A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression
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.
Read an interview with Gary here.
"The voices of father, pastor, and counselor are all well
represented by this writer. The personal and professional
commitment of A Relentless Hope brings enormous credibility
to its message. This book is a work of love about the power of
love. And that, in itself, is healing."
--Ruth Harper in Counseling Today, a publication of the
American Counseling Association
Read a mom's review here.
"Nelson provides a lot of detail and vivid stories that illustrate
how depression can take over a teen's life and affect the whole
family. I thought his advice for parents was sound and sensible. .
. . He does a great job of offering ways to support your teen,
collaborate on fighting the depression, and not put too much
pressure on the depressed teen. He also offers a very balanced
description of possible treatments,including medication and
therapy. . . . There is a big focus on 'keep loving them' and
seeing the teen as a whole person who, despite their depression, is
still worthy of love and respect.
I will definitely recommend this book to my teen patients and
particularly to parents of teens who want to learn more about teen
depression."
--An anonymous clinical psychologist, for Families
for Depression Awareness
"Gary Nelson's conversational style wraps a deep understanding of
depression and its treatment in a gripping first-person story of
love casting out fear. All parents, and all who seek to help
parents, would benefit from this book."
--Doug Thorpe, Journeys, a publication of the American
Association of Pastoral Counselors
"I highly recommend this book and the insights it sheds on an
illness that impacts so many of our young people and their
families. A Relentless Hope offers a light to those that
struggle with the storms and illnesses of today. It also provides
much needed information for those suffering from depression,
anxiety and its related mental health issues."
--David E. McLean, United Methodist Endorsing Agency (Read
the full review here.)
"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
Read an interview with Gary here.
"The voices of father, pastor, and counselor are all well
represented by this writer. The personal and professional
commitment of A Relentless Hope brings enormous credibility
to its message. This book is a work of love about the power of
love. And that, in itself, is healing."
--Ruth Harper in Counseling Today, a publication of the
American Counseling Association
Read a mom's review here.
"Nelson provides a lot of detail and vivid stories that illustrate
how depression can take over a teen's life and affect the whole
family. I thought his advice for parents was sound and sensible. .
. . He does a great job of offering ways to support your teen,
collaborate on fighting the depression, and not put too much
pressure on the depressed teen. He also offers a very balanced
description of possible treatments,including medication and
therapy. . . . There is a big focus on 'keep loving them' and
seeing the teen as a whole person who, despite their depression, is
still worthy of love and respect.
I will definitely recommend this book to my teen patients and
particularly to parents of teens who want to learn more about teen
depression."
--An anonymous clinical psychologist, for Families
for Depression Awareness
"Gary Nelson's conversational style wraps a deep understanding of
depression and its treatment in a gripping first-person story of
love casting out fear. All parents, and all who seek to help
parents, would benefit from this book."
--Doug Thorpe, Journeys, a publication of the American
Association of Pastoral Counselors
"I highly recommend this book and the insights it sheds on an
illness that impacts so many of our young people and their
families. A Relentless Hope offers a light to those that
struggle with the storms and illnesses of today. It also provides
much needed information for those suffering from depression,
anxiety and its related mental health issues."
--David E. McLean, United Methodist Endorsing Agency (Read
the full review here.)
"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
Product Details
- Title : A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression
- Author: Nelson, Gary E.
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Publication Date: 2007
- ISBN: 9781621890089
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.