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D is for depression

With a capital D

D IS FOR DEPRESSION
By Michael Lawson
Christian Focus. 236 pages. £6.99
ISBN 1 84550 151 9

D is for Depression is based on Michael Lawson’s earlier book, Facing Depression. It could be read through very quickly, but as the author points out, the most benefit will be gained by those who take time to work through it thoroughly and prayerfully.

The book is divided into five sections which, if used as suggested, should lead to an increased understanding of both general and personal issues. It would be suitable to give to a depressed person, but also contains much valuable information for those who are trying to help.

Different types of depression are clearly described, and encouragement is given to seek medical help when needed. This is not a superficial book of easy answers, but the style of writing is accessible and models a sympathetic, non-condemnatory approach. Suggestions for coping with both real and imagined guilt will be especially helpful where this is a prominent symptom. Many Christians feel that they should not be depressed, and the detailed analysis of several biblical examples of different types of depression may correct this misunderstanding.

If used as thoughtfully as it is written, this book could be a great blessing both to sufferers and their carers. However, it goes further than this: Michael Lawson challenges Christians to love and care for others in such a way that, ‘…many problems that people face daily in their lives, which sometimes grow to pathological proportions, [can be] stemmed early on…’

Liz Cheesman,
worships at Cairns Road Baptist Church, Bristol,
and works as a psychiatrist