New Light on Depression: Help, Hope, and Answers for the Depressed and Those Who Love Them [Paperback]

David B. Biebel (Author), Harold George Koenig (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 23, 2003

Moving Back toward Wholeness What is depression, really? A psychological disorder? An emotional problem? A case of negative self-talk? A spiritual weakness? Unresolved anger? A medical condition? How can it be successfully treated? Whether you need a lifeline to cling to, knowledge to clear confusion, help determining the next step, or strength to help a loved one, New Light on Depression offers hope and healing. With understanding born of personal and professional experience, the authors---one a psychiatrist and the other a minister---untangle the web of depression, guiding you through * an understanding of depression * myths and misunderstandings * symptoms and diagnoses * causes and treatments * spiritual struggles and gifts of grace Written for those who suffer from depression and those who want to help---family members, pastors, friends---this book equips you with the knowledge and tools to move toward a life of joy once more. It covers the full range of concerns, including the use of antidepressants. With personal applications, questions for reflection, and evaluation guides, New Light on Depression is a medically reliable and biblically sound resource for finding faith and strength in the midst of depression and emerging again whole and healthy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Moving Back toward Wholeness

What is depression, really? A psychological disorder? An emotional problem? A case of negative self-talk? A spiritual weakness? Unresolved anger? A medical condition? How can it be successfully treated?

Whether you need a lifeline to cling to, knowledge to clear confusion, help determining the next step, or strength to help a loved one, New Light on Depression offers hope and healing. With understanding born of personal and professional experience, the authors—one a psychiatrist and the other a minister—untangle the web of depression, guiding you through • an understanding of depression • myths and misunderstandings • symptoms and diagnoses • causes and treatments • spiritual struggles and gifts of grace

Written for those who suffer from depression and those who want to help—family members, pastors, friends—this book equips you with the knowledge and tools to move toward a life of joy once more. It covers the full range of concerns, including the use of antidepressants. With personal applications, questions for reflection, and evaluation guides, New Light on Depression is a medically reliable and biblically sound resource for finding faith and strength in the midst of depression and emerging again whole and healthy.

About the Author

David B. Biebel, holds the Doctor of Ministry degree in Personal Wholeness from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored or co-authored more than a dozen books, including New Light on Depression; Jonathan, You Left Too Soon, If God Is So Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad? plus the companion volume How to Help a Heartbroken Friend. He resides in Colorado.

Harold G. Koenig, MD, is board certified in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and geriatric medicine. A professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and associate professor of medicine at Duke University, he is founder and director of the Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health at that institution. Dr. Koenig has published extensively in the fields of mental health, geriatrics, and religion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (December 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310247292
• ISBN-13: 978-0310247296
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David B. Biebel holds the Doctor of Ministry degree in Personal Wholeness from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored or co-authored more than a dozen books, including New Light on Depression; Jonathan, You Left Too Soon, If God Is So Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad? plus the companion volume How to Help a Heartbroken Friend. His more recent books (all co-authored) include: 70 Ways to Beat 70; Simple Health; 50 Ways to Feel Great Today, The Transforming Power of Story, and Your Mind at It's Best (Jan, 2011). He is the publisher of Healthy Life Press (www.healthylifepress.com).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars New Light On Depression March 1, 2005

By Felicia Johnson

Format:Paperback

Finally! A book with a medical point of view and a religious one. This book is by far my favorite book on depression. It is easy to read and dispels the myths associated with mental illness. I would recommend anyone with a mental illness read this book. It's not only for people with depression. I have a hard time putting it down, once I start reading it. This would also be a good book for some religious leaders to read who think mental illness can be controlled by prayers alone. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter are helpful also.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! August 19, 2005

By D. Spichke

Format:Paperback

This is one of the few books that I have read by a Christian author that talks about how medication can help depression, rather than relying on prayer alone. I have gotten a lot of comfort from this book in knowing that I am not alone and that medication may be medically necessary at times and doesn't mean that one is a bad Christian. Anyone who suffers from clinical depression and their family members should read this book.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rare Combination February 26, 2006

By Robert W. Kellemen

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

"New Light on Depression" offers a rare combination--medically reliable research and biblically sound insight. Co-author David Biebel uses his theological training to explore "faith, hope, and love" as a model for facing depression; while co-author Harold Koenig uses his training as a psychiatrist and researcher to probe biological and medical elements of depression. The end result is a well-written, easy-to-read wholistic volume on the causes, cure, and care of depression. Of course, given their integration of biblical principles and secular science, they will likely be criticized by folks on either extreme. However, for a well-reasoned, balanced, and up-to-date analysis of depression, this is a great place to begin.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."