A Word from Bob: I’ve collated today’s post from The Annual Guide to Biblical Counseling Resources: 2021 Edition. This guide provides 259 pages that collate 1,057 biblical counseling resources. Learn more about The Annual Guide here. Purchase a copy here.
Depression: Booklets
Ashmore, Margaret. Depression: The Sun Always Rises
The periods of depression that we all share can range from having a bad day to grieving the loss of a loved one. Our fallen world harbors a broad spectrum of suffering that has always been part of the human condition. Margaret Ashmore reminds us that however difficult our circumstances, they cannot determine whether our lives are ruled by joy or depression. She lays before us a set of godly choices we can make in our dark night of the soul to seek God’s freedom from our dominating depression.
Tautges, Paul. Overcoming Depression: Help and Hope for Christians Who Struggle
We are always body and soul together. So, even if our body is a contributing factor in depression, every emotional struggle we experience includes a spiritual element. Therefore, we always need the help and encouragement found in Scripture. This Bible study booklet provides a devotional look at a portion of Psalm 119, and a guide to personal application.
Trahan, Carol. Help! I’m Depressed
Troubling thoughts flood my mind. I lie in bed alone, beseeching God on behalf of my three children. The tears come as I wonder why the Lord seems so far away and why prayers remain unanswered. Life seems so unfair. In the depths of despair I know I have a choice to make. Am I going to allow these feelings to destroy me? Help! I’m Depressed directs readers struggling with these thoughts and feelings to the hope found in God.
Welch, Ed. Depression: The Way Up When You Are Down
If you are one of the many people suffering from depression, there is hope and there is help—a way up when you are down. This booklet provides manageable steps for getting started on the path that leads out of depression.
Welch, Ed. Hope for the Depressed: Beyond a “Cheer-Up” Theology
Depression makes so many things hard. Things you used to take for granted: a good night’s sleep, having goals, responding to someone’s love, looking forward to the future. Is there any hope and help for those who are struggling with depression? Ed Welch describes the world of the depressed person and gives a biblical perspective on the causes of depression. Then he outlines small, practical steps that will teach you to cry out to God and depend on him in the middle of your struggle.
Depression: Books
Berger, Daniel. Rethinking Depression: Not a Sickness Not a Sin
Dr. Berger proposes from both Scripture and scientific evidence that the root of our mental struggles lies in our metaphysical souls rather than in our physical bodies. As the reader will discover, the solution is not to endlessly invent new theories and alleged physical remedies that inevitably fail, but to return to understanding humanity’s true nature as God declares it to be from the beginning of time. Only by realizing and accepting this important perspective does our own human fragility and depravity begin to make sense. At the same time, this is not a book that suggests that those who struggle should simply pray and read their Bible more and that all of their problems will vanish. Rather, the book offers proven and practical answers to important questions.
Eswine, Zack. Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those Who Suffer from Depression
Christians should have the answers, shouldn’t they? Depression affects many people both personally and through the ones we love. Here Zack Eswine draws from C.H. Spurgeon, “the Prince of Preachers,” experience to encourage us. What Spurgeon found in his darkness can serve as a light in our own darkness.
Ganschow, Julie. Seeing Depression Through the Eyes of Grace
For the person struggling with depression this book may be your first step on the journey back to joy. This is not just another book on depression; it is an interactive journey from despair to hope. As you read and journal through this book you will discover the truth about your heart, the God of the Bible, and the real cause for your pain. You are invited to study, to interact, and to receive the knowledge that will lead you out of the pit of depression and right to the throne of God.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Its Cure
Believing the Christian joy was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity in the early centuries, Lloyd-Jones not only lays bare the causes that have robbed many Christians of spiritual vitality, but also points the way to the cure that is found through the mind and spirit of Christ.
Murray, David. Christians Get Depressed Too: Hope and Help for Depressed People
Many Christians mistakenly believe that Christians don’t get depressed, and this misconception heaps pain and guilt onto Christians who are suffering from mental and emotional distress. David Murray comes to the defense of depressed Christians, asserting that Christians do get depressed. He explains why and how Christians should study depression, what depression is, and the approaches caregivers, pastors, and churches can take to help those who are suffering from it. With clarity and biblical insight, Murray offers help and hope to those suffering from depression, the family members and friends who care for them, and pastors ministering to these wounded members of their flock.
Piper, John. When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God and Joy
Even the most faithful, focused Christians can encounter periods of depression and spiritual darkness when joy seems to stay just out of reach. It can happen because of sin, satanic assault, distressing circumstances, or hereditary and other physical causes. In When the Darkness Will Not Lift, John Piper aims to give some comfort and guidance to those experiencing spiritual darkness.
Somerville, Robert. If I’m a Christian, Why Am I Depressed?
In this achingly honest work, Bob Somerville explains that depression is not restricted to the secular world. Throughout history, godly men and woman—among them Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon—have suffered in the deep trenches of dark emotion. But God’s Word promises victory at the seemingly unreachable end of trials, and new strength forged from adversity and pain in the new light that follows the darkness of despair. You are not alone. In If I’m a Christian, Why Am I Depressed? you will find not only the author’s testimony, but also those of others who have struggled with depression and through prayer and biblical counseling have overcome by embracing Christ’s healing love.
Welch, Ed. Depression: Looking Up from a Stubborn Darkness
Where is God in the struggle? Looking away from despair towards hope can feel risky. What if God doesn’t come through for you? What if you don’t feel instantly better? Ed Welch addresses the complex nature of depression with compassion and insight, applying the rich treasures of the gospel, and giving fresh hope to those who struggle.
Bi-Polar Disorder: Booklets
Welch, Ed. Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood Swings
Everyone feels better some days than others, but some people struggle with exaggerated and unrestrained mood swings. These kinds of mood swings have come to be known as mania, manic-depression, or bipolar disorder. In Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood Swings, Ed Welch acknowledges how difficult bipolar disorder is for everyone involved, describes its effects, and then applies God’s Word to this serious, life-dominating struggle. When those who have bipolar disorder learn to understand the challenges of mania and depend on God instead of their own impressions, then mania will not stand in the way of their having rich relationships with God and others.
Bi-Polar Disorder: Books
Hodges, Charles. Good Mood Bad Mood: Help and Hope for Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Depression and bipolar disorder are two of the most common diagnoses made in medicine today. Good Mood Bad Mood examines whether we are in an epidemic, or if we have simply misdiagnosed common sadness as depression. Current research in the medical community seems to indicate that the criteria we use to diagnose depression has resulted in an increased and incorrect labeling of common sadness as depression. While medical treatment is now the commonly accepted way to deal with pain and sadness, its promise has not been fulfilled. In Good Mood Bad Mood, Dr. Charles Hodges offers an explanation to help the reader see the importance of sadness and the hope that God gives us in His Word.
Join the Conversation
What additional biblical counseling resources would you recommend regarding depression and bi-polar disorder?
