TLDR: Helpful, vulnerable, practical, not "preachy" at all, filled with humor and stories that bring some levity and light to difficult and dark topics. Part guidebook, part personal memoir and confession, part call to action - Fully open and excellent! An honest and compelling read from an outstanding writer and thinker.
This book is a MUST read...
- if you personally suffer from mental health challenges or substance abuse (you will find a compassionate friend and guide who personally understands and has much wisdom and insight to offer);
- if you have loved ones who suffer from mental health challenges or substance abuse (you will learn how to better understand their struggles and how to walk faithfully beside them through their pain);
- if you are charged with Christian leadership or ministry of any kind (you will discover a gracious fellow minister and leader that will open your eyes and help you more effectively address the mental health epidemic).
"Learning to accept and love the parts of ourselves we’d rather keep in the dark is one of the most empowering experiences in life. God loves every part of us. We should too!" - Ryan Casey Waller
"...I was reminded of what is perhaps the most important truth to hold on to during any struggle with mental health.
I’m not alone.
You’re not alone.
Understanding and believing this is the first step on the journey toward mental health." - Ryan Casey Waller
Ryan Casey Waller has provided a treasure for the Church and the world with this book. In Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things we Don't Want to Talk About, he writes with the wisdom that can only come from a personal journey, the poignant writing skill that comes from completing three different advanced degrees, and the heart of a minister and counselor that desires awareness, healing, and change for those who are co-sufferers of mental illness or substance abuse.
Ignited by the passion and recognition that mental illness has been treated with a stigma both in the Church and in society as a whole, Waller provides insights into the problem of shame on these topics as well as practical information and tools for how to tackle them head on in pursuit of the abundant life that God has promised. He somehow manages to address this "final spiritual and medical frontier" in a way that is deeply personal and vulnerable, yet also highly readable and accessible. His willingness to bare his soul and talk openly about some of his greatest and most personal struggles and failures is simultaneously courageous and compassionate. Rather than hide behind his considerable academic training, Waller chooses to enter the arena and take "one giant leap" towards removing the stigma and shame: "Even though it’s uncomfortable and vulnerable, I see sharing in this way as both helpful for you and a necessary step for my own healing. This is me choosing to believe you and I aren’t alone in this; this is me following through with the truth that we are better together."
If you have ever wondered about what really constitutes mental health and mental illness, buy this book. If you have ever wrestled with the theological implications of God calling his creation "good" and allowing mental illness to exist, buy this book. If you need a primer on the critical role that the Church and Christian communities play in understanding and addressing the difficult topics of mental illness, suicide, and the epidemic that our society is facing, buy this book. If you need help understanding how your perspective and thoughts about your identity play a critical role in your own mental health, buy this book. If you want a handy tool that is chock full of practical tips and guidance on how to help pursue healing through talk therapy, medication, and supportive people/communities, buy this book. If you want a quick reference guide on Depression and Anxiety, and also how to recognize suicidal thoughts and behaviors written by a highly knowledgeable pastor and therapist, buy this book.
Finally, while the book is written to a Christian audience, I personally think that its wisdom would also remain practical and useful to members of other faith communities (or none at all).
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Reviews with images
Incredibly important topic addressed with clarity, honesty, and compassion …
Wow - I was blown away by the honesty and compassion of this book. I got the sense of a curtain being pulled back on an often hidden struggle.The author dives into an incredibly important topic - mental health and the church - while sharing his personal experience and unique perspective as a therapist and pastor. It’s easy to read while being thorough, personal, and educational. I appreciated the practical suggestions and call to action for supporting others who may be suffering.Overall it’s a great read for ANYONE in the church, but especially important for church leadership.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
The author dives into an incredibly important topic - mental health and the church - while sharing his personal experience and unique perspective as a therapist and pastor. It’s easy to read while being thorough, personal, and educational. I appreciated the practical suggestions and call to action for supporting others who may be suffering.
Overall it’s a great read for ANYONE in the church, but especially important for church leadership.
Incredibly important topic addressed with clarity, honesty, and compassion …
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
Wow - I was blown away by the honesty and compassion of this book. I got the sense of a curtain being pulled back on an often hidden struggle.Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
The author dives into an incredibly important topic - mental health and the church - while sharing his personal experience and unique perspective as a therapist and pastor. It’s easy to read while being thorough, personal, and educational. I appreciated the practical suggestions and call to action for supporting others who may be suffering.
Overall it’s a great read for ANYONE in the church, but especially important for church leadership.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021
