Depression is a growing problem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it affects an estimated 19 million Americans each year. 25 percent of our population goes through at least a mild bout of depression. Depression is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and confused with lack of faith.

It is important for parents, teachers, care givers, pastors and others to become well-informed on this topic--and June Hunt's mini-guide on depression helps to do that.

"DEPRESSION: Walking from Darkness into the Dawn" is the title of one of June Hunt's HOPE For the Heart, Biblically based booklets. As with everything she writes on counseling topics, you find information that is well researched, relevant and practical.

The booklet is divided into four logical sections which make it easy to quickly grasp the information and apply it.

The first section deals with definitions of depression. You'll learn about the different types of depression. It is important to know them and the author also suggests how you can help others.

The second section describes the characteristics of each type of depression. Section three deals with the causes of depression, from all perspectives--physical, mental and spiritual.

Lastly, the author offers solutions and gives suggested "do's and don'ts" for family members and others which include what to say and what not to say. This is very important.

This booklet makes an ideal resource for busy pastors, counselors, teachers and youth ministers. It is critical information for anyone who might suspect that someone they know is suffering from depression. Counselors can use this guide as a part of their treatment plan for counselees who are dealing with depression. They can assign parts of the booklet as homework and it is ideal for short-term counseling.

What I Especially Like

- The author provides a hand quick reference chart for the classic characteristics of depression.

- June Hunt gives advice that is truly bible-based, with lots of scripture references. For believers, the first place to look for answers is God's word. This mini-guide will help them do that.

- There is also suggested scripture verses to memorize and apply when dealing with depression.

- God looks at the whole person. I like the fact that the mini-guide does not ignore the psychological, emotional and physical contributors to depression.

- The author acknowledges that even God's Saints can become depressed and gives examples.

- The mini-guide also has an extensive bibliography. This will help those who want more in-depth information.

The only negatives for me were: I think the PDF pamphlet, would be better formatted in single column. It would make it much easier to read.

That said, the printed book offers a convenient and compact way to share this important information. There is a ton of information in this booklet. But, references to good resources on the web would also be helpful.

This printed book could be offered along with other Hope for the Heart books in information racks and there is a rack offered by the Rose Publishing. It's available along with all of June Hunt's 36 other counseling titles–from Anger to Reconciliation.

This resource would be ideal for churches and counseling centers.

I recently completed a Doctor of Ministry course on counseling the depressed. I can affirm that June Hunt has done an excellent job of taking a complex topic and boiling it down to what you really need to know now, to be able to help people deal with depression. There is a lot of value here. I see it as a most useful tool for ministering to those who are under the weight of depression and I highly recommend it.

"Depression: Walking From Darkness Into the Dawn" is part of the Hope for the Heart series authored by June Hunt. From a biblical point of view, the series speaks to a variety of issues that keep people from living their lives to the fullest.

Depression has the power to change the course of people's lives, their relationships, opportunities, and futures. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, when people suffer with depression it interferes with daily life and causes pain not only to the sufferer, but those who care about them. Though depression is common, it is a serious illness.

Hunt writes, "Those who struggle in the darkness of depression have difficulty seeing the good in their circumstances and especially in themselves." In this 96-page mini-book, the author helps people understand where depression originates, why it keeps them stuck, and how to walk out of the darkness and into the light.

Readers will learn:

- Definitions of Depression (including psychological depression, classic types of depression and specific definitions of mood disorders).

- Characteristics of Depression (including normal depression, masked depression, neurotic depression, and psychotic depression).

- Causes of Depression (including physical, emotional and spiritual-related depression).

- Steps to Solution (including taking off masks; creating a personal timeline of meaningful events to help in assessing roots and causes; Do's and Don'ts for Family and Friends; and, How You Can Help sections).

Because depression affects the whole person, readers will learn about the emotional connection with depression including repressed anger and bitterness; a physical connection including hormonal imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities and healthy lifestyle choices; and a spiritual connection including suppressed fears (abandonment, rejection, failure) and internalized stress (relationships, finances, and responsibilities).

After establishing the "what" and "whys" of depression, the author offers positive and empowering counsel on how to begin walking out of the darkness of depression. A common and critical theme throughout the book is the importance of replacing dark thoughts with truth (reality). She suggests writing a thanksgiving list, getting outside of yourself by helping others, allowing for healthy grieving and healing when appropriate, and more. She also lists related scripture verses and a Q&A section; and encourages readers to seek professional medical help as needed.

People struggling with depression need to know that help is available and relief is possible. This mini-book provides a quick overview about depression along with both practical and spiritual helps suitable for individuals or counselors.

Note: Rose Publishing provided me with an advanced reader copy of this booklet.

Excellent book. Very helpful.

same as the first one