The long night : readings and stories to help you through depression

Title:

Author:

Summary:

When you're in the midst of terrible depression, the days and weeks can feel like an eternity. This book is for those who are in the long night of depression. It does not promise healing or deliverance; it is not a guide to praying away the depression. It is simply an attempt to sit next to you in the dark while you wait for the light to emerge. Drawing on the wisdom of spiritual figures from the past and present--including Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Barbara Brown Taylor, Bunmi Laditan, and many others--The Long Night is a comforting and inspirational companion for anyone in the midst of depression. Writer, editor, and minister Jessica Kantrowitz has been where you are. As a mentor and friend, she will walk with you on this journey toward life and light.

Contents:

My own long night -- Companions on the road -- God suffers with us -- Carrying on until you can't carry on any more -- Learning to pray when prayer hurts -- Prayer and the body -- Monsters under the bed -- A safe place to cry while you learn how not to cry -- Darkness and light -- Coping mechanisms -- Finding your people (and losing them) -- Finding your people online -- Finding your true calling -- Depression lies -- My own fatal flaw -- Wanting to die -- Loving someone in pain -- Finding real-life community again -- Epilogue: What you have gained, you have gained.

Physical Description:

178 pages ; 19 cm

Genre:

Meditations.

Self-help publications.

Personal Subject:

Kantrowitz, Jessica.

Subject Term:

Depressed persons.

Depression, Mental.

Publisher:

Fortress Press,

Publication Date:

2020

ISBN:

9781506456645

Publication Information:

Minneapolis [Minnesota] : Fortress Press, [2020]

Call Number:

248.8 KANTROWITZ

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003476085	Adult Nonfiction	248.8 KANTROWITZ	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

Drawing on the wisdom of spiritual figures from the past and present--including Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Barbara Brown Taylor, Bunmi Laditan, and many others-- The Long Night is a comforting and inspirational companion for anyone in the midst of depression. Writer, editor, and minister Jessica Kantrowitz has been where you are. As a mentor and friend, she will walk with you on this journey toward life and light.

Author Notes

Jessica Kantrowitz is a writer and theologian living in Boston, Massachusetts. She writes about theology, culture, social justice, and chronic illness, including her own struggles with depression and migraines. She works as a storyteller for Together Rising, and her writing has been featured in places like Sojourners, Think Christian, The Good Men Project, and Our Bible App. She earned her MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Reviews (1)

Library Journal Review

As somebody who knows firsthand the pain of depression, metaphorically a long night, writer and theologian Kantrowitz has written her book as a way of spiritually reaching out to others. Consisting of several short chapters, each written with the tone of a concerned friend, the book shares a wealth of knowledge that the author has gained through experience--and from religious insight she has learned from figures such as Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, and Barbara Brown Taylor. Personal anecdotes reveal how Kantrowitz has put coping strategies into practice, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and centering prayer. Biblical scripture, as well as passages by many accomplished writers, provide wisdom that has helped Kantrowitz over the years. A spiritual person for most of her life, and therefore deeply conscious of God's direction, Kantrowitz reveals a genuine concern for others. She not only sees a higher purpose for her own pain, but also gives verbal reassurance to her audience. Moreover, Kantrowitz provides practical information, such as where to look for social media communities and resources for further reading. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers seeking spiritual, mindful approaches to depression, with clear, simple coping strategies.--Chad Clark, San Jacinto Coll. Dist., Pasadena, TX