:: this post is part of the ‘hope’ series. it includes bits + pieces of my journey with depression, anxiety + insomnia with the hope that it will illuminate, expose, + help ::
Hope. If you’ve followed this space for any amount of time, you’d know that I love hope. Last year when I was going through the journey of anxiety and depression (read my story here), hope was the anchor that got me through. During that time, and still even now, I seek out books, information, blogs, and more from people on these topics. Why? Because it’s important and integral to be somewhat knowledgeable on these types of areas of life — especially when it’s one you’re personally going or have gone through.
Enter this book — My Name is Hope: Anxiety, depression, and life after melancholy
It’s hands down the best resources I’ve ever come across on depression.
“Some people wake up happy. Others wake up sad. I am one of those other people. You know – depressed people… Or maybe, better said, I was one of those people. My story is one of failure and success. Defeat and victory. Ignorance and wisdom. But more than anything, my story is one of healing.”
What I love about this book is, well, everything. The cover, content, paper inside, design… everything. Originally reading it last year, I remember loving it so much because it felt like someone had put a lot of work into it — they had put value on it, thus valuing me, the reader.
Parts covered:
+ Movement One: the power of solidarity, defining terms, the cause and effect(s)
+ Movement Two: digging up the roots (sins), dirt under your fingernails (struggles), the art of repentance
+ Movement Three: the mind – a tricky monster to tame, the body – more than a prison, come out of hiding, praying your guts out
What sets this book a part from other books on depression I’ve read is that John explores the lives of those in the Bible who dealt with emotional pain, were downcast and depressed too – including Jesus: “The Creator himself is not spared from the assault of creation’s sorrow” (p48).
What sets this book a part is its holistic approach — the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental aspects are all in balance. This is refreshing, especially because it comes from someone who’s walked the journey and is a pastor.
What sets this book a part is the brutal honesty from John. He bares his story for all to see and shows that he’s human.
He tells you about his first brush with depression — was on a missions trip and started “feeling sad. Really sad. I remember laying down at my bunk at night and thinking, Why am I down?” Fast forward some years later and in the midst of his misery and hitting rock bottom, he literally meets Hope while teaching a room full of college students.
It’s a powerful story.
And the world needs more people who tell their story. I’m thankful that John chose to not just tell his, but to also equip, encourage, illuminate, and empower others on the journey too.
{Some favourite quotes}:
“Anxiety is temporary atheism.” p81 [ouch!]
“Worry can be a gift because it shows us what we are really passionate about.” p82
“Perfectionism is a recipe for misery.” p96
“The only thing that is real is the present. Right here. Right now. The past is a memory. The future is a shot in the dark. The moment is where we live.” p102
“Hope does not put us to shame. Hope is indestructible. Hope refuses to give up. Hope never caves in… Hope screams at you every day. She calls to you, invites you, and refuses to shut up.” p206-7
—————-
If you’re going or been through depression/anxiety, know someone who is, or simply want to know more about it, I highly encourage you to get this book. It’s such a valuable resource and one that I read over and over again.
The My Name Is Hope website also includes resources and more – check it out.
And above all remember, there is always hope.
she explores this. Her way? By counting the gifts in each day.
and read more from Shauna on 
.
