I used to suffer from depression. I wrote about how motherhood and my faith in Christ saved me from depression here. Unfortunately, not everyone gets delivered from depression just like that, though. The sad thing is, there aren’t a lot of resources for those who suffer from depression.Or some people don't even realize that they are suffering from depression. You’d think that in this day and age we’d have more than enough resources, since some light has been shed on the prevalence of mental illness. Professional help for mental illness isn’t exactly cheap. And finding a Christian therapist is even more difficult to find.
This is why I love Dr. Michelle Bengtson. I came across Dr. Bengtson through my network of friends on Facebook. Last year, I contacted Dr. Bengtson to see if I can feature her in a mental health challenge. However, Dr. Bengtson was in the middle of promoting her new book, so we agreed to touch base at a later time. I continued to follow Dr. Bengtson. Last August, 2016, she released her book Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression. This book is the answer to the dilemma for the Christian who suffers from depression, as well as those who have a loved one who suffers from depression.
You see, Dr. Bengtson is not only a speaker and author, she is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist. She has 25 years’ experience in diagnosing and treating medical and mental disorders. I’d like to say that her book is a triple threat. She writes from the perspective of a medical professional, from someone who suffers depression, and from a Christian perspective. She's been there as a doctor and a patient!
Today, less than a year after she released Hope Prevails, she is releasing the Hope Prevails Bible Study. I have had the privilege of being in her launch team which meant I was able to read the Bible Study before the release. In Hope Prevails Bible Study, Dr. Bengtson gives us a condensed version of her journey, Scriptural references, and questions for reflection. It is a perfect stand alone or a companion to the original book. Another resource she gives is a playlist based on songs that has helped her in her own journey.
To whom do I recommend the book?
- To the one who suffers from depression. Even if you are already getting professional help, this study is an excellent supplement because it offers Biblical insight that your therapist may not offer.
- To the one who has a loved one who suffers from depression. This study can help you understand what your loved one is going through and gives your the resources to help your loved one.
You can grab a copy of the Hope Prevails Bible Study and the original Hope Prevails book from Amazon. To celebrate the release of the Hope Prevails Bible Study, Dr. Bengtson is having a Facebook Launch Party! This is a great place to get more information about the study, meet Dr. Bengtson, and get a chance to win wonderful prizes!! I'll be popping in to join Dr. Bengtson, and I hope you'll join us there .
<3,
Marie
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