Depression is an extremely common form of mental illness and can affect anyone from childhood right through to old age. This condition may impact individuals very differently and is at times particularly hard for those with a faith to understand in terms of how their beliefs relate to depression.
Lockley's book helps to tackle how faith and a person's set of beliefs are very rarely the cause of depression and the book answers many questions to be discussed:
- About the Author
- Who is 'A Practical Workbook For The Depressed Christian' aimed at?
- Part one: Basics about depression
- Part two: Understanding why depression happens and treatment issues
- Part three: Faith and depression
- Part four: What helps and hinders depression recovery
Author Dr John Lockley
Author of 'A Practical Workbook For The Depressed Christian' Dr John Lockley studied medicine at Cambridge University and has worked as a GP in the UK for over thirty years. Lockley frequently writes for both the medical and lay press and is involved in broadcasting. In addition, Lockley leads seminars about depression in Christians and has written several factual and fictional books.
Who is 'A Practical Workbook For The Depressed Christian' aimed at?
Although one may argue the clue is in the title, in addition to Christians who have or are currently experiencing depression there are many others who may also benefit from reading the book. Anyone who is married to, friends with or related to a depression sufferers will find this a valuable resource to understanding the illness better.
Those who work within the church, particularly in terms of pastoral care and prayer ministry will benefit from the Christian perspective throughout the book and the advice on how the church may either help or hinder a person's recovery from depression.
Part One: Basics About Depression
This first section of the book provides an insightful overview of depression and includes key information on the following issues: understanding Christians with depression, causes, symptoms and treatment options. Medication such as the role of antidepressants and the value of undertaking talking treatments such as forms of psychotherapy are also explored in detail.
Part Two: Why Depression Happen and Treatment Issues
Part two focuses on factors relating to depression such as levels of stress, an individual's circumstances, lack of sleep, social isolation, loss or bereavement, anger and upbringing/childhood experiences.
Key skills used to help manage and overcome depression and increase a person's self-esteem and self-confidence are also explored including assertiveness training.
Part Three: Faith and Depression
This section tackles the core issues relating to the Christian faith and the condition, focusing on understanding emotions and feelings troubling many individuals affected by depression such as guilt and shame.
Part Four: What Helps and Hinders Depression Recovery
This final section is possibly the most helpful of the book as it provides anyone impacted either directly or indirectly through another's depression with a whole range of ways to help and most importantly what to avoid. The Church has a key role in reaching out to those affected by depression both within and outside the fellowship and Lockley offers clear, concise advice on how best to support such people.
Lockley, J. (2005) A Practical Workbook For The Depressed Christian Milton Keynes: Authentic Media
ISBN: 1-86024-226-X
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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