Image: An Answer to Depression by Len Lantz (CC BY-NC-ND)

Synopsis: Len's Star Rating: 8 out of 10. A reasonable and non-stigmatizing Christian spiritual perspective on depression.

BY LEN LANTZ, MD, author of unJoy / 1.3.2022; No. 63

Disclaimer: Yes, I am a physician, but I’m not your doctor and this article does not create a doctor-patient relationship. This article is for educational purposes and should not be seen as medical advice. You should consult with your physician before you rely on this information. This post also contains affiliate links. Please click this LINK for the full disclaimer.

Star Rating – 8 out of 10

Rating guide: 1 = horrible, 5 = average and 10 = wow

Author

Norman Wright

About the author

Dr. H. Norman Wright is a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, was in private practice for over thirty years, and is a prolific author of over ninety books from a Christian perspective on mental health, marriage, parenting, and grief/loss. He has held several academic posts and was the former director of the Graduate Department of Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at Biola University. He achieved a master of religious education (MRE) from Fuller Theological Seminary and his DMin at Primus School of Theology.

General description

An Answer to Depression is a short book published in 1976 that addresses depression from a Christian spiritual perspective. The book is structured for individual and small group use, and there are study and discussion questions at the end of the book. Topics covered in this book include:

Symptoms and signs of depression
A short Bible study looking at depression and the experiences of Moses, David, Elijah, and Jonah
Depression and sin
Causes of depression
25 of the most distressing life events that might contribute to depression in some people
Suggestions for what to do about depression

Unique and most important aspects

An Answer to Depression is a short book at 61 pages, and it has the feel of a pamphlet rather than a book. Even though this book is 45 years old and out of print, it provides a reasonable and non-stigmatizing spiritual perspective on depression. Important concepts from An Answer to Depression include:

The explanation of excessive self-pity as a cause of depression for some people
The idea that someone could be thankful for their depression as a signal or message that change is needed and/or that a person’s life is out of balance
A humorous description of how to create a depressing environment for others, which shows what not to do or say to a depressed person
An affirmation called “Because God Loves Me” based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
10 steps for helping a depressed person

Best quotes

“At some time in our lives depression affects each of us. No one is immune, not even the Christian. Some will experience it on a shallow level while others dive to the depths of despondency.”

“Dr. Theodore Rubin has stated that being depressed is a signal that a change is indicated. This can be one of the most constructive times in a person’s life if he responds to the signals. It can clear the air and help a person rid himself of years of accumulated anger and hurt. By doing this the depressed person can move toward feeling warmth and love, and can re-evaluate his expectations of life, of himself, and of others.”

“Christians do get depressed, and depression IS NOT A SIN. One of the causes for depression may be sin, but the state of depression itself is not a sin. In many cases depression is the healthiest response to what a person is doing to his life. Depression is a normal reaction to what is happening to him psychologically and physically. Depression is a scream, a message to him that he has neglected some area of his life. He should listen to his depression, for it is telling him something that he needs to know. Depression is a signal that something in his life is not right; he ought to respond to the message.”

Who would enjoy this book?

Readers who are interested in a short, historical, and non-stigmatizing spiritual viewpoint on depression would likely enjoy An Answer to Depression.