Darkness Is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness

I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with trying to reconcile Christian faith with Major Mental Illnesses. The author is both compassionate and knowledgeable. This is not pablum. There is much to think about and benefit from.

I've been looking for a book like this for a long time. As a person of faith, and having mental illness in my family, I have found this book to be very encouraging and affirming. Though she mostly talks of her own mental illness, the author also talks about dealing with the mental illness of family members. She is very brave in her stories that she shares. I have had the same thoughts as some of the thoughts she has had, yet I have hardly admitted them to friends, and she confesses them in print. For me, that was uplifting. It is also interesting to know what goes on inside the head of a person with manic depression who is also religious (and educated theologically). It is a helpful reminder to the outsider that the ill person suffers far more than she or he causes suffering. What a tragedy to make someone's illness worse by failing to acknowledge it as an illness! I've read other books by people with manic depression, trying to understand what the sufferer goes through in order to be more sympathetic and helpful. This is just a great book by a brave person. I am glad to have found a book by a Christian that deal with mental illness seriously. I am sorry for her that she has to experience such suffering in order to be able to enlighten others about it. But her suffering does not need to be in vain; through her suffering she is able to help others who suffer from a painful, invisible illness that robs them of joy. The whole thing is very Christian, and maturely so. She is sometimes funny, but not glib or cynical. Overall a very serious tone; but anyone who has been near anyone with manic depression knows that it is a serious condition. I am so happy that I found this book, and that she wrote it. It was encouraging to hear someone who is much more educated and much wiser think some of the same thoughts, and ask some of the same questions, that I myself have asked. I hope that this book can help you understand yourself, or your loved one, as it helps you understand your faith and the hope of healing that we share. I am so glad that she persevered through her bouts with suicidal impulses. It is so tragic when people lose hope and become overwhelmed by the pain, when they truly believe, "Darkness Is My Only Companion." What a beautiful line. The title caught my eye because it is the last line from Psalm 88, a very sad Psalm. But it is a hopeful Psalm, even though it ends in sadness and darkness. God inspired that Psalm. And God inspired His people to keep that Psalm in His book. In doing that, God is acknowledging the suffering that those with mental illness (and others) suffer. It is not ever true that Darkness In Our Only Companion. But we are not damned for thinking that way, or for feeling that way. That is how such a sad Psalm could be so hopeful. I love Psalm 88, and always have ever since I noticed that it ends in darkness, loneliness, and despair. I love Kathryn Greene McCreight for choosing as the title of this book which I love her for writing. If you are a person of faith, and you or someone you know has a mental illness (especially depression or manic depression), this book is a must-read. I'm sure that it is destined to be a classic in Christian Psychological Literature. I hope you and your loved ones find help and healing in her words, and in her God. Darkness is not your only companion. But it is OK if you feel like it is; God has not abandoned you. I hope you find love, joy, and peace.

I have mental illness plus I was born with a disability and a disease Marfan’s syndrome. All my life I’ve been fighting a battle with myself, I believe that God has all of our well-being at heart. I started becoming depressed when I was a kid into my teen years. I did not develop sctzo effective until the age of 33, I thought at the beginning that my world was falling apart. I could not understand why God was not there, but I will advise I did not give God much thought in that time of my life. I was not really raised religious but we all believed in God. Looking back to everything that has lead me to God/Jesus was all the pain not only I felt emotionally but the physical touch I felt that made me realize that I need to open myself up and talk to God. I will admit it’s been somewhat of a rocky road! But this book made me understand I am not alone there are many of us who suffer daily with some kind of mental illness. I can say that I now understand the importance of giving your life over to God and reading the Bible daily (still working on this). I now have a love for our savior from the experiences that I have went through. If you need a book to help you understand a journey that is difficult but faith was never a question then this book is the one to read!

I appreciate her spiritual/devotional approach to her Christian theological examination of mental illness. She uses the historical theological thinking which so richly deals with the deep problems of the soul to gently challenge the psychiatric and therapeutic models that dominate culture of mental health thinking. She self-discloses in appropriate and helpful ways. I have recommended and read this book with several suffering people to whom I am pastor. It has been a comfort to us and an aid to our healing.

This was a really great book! I read this for class but it gave great insight of those struggling with mental illness.

As a Christian woman diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, this book was so helpful for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who has, or suspects they have, any type of mental disorder, anyone who cares for someone with any type of mental disorder, or anyone who knows of someone with any type of mental disorder. And neither has to be a Christian in order to come away with eyes wide open while reading it.

Book is practical and insightful for anyone but MH seems to be a topic not discussed much in Christian circles but this book is a good introduction

Incredible story of reflection and explanation of the experiences of one who suffers from mental affliction! Her words have given me hope to help those who suffer and need comfort. I thought that her reference to "deep calling to deep" was such an apt interpretation of the scriptural phrase; along with so many other references and insights. Thank you for writing this book so candidly and unvarnished!

It is an excellent book that all ministers and workers in the Kingdom should have . The author addressed a very interesting topic that can affect everyone. It is an outstanding case study to learn from.

A real response to mental illness rooted in sound theology. A book which no longer dismisses the reality of mental pain.

It's beautifully written.