Book Thoughts by Rachelle:
I started reading this book about 6 months after my husband died by suicide. I read in bite-size segments because all that my grief-stricken brain could handle at the time, but everything I read was comforting and enlightening. They say that knowledge is power, but it is also comforting. Because of the intensive research that Jane Johnson did for this book, she was able to provide solace to my wounded heart and mind.
I thought that I understood depression, but I didn’t–not really. The experiences shared from Jane and many others helped me to peer through the kaleidoscope of depression. From the perspective of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints it was profoundly instructive. I began to understand things that I had never comprehended before, especially how so many people have difficulty feeling the spirit or feeling close to God while suffering from depression.
Everyone can benefit by reading this book. Even if you think you don’t know anyone suffering from depression, I can guarantee that you do–they just haven’t told you or perhaps they don’t even know how to name the depths of their suffering. Read this book. Talk about this book and pass it along so that maybe we can raise our voices loud enough to help people understand that we DON’T understand depression, but there is hope that we can do better.
Here’s more about the book:
Through the power of story, nationally recognized journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shines a light in the desperate, dark, and lonely reality faced by those who struggle with clinical depression. At once hopeful and heart-wrenching, Silent Souls Weeping examines the stigma and isolation associated with depression, as well as the dangers of perfectionistic tendencies and suicidal ideation.
Beginning with an open and frank exploration of her own experience with clinical depression, the author goes on to share stories gathered from interviews with more than 150 men, women, and teens all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have suffered from depression.
Within these stories is a plea to change the dialogue surrounding depression, particularly among Latter-day Saints, who face unique struggles as they try to fit a disease manifest through sorrow into a religion centered on a plan of happiness.
The worst part of depression, writes the author Is the profound isolation it engenders, not just from the Spirit but from family, friends, and community. Sharing our stories is the first step toward ending that isolation. This important book opens the door for a new level of honesty and helpfulness; both for those suffer from depression and for their family members, friends, and Church leaders.
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