A bruised reed — one Christian’s journey through depression
Phil Cottrell
EP Books, 72 pages, £4.99
ISBN: 978-0852349984
Star rating : 3
The author of this booklet has suffered from depression and anxiety and so writes with real understanding of the symptoms and genuine sympathy for fellow-sufferers.
So often ministers and other counsellors have to endeavour to help people facing problems which they themselves have not faced. This is the reality of pastoral ministry: we cannot all face every kind of problem and go through every type of suffering in order to help other people — and a good thing that is too! The Scriptures and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, however, provide all that a biblical counsellor needs.
But sometimes extra weight is given to advice if the counsellor has faced similar problems or, if not, has at hand literature written by one who has. This is where this booklet comes in. Its value lies in the fact that the author has faced depression and has done so biblically.
Phil Cottrell has wisely made the chapters short, which makes the booklet easier for a depressed person to read. Richard Baxter’s superb but massive Christian directory would be daunting for such a sufferer to face. Furthermore, the booklet is scriptural, the author constantly turning the reader’s attention to the Lord and to the Bible.
Although not a cure-all, this will be a real help for many people who suffer from depression or excessive anxiety. It will also be a useful tool for those who seek to help others.
Stanley Jebb
Cumnock
