Customer Reviews

Getting Over the Blues: A Woman's Guide to Fighting Depression

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Christian counselor Leslie Vernick says statistics indicate one in five women will experience clinical depression in her lifetime. Many others will experience the "blues" that don't involve the cluster of symptoms of "clinical depression." That adds up to many, many women who will benefit from this book-if not for their own needs, then for those of people they love. The book's title doesn't do justice to the comprehensive look Vernick takes at a woman's emotional life. Twenty years ago, Jean Lush helped women realize the role their bodies' hormonal phases played in their emotional well-being. Vernick goes beyond that to consider the package of factors that weigh on women and push some into various definitions of depression. Her book comes with a warning: See a doctor and a counselor if you are having problems which might be depression. But she also provides a great deal of self-help measures to help women identify and circumvent the problems that can sabotage emotional well-being. Following each chapter and titled "First Steps," they make this book one that can't be read and shelved. To derive full benefit you need to follow through on her suggestions, which include such things as journaling. Leslie's writing is personal and warm, and you get the impression that she really cares about you, the invisible person who has bought this book, possibly desperate for the help it offers.

Leslie Vernick writes from experience a book that explains profoundly, yet warmly, not only the sources of depression, but steps to take in overcoming it. She does not discount the enormous feelings associated with depression, nor sugar-coat how serious depression can affect one. Rather, she leads sufferers gently to how thoughts and beliefs keep us from authentic living, causing a spiral into depression. Then she shows how crucial it is to know God's truth in order to counteract the lies we believe. Ultimately, Leslie Vernick gives hope in how depression can be used in one's life for good. As a speaker and writer I will recommend many to read this book for hope and healing.Soar Unafraid: Learning to Trust No Matter What

Leslie offers solid guidance to depressed women and those who want to help them. She successfully avoids the "easy answers" by recognizing the complexity of what it means to be a fallen person living in a fallen world while upholding the central truth that the love of Christ speaks to all of our experiences and sufferings. Getting over the Blues is straight-forward, sensitively written, and is laced with concrete, practical goals. Its accessibility makes it a useful tool for pastor, counselor, friends, as well as the depressed sufferer.

Winston Smith
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation
ccef.org

The back cover copy of Leslie Vernick's book starts with these words: Things are not hopeless... You are not helpless... You are not worthless... According to Leslie, a licensed clinical social worker, one in five women will experience clinical depression in her lifetime and when she does, feelings of worthlessness and helplessness can penetrate every area of her life. Getting Over the Blues is one of the most hopeful books about a subject Christians often shy away from. Leslie's writing is personal, practical, informative, and, most of all, filled with hope. This is a must read for counselors, pastors, those who are experiencing depression, or anyone who cares about someone who needs to understand that God wants her to feel normal and joyful.

Dr. Leslie Vernick has written a book that is the most practical and well-balanced book I've seen on depression. It is compassionate, honest, and founded on her vast experience as a family counselor, but is also biblically encouraging.

This is a book I will recommend to pastors, to friends, to loved ones, and to anyone who needs a promising resource to help in the fight against depression.

Leslie Vernick has written this book with her heart and soul. This is not a typical self-helf glossy book, but a gentle read that is like walking and talking with a professional who is holding your hand. Our culture may teach us that becoming depressed is our own fault, that we must never admit to being depressed, and we must simply pull ourselves out of it. The Christian culture might even suggest to us that if we are straight with God, we'd not be depressed either. But Vernick dispells those lies and gives practical help to her readers.

Thank you Leslie for your sensitive and insightful approach to the subject of depression in women. You have shown us how to recognize it in ourselves, and helped us feel normal though we're "blue" at times. I especially appreciated your insights on viewing depression and other moods through the lense of relationship, since as women we are relational beings. A great read for all women!

Leslie Vernick is a very good christian writer and I have several of her books. This is another good one that I recommend if you suffer from the blues as well all do from time to time. This has a new title now and a new cover.

Leslie Vernick speaks the truth about depression--from God's Word and from her compassionate Christian counselor's heart. She provides solid teaching that helps you get at root issues of depression so that you can step out of the dark places and into the light. As someone who lived under the hold of depresssion for more than twenty years, I believe this book is the best investment you can make toward healing.