I Love Jesus, but I Want to Die: Finding Hope in the Darkness of Depression

This insightful debut from lifestyle coach Robinson compassionately explores how Christians “can learn to live well” and “cultivate hope... despite living with severe depression.” Robinson is emphatic that “mental illness is not a failure of faith or evidence of a flimsy prayer life.” On the contrary, she writes, depression, self-harm, and suicide can be caused by “a complicated mix of factors” including traumatic experiences, insufficient nutrition or exercise, and genetics. Urging readers to be “ruthless” with self-care (“We must be just as merciless against depression and thoughts of suicide as they are against us”), Robinson shares practical advice for how to deal with one’s “darkest moments,” including Christian meditative techniques and guidance for finding a therapist. She also recommends talking to oneself as one would “talk to those you care about” and making a list of why “you are beloved.” Two robust appendices provide further resources and additional reading. Robinson’s soothing tips and sage advice should go a long way toward helping those in need of assistance “ride the waves of depression without drowning under them.” Christians struggling with mental health will find this to be a welcome guide. (May)