Customer Reviews

Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach

5 star:		(7)
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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

I have been suffering from depression some 20+ years and so when I saw this book I thought how wonderful it would be to combine spirituality with other tools to help one overcome depression.

As I read the book I do admit to feeling disappointed by it... The exercises and meditations are good for those suffering with short-term light depression but if you are someone that suffers from a deep depression then this is not the book for you.

I can't knock the author for her attempt at wanting to help others cope with depression by way of spirituality. For that she gets my utmost respect.

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.

Although this book states the obvious much of the time, it also has gems that go a long way in assisting those who suffer from Depression and want out. Or, at least if they can't get out, find a way to make the survival of depression possible. I recommend this book to all suffers and those who have someone in their families/work/wherever that are depressed. It gives info about the illness and is a how-to for those who who seek to assist the depressed as best they can. One enduring gem is stating what NOT to say to the depressed. Yes, purchase and read.

Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach is hands down one of the best books I've ever read on depression, especially as it relates to faith, spirituality, and God's love. This book's most valuable asset is that it is written by a God-centered woman who has lived with depression herself and ministered to countless others along the way.

This easy-to-read and absorb book includes stories about many women and men who have spent years caught in the downward spiral of depression, however, through the grace of God and love of others, they've kept going. Though usually not completely cured, these are individuals who have gone on to share what they've experienced and learned about healing with others dipping dangerously into the pit of despair.

A plethora of books address the clinical and medical aspects of the illness, but they don't ever get into what it actually feels like to be in the depths of emotional darkness and spiritual suffering that are often associated with depression. This volume offers wisdom, compassion, and an empathetic approach for the person with the illness as well as gems of wisdom for those who love and care for and about him or her.

For quite some time, my husband and I have both admired Scripture reflections and related modern-day stories we've read by author Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP. We've often come across her writing in the Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions. For a while I've had her name in mind as an author to research and find out what else she's written.
My mom recommended this book to me months ago, but at the time I wasn't ready to read it. For some reason, God often leads me to select the right book to read at the right time. Fortunately for me, several months after the fact, my mom still had the copy of Surviving Depression in the trunk of her car.

The suggestions for those suffering from the illness as well as for the family and friends of the person with depression are practical, manageable, and very insightful. Any number of websites and books list the symptoms of depression and the basic suggestions for managing it, treating it, and working through it, but few are written with as much intimacy and compassion from the author and her experience in carrying this particular cross with the help of the Lord.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is suffering from depression or loves someone struggling with this very common illness.

I cannot say enough. I have just started to read this book and i have found it to be very helpful and insightful. If you are riding the fence on this one, don't, purchase it. You will not regret it.

It is a little different than what I expected. This is not the fault of the author.