Protect Us from All Anxiety: Meditations for the Depressed

by William A. Burke, Mary Southard (Illustrator)

Fifty powerful reflections, each linked with a familiar Bible passage and a heartfelt prayer, offer hope and consolation to those suffering from the devastating effects of depression, as well as those trying to assist them.

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Fr. William A. Burke.

Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was very interesting how Burke wanted his depression to go away completely but then towards the end came to peace with the fact that though he was better, this was something he'd have to struggle with for the rest of his life. Even with medication. I've found, as he did, that medication puts you on the path to getting better, but it doesn't "fix" everything. You have to do a lot of the work yourself, hopefully alongside a therapist.

This is also the first memoir I've read of someone who suffers from mental illness who is also very religious (Burke is a priest). I'm religious (Catholic) and I have schizoaffective disorder, so I felt like Burke and I were kindred spirits. In a way, this book deepened my faith.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not owned by local public libraries, so I ordered it. I read the book in a day. It's easy to read. Father William is very poetic and good at expressing his feelings. It may be lacking a little bit on "craft." I gave it 4 stars because there was something a little amateurish about the text and the way the book is crafted. Illustrations are expressive and go very well with the text. The book does have that singing of words and pictures together, but again there is something a little amateurish about the illustrations.

Personally I need a little bit more hope. I was kind of upset that Father William hasn't followed up with more wonderful books about how he's surviving anxiety and depression.

I also have a family I have to support, so I don't have the luxury of being able to go some place and rest and concentrate on group and individual therapies and have my medication adjusted. I have to keep working and leave phone messages to doctors because I have to stay employed so that I have the insurance to be able to get medication and keep leaving the messages on the phone. There's lunch time 12 step meetings. Hanging in, but it is very hard. Yes, I'm working on a book...

[Jakki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST practical, encouraging, non-medical jargon book on depression I've ever read. Humor - honesty and hope. A GREAT daily reading book.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is geared towards Catholics who suffer from depression. There are meditations to help one cope with depression.