Sunshine and Shadow: Depression and Spirituality

Robert B. MacIntyre is head of the Centre for Relationship Therapy and
Education in Orangeville, Ontario.

Depression has been called the common cold of psychiatry, ranging from a
level so ubiquitous as to be considered almost normal, to a deep,
destructive, and life-threatening illness. There is a strong
underpinning of Christian spirituality in this resource book for
depressed individuals and their families.

Part 1 reviews depression’s definition and symptoms, along with
treatments and medications. Part 2 is devoted to what the author calls
“the gift of illness”—the lessons and growth that can accompany
depression and recovery. Parts 3 and 4 look at the toxic emotions
underlying depression and describe activities that can help people move
from depression “into the sunshine.”

This book offers solid, practical advice that may be more usefully
applied by those experiencing mild depression than by those suffering
from severe clinical depression.