Deliverance from Depression: Finding Hope and Healing Through the Atonement of Christ

by G.G. Vandagriff, David P. Vandagriff

Clinical depression brings turmoil, despair, and pain that can crush the well being of its victims and their loved ones. But the merciful power of the Atonement can lift even this heavy burden. This inspiring guide portrays the experience of the Vandagriff family, which struggled under depression for more than twenty five years before relief came through the grace of Jesus Christ. G.G. Vandagriff and her son, Gregory, suffered the physical and emotional effects of depression, while David Vandagriff endured the intense difficulty of trying to support his wife and son during the turbulent years of their illness. Yet in the midst of great strife, the family saw the hand of God revealed in the form of inspired physicians, effective medications, and most importantly, the direct influence of the Spirit and the Atonement. Written in turns by mother, son, and father, this poignant and uplifting account shows how to rely on the Atonement during times of adversity and draw on the Savior's blessings of peace, hope, and healing.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Religion, Nonfiction, Lds

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

G.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.

Reviews

[Roseanne Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, I wondered what the symbolism of the single candle on the front and the many on the back represented. The authors themselves are the best answer to that question (page 84): "My burden was lifted. The Savior had taken it....Horrible things happen around us at every turn, and yet we can have hope for a better world through the Atonement. Our mission is to help change one heart at a time." The candle, of course, represented the healing of one heart. The candles on the back cover show the "horizontal" aspect of the gospel. Once you have found the true joy that only Christ can give, you will do all in your power to share that joy with others - to light the candles around you. What a beautiful gift the Vandagriffs have given the world through sharing their journey through depression and into healing. This is a book that is designed to benefit all readers - not just those who have been touched by the horrible affliction of depression.

[Camille Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book because it felt like someone understands me. Some of the things the authors say could have been taken right out of my journal, mouth, or head. I do wish they had gone more in depth about their struggles just for the fact that I would like my family to read this in hopes that they will better understand what I go through on a daily basis. I finsihed the reading part, but am still wokring on the personal study and Journal Triggers. My mom bought this book for me a long time ago and I kept putting it off since it was not my type of book to read. I do think I will be reading it again. Thanks to the authors!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was disappointed, that G.G. didn't go into more detail about exactly what she experienced. I felt that would help the reader get into her mind a little more and know better what she experienced. But then to read what she, her son, and husband learned through their experiences was so powerful! The way they described how the Atonement began to apply in new ways to their lives was extremely insightful. There are some powerful ideas in this book that Christians of all denominations--not just LDS--can appreciate and benefit from.

[Shannan · Rating 1 out of 5]

My mother gave me this book to me and I was like...ummm...thanks.:) It offered three different perspectives of depression (a mother with depression, her son with depression, and the poor husband/father who was helpless to help them). The mother's story was okay, but the sons felt a lot like "my mom made me write this". And in the end the advice they give is the same old story; pray, fast, have faith, etc. that doesn't always resonate with those of us who are far more synical.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the tagline for this book, I would give it 3 stars. But if you take it as a book that is one family's experience and *not* a one-size-fits-all solution, then it is much better. I love to hear people stories of healing from mental illness. I'm not sure that is what this is. It has some lovely quotes and great insight into long term mental illness as a member of the church. It can also come off as glib for people who are trying their hardest to Do All The Things and they are not well yet. It was a quick read. And the story is definitely a fascinating one. It can bring hope.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very uplifting but realistic. It addressed it from the patient, the parent, and the spouse's position. A lot to take in--especially since its a pretty short book--so I just read 2-3 pages a day. A hopeful book.

[Bonnie Mcintyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the story told by three different members of a family and how depression affected each of them.

[Wendy Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“So often we are Gods hands, voice and ears. We are his embrace. Where we are, God is also.”
- David Vandagriff

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I actually bought the unabridged book on CD and listened to it in the car!! As someone who suffers from depression, I was very excited to gain some new insight from a religious point of view. I was not disappointed! Not only did I learn many things about depression, I have a much deeper understanding of the Atonement of Christ. I have SO MANY new sayings, quotes, and ideas to put up on my fridge!! Some of my favorites...

If we put our FAITH in the Ultimate Healer, He will prepare the way and we will be supported, aided, and comforted. The Lord will strengthen YOU! The Great Healer can mend all things and He understands all things. Be willing to turn all things over to the Savior. His LOVE is stronger than ANYTHING! Allow yourself to be lifted in the arms of the Savior.

The hardest part of depression is to get motivated to do ANYTHING!! But all things are possible. The key is to find, nurture, and follow an infallible source of motivation HIGHER than ourselves. Make Jesus Christ your motivator! His relationship is COMPLETELY UNCONDITIONAL and CONSTANT!!

PRAYER and SCRIPTURE STUDY is so crucial to be successful in surviving depression.

No one can say someones trials are greater or less because we cannot truly understand how anyone elses trials have afflicted them.

There WILL be a HAPPY ENDING to each of our stories if we take the steps required of us through the Atonement, if we do not have a happy ending, it is NOT THE END!!

Success in LIFE comes to responding WELL to the trials that do come!!

2 Nephi 4:34 Oh Lord I have trusted thee, and I will trust thee FOREVER.

Horizontal aspect of the Atonement: When we feel the love of Christ fill our souls, as we develop a personal, vertical relationship with Him, we naturally become consumed with desire for all we know to have the opportunity to partake of it.

Elements to understand Atonement: 1.Pray daily and be specific. 2.Study for a lifetime. 3.Keep a journal as you pray and study and write about your feelings. 4.Attend the temple which allows you to experience the intimacy of Christ's sacrifice for you individually.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful little book offering hope through Christ to those suffering from depression and to their families. No real new information but still a good reminder that no matter our burden, Christ is our only and our sure deliverer.

Some gems from the book:
"We have each been placed on our own personal, sometimes strange path, and we must walk forward. We cannot leap over to another path that appears more pleasant. This is the path the Lord has given us, and we cannot choose another way to reach the kingdom of God. We can, however, have confidence that if we faithfully follow that path, it will lead us to the kingdom of God. ...if we have learned wisdom, we will be submissive in this experience. We will realize that our best--our only--way toward our goal and out of our afflictions, is to faithfully walk along the trail the Lord has laid out for us. We must actively move forward..." (David Vandagriff, p. 77)

"Because a veil is drawn across our minds when we are born, we each have a divine void in our lives. ...The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can fill that void. We are born with a longing for home, for Him. ...This void is endemic to our existence. It may be the greatest of all our mortal trials, because it magnifies every other trial. If we are to avoid destructive, addictive, self-defeating behavior, we must learn to fill the void--to grasp with both hands the redemption offered by the Atonement of Jesus Christ." (G.G. Vandagriff, p. 17)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good about this book. It is a short quick read and offered me some insight that I didn't know before. A lot of what is said is not something earth shattering and new that we don't already know but is confirmation of what we do know and there were some things because of the way they were presented that had me thinking about things in a new light. Some 'pondering' moments.

Wishing I'd read this book long before now but I do know that the Lord has His time frame and things happen for a reason. Hind sight is also 20/20 and people have their free agency............

I do appreciate how depression is being recognized more today as an illness that it is and not something that people can just put on a happy face and is solved by being positive, etc.

Highly recommend this book to everyone. It's not just about depression. It's about applying The Atonement and becoming 'at-one-ment' with God. Something we all need.

[Lolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a god-send...and I mean it. The Vandagriff family (G.G., son Greg, husband David) all contribute. G.G. suffered severe clinical depression for 25 years. Greg also suffered, though not nearly so long. David writes his story from the point of view of a caregiver, husband, and father...and how hard it was for all of them to hang on.

I will never think of depression the same...I hope I never judge another human being for what I see on the surface. (The old, "Oh, just gird up your loins, think positive thoughts, and pray harder!" attitude.) We often have NO IDEA what is really going on.

This book also has a reading list of articles, scriptures, and books that helped the Vandagriffs through their trials. I happened to have one of the suggested books on my shelf that I had never cracked open: The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell. I am now going to give it a go!

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hadn't thought about many of the things in this book. Having never struggled with clinical depression, I didn't know how it felt to the person struggling with it. G.G. expressed the feelings in a way that helped me understand. I also really liked how she and her family tied her "cure" in with the Atonement. Overall, definitely worth reading, if only to start recognizing how the Lord has worked in your own life.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not ALONE!!!! Others feel as I do--I was starting to wonder if I was the only one who felt this way and suffered like this from depression. I really appreciated a candid look at a real problem from an LDS point of view. I tried doing just some of what was suggested, and it worked! I felt the first few moments of real peace inside since I don't even remember when.

I wish my husband would share in this great book and the wisdom and guidance it gives.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the tone of the book. Since depressed people don't need something else to feel guilty about, it was felt more like sharing than telling. As the authors told their stories, and how the knowledge of the atonement had helped them, it was a gentle invitation to do the same.
I liked the information shared and the way it was presented.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting story. I got so into the details of how she found the right drug after so many years of searching and then giving up. The different perspective from the teenager and then the loved one trying to help was also fascinating. I totally new look at depression. Such an awful disease!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great perspective for both those with depression and those with family members affected. The book is told from the perspective of a depressed mother, a depressed son, and a non-depressed father. The family emphasizes the value of the atonement in each of their lives.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and easy to read. Most accurate description I have every read while giving inspiration and hope.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple personal stories. Not amazingly written or deeply involving as a book, but it does have some perspective and content that I really appreciated. Worthwhile read.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of what it is like for someone who is depressed and what it is like for those close to that person.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was validating to read of several personal experiences of dealing with depression and their testimony of healing, of hope, of believing in Christ and the Atonement.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book; a very instructional plus comforting look at how depression affects a family & the hope of how to heal from it.

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