Overcoming Depression Review

Does science shine new light on scriptures?

Can Depression be overcome?

This faith-based, reader-friendly guide reveals how the brain works and offers more than 100 self-help strategies and recovery skills. Read this book because you can discover powers in your biology, psychology and social life, and learn how to turn them on – to the Glory of God.

“Amazing book! I have read so many books on depression and this is the only one that has truly helped me!” Wendy Freeman

“Margaret pulls back the curtain to clearly & simply reveal how our mind works… A fun and eye-opening book” Karl Benzio, M.D., Medical Director: Honey Lake Clinic & Lighthouse Network.

“... an amazing book on overcoming depression... deep, and yet understandable... a very practical and encouraging book about a very dark subject.” Bill Walden, Pastor Cornerstone Ministries, Ca.

My thoughts: I picked up this book with some skepticism, since I wasn't sure where it was going to go with the delicate subject of depression. Overall, I really appreciated what Margaret had to say! I like that she uses a lot of science and neurobiology with Scriptures to show some proven ways to overcome depression. I also really appreciate that she doesn't beat people over the head with needing to be healed of depression, but that overcoming it can come through modern medicine and medication.
This is an excellent book to pick up!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Margaret Lalich is a believer, a lover (family, friends and others), a relentless optimist, and a Certified Laughter Leader. Before becoming a college freshman (in her 30’s), she chose a teen marriage over graduation. Later adventures, and mid-life corrections, led to completion of her M.S. and M.A. degrees and a 31-year career as a clinician and teacher, within mental health.
Laughter and tears are both found in experience. Tears can wash away emotional rubble, and laughter can be a ‘bungee-cord’ safety-life-line. If we fall into a pit of despair, laughter helps us rebound and boosts our climb. Margaret loves to share it.
Margaret is a mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma who writes stories and non-fiction – highlighting experience, science, strategies, and hope. She wants to connect with readers — helping them find (and use) their gifts, and to live their own definition of ‘success’ – to the Glory of God.

More from Margaret
I have been asked WHY I wanted to write this book. It’s because I ache for believers who suffer the pain of depression – and then add guilt, embarrassment, loss of hope, or helplessness to it. I want them to know they are heroes – not zeroes (no matter how they’re feeling). I want to share strategies, encouragement and the sheer excitement of scientific discovery that proves we have more power than we may have imagined, to help us climb out of the ‘pit’.
Yes, I am a bit of a cheerleader, and at times a clown – but I’m also a researcher and a clinician who has shared the wonder of such discoveries with more than a thousand patients. I have also been asked how long it took to finish this book. Not too long … just 31 years to learn and live it – and 3 years to research and write it. Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 1.
First Things First: Christians and Depression
“ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Church is not a museum for perfect saints — it’s a first aid station for sinners who keep trying. I can’t recall the name of the pastor, who delivered that line, but his message resonated with me then and it still does today. I want to contribute to First-Aid supplies
God says He is for us, and we are loved. We can trust, and we must believe His Word. But, it can be hard to reconcile faith with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. If you have struggled with this – you’re not alone. Right from the start, you need to know you are loved. We’re in this together.

Doubts and fears can seed questions such as:
“What’s happening?”
“Why?”
“Now what?”
If you ask these questions, be assured God hears the cry of your heart. By His grace, we will explore answers together. Yes, there are answers. Yes, there is hope and help that you can use – right where you are, starting now.
…Blame is a distraction. We cast blame on ourselves with hurtful thinking when we think or say things like: “If I had enough faith this wouldn’t happen.” Or, “ I should be stronger … blah, blah, blah.” Don’t surrender to this way of thinking.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
There has been a revolution in the study of the brain (neuroscience). We’ve started to understand brain-works, and can now answer the first of our opening questions: “What’s happening?” With today’s technology and new imaging systems we can see the brain in action as thoughts, and new learning, form physical links, creating neural patterns and pathways within the brain.
The glory of God is revealed as we discover more of His divine design, and watch new scientific findings align with the old wisdom of God’s word for mankind. Proverbs 23:7 says: “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” We have learned that what we think helps to form who, and what we are. We can use this knowledge to build recovery skills.

For a complete list of blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Margaret is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book, a refreshment package, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.