"Half of all the humans on this planet will suffer some degree of depression some time during their lives. And for many, it becomes debilitating...or even leads to death by suicide or because of decreased immunity to disease.
"Unfortunately, it seems that most humans think that joy in life is like a light switch they should be able to turn on or off. But happiness in life is much more complex than that. That is why I am so thrilled that Don Hall has written Breaking Through Depression.
"Dr. Hall has brilliantly and compassionately combined his vast knowledge about depression from his research with his personal experience helping people recover. He not only explains the many factors that can rob us of our joy in life, including stressors, genetic factors, and even faulty religious concepts, but goes on to share with us a series of positive steps we can use to walk out of the darkness of depression to the light of joy, grace, and love. I highly recommend this book."
—Paul Meier, MD, author of over 80 books and founder of the national chain of nonprofit Meier Clinics
"Using cutting-edge medical and psychological science, Dr. Hall provides a tremendous practical guide for anyone wanting to break out of depression. His ‘chemical cascade' metaphor enlightens the reader to a medical viewpoint of depression. His SMART model for recovery communicates an easily understandable pathway to healing. Most important of all, he provides biblical guidance for understanding what is commonly misperceived as a failure of faith…It is a book full of hope for anyone who suffers from depression!"
—Archibald Hart, PhD, author of Stressed or Depressed?, board of directors, American Association of Christian Counselors, professor emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary
"This resource will be a welcome relief for anyone experiencing depression. The author is knowledgeable, informative, and practical, and he provides solutions and identifies causes that other books tend to neglect."
—H. Norman Wright, Christian counselor and author of over 70 books
"Don Hall has written an important and unique book. He weaves lessons from psychiatry and spirituality into a rich texture of insights about the recognition and treatment of emotional suffering. His SMART steps formula is elegantly simple, providing mileposts along the path to recovery."
—Dan G. Blazer, MD, PhD, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center; author of Freud vs. God and The Age of Melancholy: Major Depression and Its Social Origins
"A beautiful book—Dr. Hall has provided the general public with a basic yet profound discussion of the serious illness of depression. Written clearly and concisely, the book covers complex biochemical and genetic issues and provides the reader with an open, nonjudgmental approach to spiritual integration in understanding and dealing with this universal malady."
—David Allen, MD, MPH, author of Contemplation: Intimacy in a Distant World, distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association
"By combining solid scientific evidence with his practitioner's grasp of human nature, Dr. Hall has provided a clearly marked road map to improved mental health."
—Ray Linder, author of What Will I Do with My Money? and How Personality Affects Your Financial Behavior
"Dr. Don Hall hits the nail on the head when he describes depression as a ‘complicated problem that calls for a multistep solution.' Don's book Breaking Through Depression is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the debilitating effects of clinical depression—or who has felt helpless as they've watched a loved one struggle with the symptoms of depression. I thank the Lord that Don has brought his scientific knowledge, theological insight, and years of experience to bear in this important book!"
—William J. Maier, PsyD, Psychologist in Residence, Focus on the Family
