Studies in Proverbs : Laws from Heaven for Life on Earth

A deeply personal, yet practical, book for Christians who are clinically depressed or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Mental illness. Those words bring to mind frightening scenes of padded walls, white straightjackets, and screaming people. But mental illness is often much more subtle—and much more prevalent than we imagine. Unfortunately, people who are diagnosed as being mentally ill may not understand what is happening to them. And for Christians, some "helpful" leaders heap on guilt, saying that the problem is spiritual rather than physical in nature. This book takes Steve's personal story of major depression and weaves through it Robyn's insights and Steve's professional knowledge. The result is a tapestry of practical information—including definitions, treatment options, government services available, and interactions with the church and God—and a deep compassion for those who feel like their world is falling apart.

Steve Bloem (M.Min. Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, Penn.) is a registered social worker and has many years of clinical training and continuing education hours in the treatment of mental illness. But it was his own struggle with depression that led him to write this book.

Robyn Bloem has been a volunteer in a variety of inner-city and church ministries for more than twenty years.