How Hard It Really Is: A Short, Honest Book About Depression

I first became aware of the author on Twitter and followrd him because he was a hospital chaplain, as I have been.Wow does he get it, I can tell he knows that same dark deep depression I do. Reading this book I can imagine how comforting his presence would be. I have struggled with depression since early childhood, at times I can keep it at bay, others it consumes me. J.S. gets it, how I wish he'd been my chaplain at times. But reading his book was like having a conversation so I guess he has been. This us an excellent read, not the type of book you read through in a day, but one you go back to time and again. Thank you for sharing your story and self to help others.

I wish there was a Spanish translation for this book so my family could read it and understand me. Honest and validating book of a very stigmatized illness. I never write reviews but this book is a must read not only for those who suffer from depression but for friends and family who do not know how to help.

This book had some interesting insights and gave me a different perspective regarding depression, whether it was my own or someone else’s.It was a decent book, openly raw and honest.I would have liked to see a broader spectrum of religious beliefs. This book was mostly Christian, but most of that content was towards the end.

This book is so very needed in the world right now. In How Hard It Really Is, Park approaches depression with comprehensive, level-headed research, as well as heart and personal experience - a vital balance that does this sensitive subject justice.I don't know of any other work like it, both in its scope, including numerous first-hand experiences of depression, a doctor's highly personal and professional perspective, and an overview of methodologies and treatments, as well as in the beauty of the writing itself. Park was able to take this difficult subject and craft an informative, yet easy-to-read narrative, which is excellent for both readers struggling with depression, and for those seeking to understand others who are depressed.In a time when both secular and Christian cultures spread misinformation about depression or underplay the condition and its ramifications, Park has provided a book with the inquiry, realism, and compassion the subject desperately requires.

I did not find it persuasive and explicative of the darkness of depression

If you really want to know the truth about depression this is a book to read. It goes into full details of what it is like and how we feel. It still doesn't change though how it really is unless you live with it.

It often feels impossible to describe the feelings and emotions of depression. It can be so lonely, and you end up questioning your own brain and thoughts constantly. This book made such a difference for me. Feeling understood by someone who has experienced it, and has articulated it so well. He does it in such a real way without being aloof or making vague recommendations.Realizing you're not the only "crazy" one makes you feel so much less "crazy." My husband read it also, and it helped him understand so much better what goes on in my brain. I'm so thankful for J.S. being open and vulnerable enough to share his heart. My copy has so many underlines and dog ears, because I revisit it whenever I need it. I highly recommend this book whether you struggle with depression, love someone who does, or just want to understand it better.

I highlighted in this book more than any other. Lots of strong points I related to. Even the points I didn't directly related to, I could understand where he was coming from. Would give a 4.5 if I could but it lost a star because of having a strong religious base. Like I said, I can understand why others may relate to those parts but they just weren't for me.

Good quality.

I can recommend this book to anyone who is wrestling with depression. Pastor Park isn’t preachy; he offers no pat answers. No “Trust God, count your blessings and/or just cheer up.” Rather, you’ll see others who’ve been in, or are in, the same battle. Knowing you’re not alone can give you courage. Knowing that winning is possible is empowering. Seeing how others have climbed out of the darkness can give you courage to keep trying.If you have a loved one who is dealing with this issue and you want a little better picture of the enemy, this book will definitely guide you through the murky waters around what depression is and how it can be treated, how you can be a support without collapsing under the weight of "What should I say --- or not say?"The first few chapters contain a lot of basic facts; I found them rather heavy reading. The writer discusses some theories behind depression, past and present, and different approaches that have been adopted in treating it. For me the latter part of the book the most engaging, where he shares his own experience of being knocked for a loop, the treatments he tried, the help he found, the friends who stood beside him and made a difference, the way he finally managed to climb back out of the deep well he was in.Sometimes there are obvious social and economic factors that trigger depression, but the writer also tells how suddenly it can hit a person, (like) “a simple punch in the face with no complex reasons, no social complexities, no biological build-up — just a sudden shock to the system. Depression can occur by a crisis event or situation and, like a face-punch, will spin you around and leave you surprised and reeling.”The section I’M HERE gives some valuable tips on how we can reach out to a friend who’s struggling with depression. It’s a lot easier than you think. One thought really impressed me: we don’t need to grab a microphone and make rousing speeches or say just the right thing to get this person through the darkness. Rather we need to give the depressed person the mike and let him share what he’s going through and how he feels. To be there, often silent but supportive, is the best gift a friend can give.A few quotes:“My hope here is to give a voice to those who have been depressed so they can share in their own words what they have found helpful and what they have definitely not.”"The best thing we can offer each other is...our set of experiences, our voices, our ears, so that the tunnel is less intimidating and the light is not as distant as it was... It’s in sharing what we go through that we are empowered to make it through together.""Something powerful happens when we reach across the dark... Fear starts to shrivel the moment it is exposed."The section, WHO AM I WITHOUT YOU? deals with being so dependent on the approval of others that we crash at the hint of rejection. The writer urges us to get to know ourselves, our own likes and wants, to stop being a people-pleaser — clinging, then devastated when they walk away. The writer shares how he learned to love others more and need them less.In the last chapter the writer relates the account of the Biblical prophet Elijah, who had his greatest victory on Mount Carmel, followed by a vicious threat to his life that knocked him right into the cesspool of depression. The gentle method God used to pick Elijah up and set him on his feet again is an inspiring story.“(God) is bigger than your situation and closer than your deepest hurt. He's not mad. He is cheering for you and rooting for you this very second. He's okay about all the things before. He sent His Son for that very reason.”The book’s Appendix gives different treatments for depression and hot-lines readers can call to get help or a listening ear when needed.

Very good book! Helped my brother.

The book brings depression into the open out of the silence of despair and hopelessness by telling us how it really is. Inching out of a deeper depression with very little ability to focus on reading at all, this book was perfect -- it was easy to follow, understand, and divided into smaller sections. The book hears the many questions on the minds of depressed persons and their loved ones, and offers hope throughout with thought-provoking pieces, quotes, and examples. The book encourages us to press forward and witnesses to us that we are not alone as we fight for our life.Thanking God for recommending this book to me!