Sadness, Depression, and the Dark Night of the Soul

Transcending the Medicalisation of Sadness

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Pathological Psychology, Religion & Spirituality
Cover of the book Sadness, Depression, and the Dark Night of the Soul by Glòria Durà-Vilà, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
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Author: Glòria Durà-Vilà ISBN: 9781784503130
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Publication: January 19, 2017
Imprint: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Language: English
Author: Glòria Durà-Vilà
ISBN: 9781784503130
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication: January 19, 2017
Imprint: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Language: English

Revealing a tension between the medical model of depression and the very different language of theology, this book explores how religious people and communities understand severe sadness, their coping mechanisms and their help-seeking behaviours.

Drawing from her study of practicing Catholics, contemplative monks and nuns, priests and laypeople studying theology, the author describes how symptoms that might otherwise be described as pathological and meet diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder are considered by some religious individuals to be normal and valued experiences. She explains how sadness fits into the 'Dark Night of the Soul' narrative - an active transformation of emotional distress into an essential ingredient for self-reflection and spiritual growth - and how sadness with a recognised cause is seen to 'make sense', whereas sadness without a cause may be seen to warrant psychiatric consultation. The author also discusses the role of the clergy in cases of sadness and depression and their collaboration with medical professionals.

This is an insightful read for anyone with an interest in theology or mental health, including clergy, psychiatrists and psychologists.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Revealing a tension between the medical model of depression and the very different language of theology, this book explores how religious people and communities understand severe sadness, their coping mechanisms and their help-seeking behaviours.

Drawing from her study of practicing Catholics, contemplative monks and nuns, priests and laypeople studying theology, the author describes how symptoms that might otherwise be described as pathological and meet diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder are considered by some religious individuals to be normal and valued experiences. She explains how sadness fits into the 'Dark Night of the Soul' narrative - an active transformation of emotional distress into an essential ingredient for self-reflection and spiritual growth - and how sadness with a recognised cause is seen to 'make sense', whereas sadness without a cause may be seen to warrant psychiatric consultation. The author also discusses the role of the clergy in cases of sadness and depression and their collaboration with medical professionals.

This is an insightful read for anyone with an interest in theology or mental health, including clergy, psychiatrists and psychologists.

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