". . . little shall I grace my cause

In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,

I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver . . ."

(William Shakespeare's Othello, I.iii.88-90)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Depression

For those of my readers who run in the same bloggy circles I do, this will not be news. But for those who may not know, I would like to highlight a new resource from LCMS (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) World Care and Human Relief. It is a book by a Lutheran pastor on the subject of depression. The author, Rev. Todd Peperkorn, is someone who has personally struggled with depression and well knows its thorny path. You can find out more about the book, as well as how to order it (it's FREE!), at Rev. Peperkorn's website.

In recent years I have had my own difficulties with depression, so I am very happy to see this book and have already ordered my own copy. To anyone reading who has struggled with depression and may be seeking answers or assistance, I strongly urge you to do the same. I have not read the book, but I have read the blog of the author, and I feel confident in asserting that this will not be a book that identifies depression as a spiritual problem, suggesting that you would not be depressed if you simply had more faith or that the answer to depression is to just trust God more, pray more, and read your Bible more. Rev. Peperkorn understands that depression is a multi-faceted issue that is at root a physical problem, just like any other illness.

The book is available in downloadable or print version. Get yours now, for yourself or someone you love.

4 comments:

Elephantschild said...

I've skimmed portions of the PDF version and have a paper copy on order.

It's excellent. It will be especially helpful for family members of those suffering from depression, because all too often people don't understand why the depressed person can't just "snap out of it." This book explains some of that.

It also takes a load of stigma off of using medications.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your encouragement. I pray it serves as a source of comfort and hope to many.

Tell your friends! IT'S FREE!

Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Elephantschild said...

Thank you for writing it, Pastor. It must have been very hard to do.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the link. I downloaded the book and have read the first bit. It is very good so far.

What a blessing that it is free!