Dark Clouds, Silver Linings
Depression can be a healing emotion when you learn how to cooperate with it

© 1993  Archibald D. Hart

Focus on the Family Publishing, Colorado Springs, Colorado — All Rights Reserved

Online edition by permission of the author

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1. Depressed persons — Religious life. 2. Depression, Mental — Religious aspects — Christianity. 3. Depression, mental — Case studies. 4. Christian Life — 1960-
BV4910.34.H37 ~~ ISBN 1-56179-091-5 ~~ LC: 92-33584 ~~ OCLC: 26720526 ~~ 185p.

Dark Clouds, Silver Linings is presently held by 153 libraries including Azusa Pacific University and the Los Angeles Public Library.

Table of Contents

From the Jacket of the Book

Introduction         ix

Section I

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT DEPRESSION

1.  Depression: Its Nature and Symptoms         1

2.  What Causes Depression?         23

3.  Women and Depression         43

4.  Depression in Children and Adolescents         59

Section II

HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION

5.  Coping with Depression, Part 1         77

6.  Coping with Depression, Part 2         99

7.  Self-Management of Depression         113

8.  Professional Treatment of Depression         129

9.  Caring, Supportive Relationships         139

Section III

GROWTH EXPERIENCES THROUGH DEPRESSION

10.  Joni Eareckson Tada         159

11.  Florence Littauer         169

12.  Ben Patterson         179

Acknowledgements

   I am deeply indebted to Dr. Carl Tracie, who helped me to compile the questions in this book. He also secured and edited the stories in section III that contribute a personal touch to the suggestions I present. While I have reworked the material substantially since it was first published, I am still thankful for Dr. Tracie's immense contribution and his continued friendship over many years.

   I am also indebted to Paul Schultheis, who published the original work, for his permission to use the material from that book. I know it is his prayer that this material continue to bless God's people.

   Finally, I am indebted to Nova Hutchins, my secretary, for her immense assistance in bringing this project to completion. Her untiring service to God is a great ministry to me.

Archibald D. Hart          

From the Jacket of the Book

Depression can be a healing emotion

when you learn how to cooperate with it.

   If you or someone you love is feeling depressed, you may think you're alone. But you really have a lot of company....

   Do you feel sad or gloomy? Are you tired most of the time: Do you have "the blues"? Are you overwhelmed by feelings of failure? Do you have trouble concentrating? Does life seem like one big burden? Or have you suffered a major loss in your life? Dark Clouds, Silver Linings helps you understand depression, overcome its devastating effects, and be a more effective encouragement to depressed people around you.

   Insightful, compassionate, and authoritative, Dark Clouds, Silver Linings offers practical help for those suffering from depression. It answers questions like: What causes depression? Is depression a sin? Is it a mental illness? Do we have any choice in becoming depressed? Is there a positive side to depression? Do women have special problems with it? What can a counselor or doctor do for me that I can't do for myself? What should I do when I don't feel like doing anything at all? What is the most important thing I can do for my depressed spouse, child, or friend?

   If you're an average person, you will experience a significant depression sometime in your life. Depression is epidemic in our society. Some call it the "common cold" of the emotions. At some time in their lives, one of every five people will experience depression seriously enough to hinder their normal way of life. It can increase feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and helplessness. But depression doesn't have to rule your life.

   If you're like many people, you may have one or more of these symptoms and not even realize it could be related to depression. Left untreated, depression can cripple you emotionally and physically. How can you detect its symptoms? What steps can you take to overcome it? How can you encourage a friend or loved one who is depressed?

   Dr. Archibald Hart gives practical guidelines for understanding and treating depression. He helps you

Dark Clouds, Silver Linings includes special chapters about depression in women, children, and adolescents as well as practical guidelines for creating caring, supportive relationships for hurting loved ones. It also offers inspiring stories of people who have experienced and overcome depression.

Joni Eareckson Tada — a young woman who came to terms with frustration and depression caused by her paralysis from a diving accident.

Florence Littauer — a successful writer and speaker who dealt with loss, depression, anxiety, and anger from the birth of two hopelessly brain-damaged children.

Ben Patterson — a minister who worked through depression caused by fatigue, tension, and illness.

   If you struggle with depression or need guidance to help a friend or family member, Dark Clouds, Silver Linings offers practical answers for hope and healing.

Dr. Archibald D. Hart is dean and professor of psychology of the Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is the author of 32 books including Overcoming Anxiety, 15 principles for Achieving Happiness, Children and Divorce, and Adrenalin and Stress. He is also a popular speaker and teacher at retreats, seminars, and pastor's conferences. He and his wife, Kathleen, have three grown daughters.

Selected Books by Archibald Hart available for Purchase

Is Your Teen Stressed or Depressed?: A Practical and Inspirational Guide for Parents of Hurting Teenagers [Coming in April, 2008]

Thrilled to Death: How the Endless Pursuit of Pleasure is Leaving us Numb [2007]

A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Depression [2007]

Safe Haven Marriage: Building a relationship you want to come home to [2003]

Helping Children Survive Divorce [1996]

Habits of the Mind: Ten Exercises to Renew Your Thinking - Used [1996]

Dozens of Titles by Archibald Hart at BookFinder.com

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