Table of Contents

Foreword 9

Inner Reflections 11

Part 1 What Is Depression?

1 Who Gets Depressed? 23

2 What Are the Symptoms of Depression? 25

3 Is Suicide a Sin? 31

4 Are Grief Reactions the Same as Depression? 34

Part 2 What Causes Depression?

5 Is Genetics a Good Excuse? 41

6 How Deep Do the Roots of Depression Run? 45

7 What Are the Primary Sources of Emotional Pain? 49

8 Do "Nice Guys" Finish Last? 53

9 Can Depression Be Acted Out? 73

10 What Precipitating Stresses Bring on Depression? 88

11 What Are the Personality Dynamics That Lead to Depression? 100

Part 3 How Can One Overcome Depression?

12 Are There Some Basic Guidelines for a Happy Life? 125

13 How Do You Handle Anger? 141

14 When Are Medication and Hospitalization Advantageous? 152

15 How Do You Handle Anxiety? 158

16 How Do You Find Lifelong Happiness? 164

Appendix 1 Classifications of Depression 187

Appendix 2 Case Studies of Depressed Individuals 197

Appendix 3 Drugs and the Treatment of Depression 201

Glossary 211

Notes 225

Scripture Index 231

General Index 233