I'm Not Supposed to Feel Like This: A Christian Approach to Depression and Anxiety (Hodder Christian Books) [Paperback]

Depression is so common that it has been described as 'the common cold of psychiatry'. It is particularly difficult for Christians - there is often a feeling that Christians 'shouldn't' get depressed, and that it and anxiety are the result of a poor or damaged relationship with God.



I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE THIS is an empowering and practical response to such common feelings. In the style of a workbook, with constant reference to the Bible, and the example of Jesus, it helps the reader to understand why they feel the way they do, and to draw on God's love and grace to find a path through depression and anxiety.



The authors are all Christians, and experienced counsellors and psychiatrists.

About I'm Not Supposed to Feel Like This ...
Depression and anxiety are common problems both in general society and also within the Church. Psychiatric problems can cause particular problems for Christians. Many Christians and some Church workers think that as Christians we "shouldn’t" get depressed and that psychiatric problems are the result of a poor or damaged relationship with God. Far from being a powerful tool for healing it is often the case that sometimes the Church is part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

This book is written for Christians who find that they are feeling depressed and/or anxious, and also for their fellow Christians and Church workers so that they can offer more effective and helpful support. We hope that it will provide a useful resource for Clergy and lay leaders, pastoral and ministry team members and Christian counselling and support teams.

The authors believe that insights from the psychiatric profession, the Bible and the Christian pastoral profession have much to teach about worry, fear and depression and should be valuable resources for those experiencing these common problems. The book uses a self-help method that provides a clearly presented step-by-step approach to overcoming anxiety and depression. It uses the proven Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approach in a way that is fully compatible with a Christian faith and practice.

Contents.
· What I think affects how I feel and what I do.
· Understanding Depression and anxiety.
· Overcoming depression and anxiety.
· Tackling practical problems.
· What about Psychiatry?
· How can the Church support those who are distressed?
· Maintaining a walk with God when depressed or anxious.
· Help for church leaders.

Finally, we hope and pray that this book will provide a source of information and encouragement for those who read it.

Chris Williams is Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow, and author of five previous books including OVERCOMING DEPRESSION - a non-religious equivalent of this book published by Arnold.
Ingrid Whitton is a consultant psychiatrist in Leeds.
Paul Richards is Pastor of Lister Hill Baptist Church, Leeds, and an expert in pastoral care.