Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach by Kathryn J. Hermesy

Depression can strike anyone-even those of us who are deeply committed to living the Christian life. In these dark times, we often feel abandoned, alone, isolated, misunderstood, and hopeless. Especially in today's chaotic world, there are new distressing realities that weigh upon us: war; violence; terrorist attacks; the economic crisis with the loss of homes and jobs?all of which make our sense of security so fragile. And as Christians, such experiences can be accompanied by a great sense of anguish and fear.

As someone who has personally struggled with depression, Sr. Kathryn understands these feelings all too well. But as someone who has overcome the illness, she knows that surviving depression and attaining happiness is possible. She also affirms the great creativity and potentiality that can evolve during this difficult time.

For over a decade, Surviving Depression has helped thousands of readers find a reassuring approach to living through depression. By drawing upon the strength inherent in the Catholic tradition and discussing the biological, psychological, environmental, and genetic components of the illness, this companion offers a holistic understanding of depression-for the depressed, their family members and friends, and those who counsel or care for them.

This 10th Anniversary "Updated and Expanded Edition" features contemporary world developments and an entirely new practical guide entitled "8 Steps to Inner Peace."

Each chapter is framed by a question or thought relevant to the experience of depression and contains:

• Personal anecdotes
• Vignettes of depressed individuals, including saints and cultural figures
• Relevant Biblical passages
• Spiritual exercises
• Tips for the depressed
• Advice for family and friends
• Prayer suggestions

   

Features & Benefits:

• English edition sold 25,000 copies
• Translated into 12 languages
• Ideal resource for pastoral counselors and care providers
• Offers a toolbox of coping methods
• Integrates a therapeutic and faith-based approach
• Includes an Introduction and an Epilogue
• Contains an appendix of notes
• Suggests further reading

About the Author:

Kathryn J. Hermes, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul since 1978, holds an M.T.S. from Weston Jesuit School of Theology and an advanced certificate in Scripture. Besides her work for Pauline Books & Media e-media development, Sr. Kathryn is a frequent contributor to Living Faith magazine and gives numerous presentations throughout the country. She has published many books, which are available in print and e-book format.

What Are People Saying about this Title?

"Having recommended the earlier edition of Surviving Depression to colleagues and students alike, I wondered what could be added to improve it! Happily, Sr. Kathryn still speaks in the same voice, rich in compassion and wise in lived experience, to those who suffer with or support others with depression. Scripture still interweaves with sound psychological understanding. This tenth anniversary revision features a new sense of the even more complicated world in which her readers live and the even more distressing weights that rest upon them. The new second part provides a clear, lived-out eight step process inviting a contemplative stance acquired, as the author evidences, not by efforts to battle depression as an antagonist, but by coming out from under it."
Suzanne Mayer, IHM, Ph.D.; coordinator, Pastoral and Theological Studies, Neumann University

"This book sheds considerable light on the dark subject of depression with extraordinary insight and wisdom. When the author writes that 'people who have suffered depression can learn much from each other's stories,' I know it is true, because I have the illness, and I learned even more about it from this book which blends sound spiritual and psychological principles with masterful articulation. The depressed and those who care about them will benefit greatly from this book."
William Rabior, ACSW, author of more than twenty titles including Emerging from Depression: Revised Edition (Ligouri), hospital chaplain at Saint Mary's, Michigan

"Depression is often a dark and lonely path, but in Surviving Depression, we are given a guide and a hand to hold that embraces the beauty and richness of our Catholic faith. In these pages, there is companionship and hope, and I am grateful to have it as part of my personal library."
Sarah Reinhard, author of Catholic Family Fun (Pauline Books & Media), blogger at www.snoringscholar.com

Product Details:

Binding: paperback
Trim size: 5¼" x 8"
Pages: 192