Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach

by Kathryn J. Hermes

Book Overview

How would it feel to live through periods of emotional fragility and be surrounded by a supportive community, get up most mornings believing your life has meaning, and be confident that Jesus... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0819870773
• ISBN13: 9780819870773
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Pauline Books & Media
• Length: 145 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

It's like my therapist + Spritual Director in a book!

I stumbled upon this book about a few weeks after I was diagnosed with clinical depression & anxiety disorder. It was (and still is) a gift from God. Sr. Katherine poignantly admits that she is neither a mental health professional, nor a theologian, and offers tangible advice, guidance, and support from someone who has "been there". Throughout my journey, I have gone back to this book for guidance & practical tips. Each chapter also ends with suggestions not only for the person who is depressed, but also suggestions & tips for family & friends of those going through this journey. My mom bought the book & said it was helpful for her to understand what depression does to a person. My therapist is wonderful, but Sr. Katherine provides the very necessary guidance on how depression impacts your Christian life. I also highly reccomend the supporting book "Prayers for surviving depression" - I keep that book in my purse & often flip to some of the Psalms referenced to help center me during a busy day.

Amazingly GREAT!

My mother found this book and after 20 years of dealing with MY depression, she finally understands. This book was a miracle for me. It is great for the person suffering from depression because it gives a great "plan of action." However, it is SUPERB for those not depressed who are around the depressed person. The author is sincere and insightful. You can't help, but like her. I also like the fact that she does not just say: Going To Catholic Mass is the only answer. She understands that depression is only treated through ATTEMPTS and FAILURES at "healing" the mind, body, and spirit.

Return to the Church and beat depression and medication

Excellent book by a nun who was bipolar. She gives a three step approach to combating depression: 1.) Return to the Church: At least continual Mass, Confession, and Eucharist, see a priest, and proper prayer - this will strengthen your soul; 2.) Go to regular therapy 3.) Medication, if still necessary. I have followed her guidelines and have made the most improvement in many years compared to solely medicine regimes. Short, easy to read, and enlightening. If you consider yourself a Catholic/Christian and have been away from the Church, not practicing your religion, and have had problems with depression/bipolar - this book will give you a whole new prospective and approach to combating this horrible condition they call depression.

Excellent "how-to" for dealing with depression!

This is an excellent book for those who consider themselves to have a strong faith (or used to) but are currently struggling with depression. One thing she recommends is to find a spiritual guide, someone to help discern between the depression and Sin, as well as to help relearning to trust God and believe in God's faithfulness. And yes she gives advice on how to identify such a person.You don't need to be Catholic to understand this book, only to have a depression and a faith that could use some support during these struggles.I ordered it directly from http://www.pauline.org/store and received it within a week at my house.