Jane Clayson Johnson
240 pages
Kindle edition
From the Publisher:
Through the power of story, nationally recognized journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shines a light on the desperate, dark, and lonely reality faced by those who struggle with clinical depression. At once hopeful and heart-wrenching, Silent Souls Weeping examines the stigma and isolation associated with depression, as well as the dangers of perfectionistic tendencies and suicidal ideation.
Beginning with an open and frank exploration of her own experience with clinical depression, the author goes on to share stories gathered from interviews with more than 150 men, women, and teens all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have suffered from depression.
Within these stories is a plea to change the dialogue surrounding depression, particularly among Latter-day Saints, who face unique struggles as they try to fit a disease manifest through sorrow into a religion centered on a “plan of happiness.”
“The worst part of depression,” writes the author “is the profound isolation it engenders, not just from the Spirit but from family, friends, and community.” Sharing our stories is the first step toward ending that isolation. This important book opens the door for a new level of honesty and helpfulness, both for those who suffer from depression and for their family members, friends, and Church leaders.
Review:
I read a lot of books, and I’m pretty good at finding books/knowing what I already like, so I don’t spend a lot of time reading books I don’t like. So it’s hard sometimes to recommend books because I feel like I read a lot of good ones…is this making sense? But occasionally I read one that I feel is SO good. One really worth recommending and wishing everyone could read it. Case in point: Silent Souls Weeping by Jane Clayson Johnson. I wish every member of my church, every Christian could read this book. Because no one is exempt from mental illness, either you have suffered through it yourself, or you know someone who has, and we all should learn more, empathize more, understand and love more.
This is not a self help book, but rather Jane sharing her own personal struggles and the stories of others in an open and vulnerable way. The chapters each focus on different triggers/subjects – such as missionaries, postpartum, suicide, youth, perfectionist. Some I had thought about before, others had not even crossed my mind. I especially loved when she
spoke about the myth that those with depression struggle with feeling the Holy Ghost because of sin or transgression. Nothing is farther form the truth! Depression makes it harder to feel the spirit, encouraging to read their scriptures and pray more are great suggestions but cannot solve the problem.
I loved her examples and suggestions from leaders and member of the church who exercised love and empathy, these were helpful and so encouraging to me. I know we can always do better, but I am always a sucker for pointing out the positive rather than the negative. I haven’t struggled with an intensive depression but I have seen family members and found reading chapters from both perspectives really helpful.
I highly recommend this book! I had so many highlighted sections it was like the whole book was highlighted (thanks to Deseret Book for these awesome graphics!) It’s one that I will pick up and read again and again. I got the kindle copy for a great deal, but I will probably end up with the hard back copy too – that’s how much I love it.
For real – check out this book. Read it. Embrace it. We need more of this. Like she said – two very simple points: Love works because it’s hopeful, and whether we hold the torch casts 10,000 lumens or only one, it is our willingness to place it to help light others that makes the difference.
