psychology is from the devil, all you need is God".

Five main subject areas are addressed in this book:

1)"Some basics": causes, symptoms and treatment of depression.

2)"Why am I like this? And What Can I Do About it?": including things like stress, loneliness, breavement, anger, to name but a few.

3)"Why Me, Lord?": including a section on guilt.

4)"Helping and Healing": How NOT to help, how to ask for help from family and friends, what the church shouldn't do and sometimes does.

For the Christian who may be suspicious of such "unChristian and secular ideas" as self-esteem, this book will help you understand why disliking oneself and feeling powerless (two frequent self-images of depressed people) are actually NOT what God wants for his children.

As a Christian sufferer of depression, I was apprehensive picking up yet another book on the subject. Although it promises not to repeat all the usual "You just ought to pray more" type of unhelpful advice, I was sure the book would be heavy-going and add to my burdens yet more things I ought to be doing.

But, right from the first pages this book just glows with warmth and understanding. The author points out that reading large chunks may be too much when you are depressed. The first of his "exercises" is a great relief - basically stop trying so hard: don't pray tonight unless you really really want to, and don't feel guilty!

That is not to say that Christian ideals are compromised - not at all. A great many issues, including sexuality, bereavement, anger, fear, even the "Unforgivable Sin", are tackled in a way which is theologically sound while also being very loving and caring. The topics which can be a source of guilt to the depressed person are not dodged but are dealt with in an intelligent and understanding way.

The central theme is that depression is an illness, not a sin, and may in fact be God's way of preparing someone for work ahead. Besides that, it is an immensely practical book. I suggest you buy several copies, not just for yourself and your church library, but so that every time a Christian friend is diagnosed with depression you can send them one. It will be much appreciated!

A counsellor friend of mine who recommends this book says his counselees, "either love the book or they throw it across the room." Interestingly I loved the book but at same time I did make it impact the far wall at least twice.

This book is very, very good! Don't judge it by its cover, which is about as welcoming as the doormen outside the 'Skull and Anvil.' Its black, creepy cover would look more at home on the front of a Stephen King novel. More befitting would be at photograph of a field of smiley-faced sunflowers. If you are depressed and can't concentrate please don't be intimidated by its encyclopaedic thickness - you are not supposed to read it all. Just read the first 2 chapters if that is all you can manage because they are like a hug, a warm blanket and a mug of hot soup on a dark, cold day. Lockley throughout the book concentrates on God's love and compassion for those suffering from what he describes can be "the nearest thing to Hell on Earth."

Dr John Lockley, a G.P., has had years of experience treating depression, giving talks on the subject and praying with people. Not only is he medically well qualified to write about the subject but also having recovered from deep depression himself he knows first hand what he is talking about.

I remember being told when I was working for a Christian charity that the boss would sack me if I told him I was depressed. It has been said that the Church is the only army that shoots it's own wounded; "Don't you know that real Christians don't get depressed!" "You should be full of peace and joy!" "Pull yourself together!" "I prayed for you last week and you are still not better. Obviously you have not got enough faith or you have some unconfessed sin in your life!" "Repent and stop feeling sorry for yourself." Some of these things have been said to me, and at the time they were about as comforting and appropriate as a sharp blow to the head. With comments like these it is no wonder Lockley quotes a psychiatrist friend who said it generally takes longer for Christians to get better. Their faith, rather than helping, becomes a hindrance. Lockley demolishes these damaging comments that the depressed Christian often receives and the off beam theology that lies behind them. Instead he applies a soothing balm that helps the Christian comes to terms with their illness, understand it whilst revealing positive ways forwards.

Having experienced depression myself and having read quite a bit about it I thought I had a pretty good understanding. Clearly I didn't! I found the book to be full of quite literally jaw dropping insights, such as the table on pg. 54 that compares the symptoms of depression in Non-Christians with those in Christians. It beautifully explained many of the spiritual problems I was/am having.

Lockley does a comprehensive job in dealing with the many and varied reasons behind depression. He looks at the various treatments available, discussing medicines, counselling and talking therapies. There are amongst others chapters on stress, anger, fear, guilt, sleep problems, emotions, loneliness, and bereavement. In particular there is a very refreshing, detailed, no holds barred chapter on sex and sexuality. He looks at where God is in the depression and what His reasons may be for letting it occur, before going on to look at ways forward out of it.

There are some excellent chapters on how spouses, family, friends and church should help and more importantly should not help. I particularly recommend that every counsellor should read these. For the Christian counsellor it has some interesting insights into how apparently encouraging Bible passages, pictures and prophesy can be badly received/interpreted by the depressed person. At the end of each chapter there are well thought out exercises designed to help change thinking and behaviour, suggestions for biblical study and practical things that the depressed person can do to help themselves.

I have only two minor criticisms of Lockley. The first is his bias toward psychotherapy, which is not easily available and can be damaging when done badly. My second concerns his chapter on 'Early life and parental influences,' which I feel he could have gone into in more detail.

I must warn that reading the book will not suddenly bring an end to your depression. However, at the very least it should, provide comfort, a better understanding and a way forward. The book is not without its challenges and as I said more than once it was thrown across the room when I came across some thought-provoking, uncomfortable truths. Overall though, it is far from the 'pull yourself together and repent' (nouthetic) material I have previously had the misfortune to read. Lockley deserves 9 out of 10 for the book. Please read it!