Book Review: Unveiling Depression in Women

The journey through depression is a difficult one. Isolation, confusion and helplesness are but three conditions that a depressed woman (or man) has to contend with. A very useful resource that can help a depressed woman, or one suffering from anxiety, is this book - "Unveiling Depression in Women: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Depression" by Archibald Hart PhD and Catherine Hart Weber PhD.

During my journey through depression I have experienced all of the above conditions and more. I've documented some of my journey here on my personal blog page but I'm yet to overcome depression. But I will! I will conquer depression, and that day will be soon! This book, even though I am still on my journey of recovery, has blessed me greatly. Not only have I read new information, but I've also discovered that the steps I've taken in dealing with my depression have been the right ones!

The book is split into four parts - Understanding Depression in Women; Causes of Depression in Women; Getting Help and Healing Depression; and Strategies for Overcoming Depression. There is also a Resources section that is very useful.

Drs Hart and Hart Weber share with the reader that depression can be dealt with and overcome. They discuss how to recognise depression, risk factors, depression and the life cycle, counselling, antidepressant and complementary therapies and strategies for recovery. There is also a chapter for loved ones so they can understand and learn how to care for a woman who is depressed.

As Christians, they deal with the spiritual side of depression and offer prayers for healing, such as:

"Thank you, God, for the hope and promise of my healing. I know that you desire that I am well in my body, mind, and emotions." - Prayer inspired by Jeremiah 30:17

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who is suffering from depression (and/or anxiety) or has a loved one who is journeying through it.

The book is available from Amazon.

Paula C. Whitehouse
for A Scarlet Rope of Hope

The Inspiration Behind "A Scarlet Rope of Hope"

"After sharing my depression story with a new friend, she asked me if I would meet with a friend of hers to encourage her. I was most enthusiastic thinking that God could use my ashes for beauty in another life and agreed to meet her. During our initial three-way emails, my friend said "Amazing, even strangers are friends because of the blood of Jesus".

It struck me how true this was and my mind went to the story of Rahab in the book of Joshua. Remembering that she was told by God's people to let down a scarlet rope to show that she wanted to be delivered from the destruction of Jericho. It was her faith (belief that she would be saved) that caused her to act on the directive given to her. The scarlet rope she let down connected her to God's people and she and her family were delivered from destruction.

When I met our mutual friend over coffee, she expressed feeling "so alone" which I know to be a common feeling in people struggling with depression. At that time I had a deep longing that there be a place where I could send someone who is battling depression to find encouragement and connect with others (God's people) who had won the battle or are continuing to fight and find victory over depression.

I expressed this idea to a friend "on the other side of the world" (I am in the USA and she is in Australia!) who was too busy to take on another project, but she sent the idea on to her friend Paula who has blessed me by taking on this mission. I pray that the Lord blesses Paula, and every one of His children fighting the fight to overcome and walk in victory because of "The Scarlet Rope Of Hope" given to us by Jesus to ensure our victory. He is our Mighty Deliverer! May you find help from His people and full freedom in Him!"

Kathy Schwanke
for A Scarlet Rope of Hope

What is a Scarlet Rope of Hope?

(Photo source)

A Scarlet Rope of Hope is something for YOU.  If you have ever just needed somewhere to turn to for hope, then this is where you need to be.  The amazing Kathy Schwanke from Blessed Builder has written about A Scarlet Rope of Hope here.

Join us on our journey to create a haven for you ... a place where you can journey to and find the hope you need.

Paula C. Whitehouse
for A Scarlet Rope of Hope