I'm Not Supposed to Feel Like This: A Christian Approach to Coping with Depression and Anxiety

by Christopher Williams, Paul Richards, Ingrid Whitton

In the style of a workbook, with constant reference to the Bible and the example of Jesus, this text aims to help the reader to understand why they feel the way they do, and to draw on God's love and grace to find a path through depression and anxiety.

Genres: Christian, Mental Health, Counselling, Faith, Theology, Health, Nonfiction

275 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2002

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Professor Chris Williams is Professor of Psychosocial Psychiatry and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. His main clinical and research interest is in the area of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and in particular in looking at ways of disseminating this approach more widely.

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Christian, and you have ever struggled with anxiety and/or depression, read this book. If you are a Christian, and you have never struggled with anxiety and/or depression, read this book.

Depression is not a sign of sin. It's okay to have Jesus and a therapist too. It's okay to have Jesus and prescribed medications too.

The only drawback from this book is that it's a bit longer (relatively speaking- a couple hundred pages), so if someone is struggling with depression or anxiety, they may feel slightly overwhelmed. But for the most part, very easy to follow, practical, and not too long for most readers.

I'd rate this book a PG, simply due to the subject matter and mention of suicide.

Original review posted 5/14/24.

[T.A. Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful and accessible approach to Christian cognitive behavioral therapy. This proved personally helpful for me earlier this year, and I am now reading it a second time with a friend. My husband is a pastor and is finding it helpful in counseling, as it shows the thought-process behind self-loathing, anxiety and depression, and gives practical tips on how to combat them.

[Joseph Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book on using CBT for working with people through depression and anxiety. While not a perfect book I found the book to be extremely insightful and reliable. It gave clear suggestions and it’s graphs and charts were interesting and helpful. While I disagree with one or two points in the book (example CBT even Christian CBT plans often focus solely on thought process forgetting to add prayer and the Power of God. I do believe this book did an ok job of bridging that gap. I would have liked a little more but still great read and help) I would recommend this book as being far superior to most non Christian books on the subject and one of the better books on the subject I have read.

[Audrey Gillies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not new to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but I was delighted to find a Christian approach to it! This book was very helpful and gave relatable examples. It's message was community focused and made it clear that mental illnesses are nothing to be ashamed of. I particularly liked how it outlined helpful and unhelpful ways of dealing with anxiety and depression. A terrific workbook!

[Judson Marvel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian who has struggled and continues to struggle with mental health issues, this is a book that I wish I had read much sooner. In the scenarios and descriptions, I was able to identify thinking patterns that I have, which I had not realised were part of the depression and anxiety. I just assumed they were parts of my personality, so never attempted to challenge it. Since reading this book, I am now actively trying to change these.

As a church leader who also supports other people (including young people) who may have mental health issues, the section for what churches can do to help, was incredibly useful.

This book has become my top recommended book to others. It provides a valuable insight into what it is like to experience a mental health issue, but also providing advice for others who are supporting someone with mental health issues. I have even used some of the information and advice as part of teaching a youth group on mental health.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contained a lot of information that I already knew but it was nice to get a Christian prespective on things that also recognised the real issues surrounding depression and anxiety. A good read and starting point for anyone involved in prayer ministry or pastoral care.

[Manjusha]

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