When Life Goes Dark: Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression Paperback – Large Print, 23 Jul 2013

If you or anyone you care for is depressed read this. Don't shy from the Christian angle. Dr Winters is wise, companionate and humble in his writing.

This is a thorough treatment of the subject of Depression, easily accessible to anyone. It would help both sufferers and carers understand better the complex issues involved, while offering hope for change.

Great for lay people like me. As someone who struggles, I appreciated Winter’s way of using case studies to explain the varying causes and treatments of various mental health issues. I was able to identify with many anecdotes and feel alone.He writes from the vantage point of Christianity but anyone can benefit from reading this, unless you are extremely intolerant of religious views.Great for friends and family who want to understand the people they love and what they experience.

This book was written with compassion by a godly man who knows and understands depression. He doesn't give superficial solutions. He describes different forms and depths of depression, the contributing factors, and also the different ways to come out of darkness into the light. The author explores the different options for dealing with depression, from medication to therapy to just talking with friends about problems - and he discusses when each option might be appropriate or helpful. Under and over everything, though, he points the reader to Christ, forgiveness through Jesus, and loving relationship with God. I appreciated this most of all. There is no hope apart from Christ - and everything helpful in the book is helpful because it points the reader to Jesus without superficial sentimentality. Real, solid hope. I highly recommend this book.

I found this book to be extremely helpful. As someone who has struggled with depression on an off for a number of years, I've read my fair share of books on the subject. It was refreshing to finally find one that looks at depression from a Biblical perspective without being overly...well, "Christian" in it's response. (What I mean is that the author certainly looks at depression from a Biblical lens, but he does not revert to tritely spewing verses and he does not condemn medication.) I think the main thing I got out of the book is that God meets us in our depression. It's not a groundbreaking thought, but looking at the verses on it was reassuring, and it was helpful to see that many Biblical heroes struggled with depression at various points. The only negative thing I have to say is that it is geared more toward pastors than people struggling with depression, but that was clearly the author's intent and is probably a much needed book in the church for that reason.

This was a book full of diverse information related to depression. It included both empirical research as well as qualitative reviews. The book appears to behelpful in understanding depression that may have previously been experienced by a person or which a loved one may currently be experiencing. It is uncertain if it would be as helpful for someone who is currently experiencing a significant amount of depression, as the information is detailed and intense. Viewing all aspects of depression, including the spiritual dimensions, helps the reader appreciate the complexity of symptoms and the varied interventions which may be a part of depression. Kudos to the author for taking on the challenge of combining secular and spiritual insights and approaches. The book presents information in a very "human" way, allowing the reader to truly understand the issue of depression in everyday life.

This book is comprehensive in helping the reader to understand depression from both a physical, mental and spiritual perspective and is useful in understanding treatment options. Would highly recommend this book.