Andrew Procter – författare

Clinical depression is an illness, a medical condition. This means two things. First, we do not need to blame ourselves. Second, we can get better' From Chapter 1 These encouraging thoughts are the starting point of this compassionate and practical volume. In twenty short chapters, it looks at common questions and worries, such as 'What is depression', 'Does it run in my family? 'Why doesn't God heal me', 'Why do I keep thinking of ending it all' and 'How can I help myself' After providing key information on each topic in question, the authors offer engaging real-life stories and quotations, material for reflection drawn from biblical and contemporary sources and a simple exercise to try to help the depressed reader feel better. Carers, friends and relatives of those suffering from depression will also benefit from the book, particularly the chapter entitled 'What can I do to help'

Stress is now a huge factor in modern living, with one-third of British workers likely to suffer from it some stage in their careers. Christians are not immune. Indeed it is arguable that they are even more vulnerable to overstress or burnout than secular people because of behavioural expectations relating to God, Church, society, work and the prevailing culture. In order to address these particularities, each short chapter in this engaging book responds to a commonly asked question or typical statement, such as ‘How can I tell if I’m overstressed?’; ‘I’m so disillusioned and swamped at work. I don’t know how long I can carry on.’; ‘I’m not managing time for God as I used to.’ etc. The authors then offer basic information, followed by material for meditation or reflection; encouragement of some sort, and finally something for the reader to work on.