Hope has long been a topic of interest for psychologists, philosophers, educators, and physicians. In the past few decades, researchers from various disciplines and from around the world have studied how hope relates to superior academic performance, improved outcomes in the workplace, and improved psychological and physical health in individuals of all ages. Edited by Matthew W. Gallagher and the late Shane J. Lopez, The Oxford Handbook of Hope provides readers with a thorough and comprehensive update on the past 25 years of hope research while simultaneously providing an outline of what leading hope researchers believe the future of this line of research to be. In this extraordinary volume, Gallagher, Lopez, and their expert team of contributors discuss such topics as how best to define hope, how hope is distinguished from related philosophical and psychological constructs, what the current best practices are for measuring and quantifying hope, interventions and strategies for promoting hope across a variety of settings, the impact it has on physical and mental health, and the ways in which hope promotes positive functioning. Throughout its pages, these experts review what is currently known about hope and identify the topics and questions that will help guide the next decade of research ahead.

Description: Depression and related illnesses threaten to wreck the lives of many teens and their families. Suicide driven by these illnesses is one of the top killers of these young people. How do teens become depressed? What does depression feel like? How can we identify it? What helps depressed teens? What hurts them? How do families cope with teen depression? In A Relentless Hope Gary Nelson uses his experience as a pastor and pastoral counselor to guide the reader through an exploration of these and many other questions about teen depression. Nelson has worked with many teens over the years offering help to those who find themselves confronted by this potentially devastating attacker. The author also uses the story of his own son's journey through depression to weave together insights into the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biological, and relational dimensions of teen depression. Through careful analysis, candid self-revelation, practical advice, and even humor, this pastor, counselor, and father reminds us that God's light of healing can shine through the darkness of depression and offer hope. A Relentless Hope is written for teens, parents, teachers, pastors, and any who walk with the afflicted through this valley of the shadow of death. Endorsements: ""Whether you are a youth struggling with depression, a family member of a depressed teen, or a pastor, counselor or teacher providing support and help in such circumstances, this book is a must read as the most informative and helpful volume available on the subject."" --Merle R. Jordan Professor of Pastoral Psychology Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology ""This story of a family is an incredible gift of honest reflection. So many families deal with the issue of teen depression. . . As the dean of a theological school I am aware of the numbers of youth that my students deal with who are in this book. Depression, self-medication with alcohol and drugs, self doubt and even considerations of suicide as an answer--all are in our communities and probably in even a small church. This book is about an attitude that avoids denial, attempts to keep a sense of humor, and believes in the miracle of life. Thank you, Tom, for allowing your story to be told."" --Maxine Clarke Beach, Vice President and Dean, Drew Theological School This is a story of amazing grace! I love the challenge Gary gave the reader throughout the book: ""Never give up on loving!"" I was reminded in a very tangible way of the limitless capacity of God who loves us the same way--He never stops! What an incredible mantra for all of us: ""Never give up on loving. . . . Never!"" I wonder how different our world would be if we practiced this command? --Rev. Dale Seley, Pastor Downtown Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia About the Contributor(s): Gary E. Nelson, DMin, is a United Methodist minister who for thirty years has worked with teens and their families as a local church pastor and as a pastoral counselor. He currently pastors a church in West Virginia.

Struck by Living, originally published in 2010, is a story about me, Julie Kosnik Hersh, my experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and management of depression. This new version includes a prologue detailing the strange series of events this book spurred, as well as a wellness list in the back. On the original book tour, I decided it was too depressing to just talk about my depression, so I talked about how I stayed well too. People scribbled down these ideas like gospel, which they aren’t. They are common-sense ideas I’ve learned from years of psychotherapy, my own reading, and talking to people about this topic. I’ve included these ideas in this new edition so people don’t have to scribble. I love to read, so I wrote this book like a novel, instead of like a self-help book. I’m not a fan of self-help books as most of them claim to be “the answer.” The older I get, the more I realize how little I know. I do know there is no single answer for managing mental illness. This is a life-long task, where we all have to figure out our own quirks and how to manage them. If my story can help you figure this out—great. Each time I speak about my experience, I find people are often one step removed from the devastation of mental illness or even suicide. Stories about mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, spouses, and children all make me wonder: Could we have stopped those deaths? If we are more aware, can we see the signs earlier and save a life? ​I think we can. In that belief, I offer my story. Proceeds from this book will be donated to programs and research to battle mental illness.

In part one, The path of experience, Don Baker, a minister, talks about his experience with depression. In part two, The road to understanding, Emery Nester talks about the general nature of depression as well as helping oneself and being helped by others.

"Leslie Vernick is a wise counselor... She is an experienced and thorough trainer who shares clearly and practically the necessary steps for getting into shape spiritually, emotionally, and physically in order to contend with depression. This is a wonderful, comprehensive guide..." --Cynthia Heald, international speaker and author One in five women will experience clinical depression in her lifetime. Christian counselor and author Leslie Vernick offers words of hope and encouragement as she helps women understand the symptoms of depression, what causes depression, and what steps they can take to get better and grow stronger. Employing godly wisdom and surprising insights, Leslie shares on vital topics, such as these: Depression is revealing something about you. Listen to it. Growth takes time and practice. Things are not hopeless; you are not helpless; and you are not worthless. Defeating Depression is a timely resource for women battling depression or for family and friends who love them and want to understand what they are going through. Formerly titled Getting Over the Blues

"In the U.S., major depressive disorder afflicts more than 20 million adults and children every year. Living with Depression details the various forms and manifestations of depression alongside Serani's own personal and professional experiences with depression. Clinical definitions, updated research, and the promise of science serve not only as a resource guide for anyone who has depression or loves someone with this disorder, but also as a testament to those who live productively with mental illness"--