Anxiety and depression don't discriminate. They touch pastors and parents, students and seniors, the deeply faithful and the newly curious alike. And yet, mental health struggles are still too often met in the church with silence, scepticism, simplistic answers, or shame—none of which reflect the compassion of Christ.
The books below were written by pastors, counselors, and fellow strugglers who take Scripture and mental health seriously. None of them offer quick fixes but all of them offer something better: honest companionship, biblical wisdom, and real hope for the road ahead.
Understanding Depression and Darkness
Is It Unspiritual to Be Depressed? by Paul Ritchie tackles a question many believers quietly wrestle with but rarely voice aloud. Ritchie offers a compassionate, biblically grounded answer: depression is not a failure of faith, and struggling with it does not mean you've lost your standing before God. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness by Ed Welch is a trusted, gentle guide for those in the thick of depression. Welch combines deep biblical insight with genuine understanding of what depression actually feels like from the inside.
Thy Deepest Distress by Aaron Garriott offers thoughtful theological reflection for those who feel that their depression puts them at odds with a life of faith, helping readers see that Christ meets us in our lowest places rather than waiting for us to climb out first.
When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend by Mark Meynell speaks with particular honesty as a pastor's own account of depression, offering companionship for others in ministry—or anywhere—who feel they must hide their struggle behind a brave face.
Spurgeon's Sorrows by Zack Eswine draws on the life of the beloved 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon, who battled depression throughout his ministry. Eswine shows how one of history's most fruitful pastors found God to be faithful in his darkest days. The section on “unhelpful helpers” is particularly insightful for what not to say when helping a sufferer.
“I bought this for a family member suffering from depression, but read it myself before passing it on. I would recommend the book to those who are going through dark times and also those who care for them. It was helpful and encouraging without being preachy or too much like a 'self-help' manual. Draws heavily from Spurgeon’s life and trials with practical advice included.” - Mary, Eden Customer Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Facing Anxiety and Worry
Hope in an Anxious World by Helen Thorne-Allenson offers steady, practical encouragement for readers whose minds are consumed by worry, helping them root their hope in God's character rather than their circumstances.
Living Without Worry by Timothy Lane examines the roots of chronic worry and without minimising how real and persistent anxiety can feel, offers a thoughtful, gospel-centered path toward greater peace.
Walking Through Eating Struggles
A New Name – Grace and Healing for Anorexia by Emma Scrivener is a courageous, first-person account of the author's own journey through anorexia. Scrivener writes with remarkable honesty about the complicated relationship between body, identity, and faith, offering hope to others walking a similar road.
Equipping the Church
Mental Health and Your Church by Steve Midgley and Helen Thorne-Allenson is an essential resource for church leaders and congregations who want to care well for those in their midst who struggle with mental health. Practical and pastoral, it helps churches become places of genuine refuge rather than added pressure.
If you're walking through anxiety, depression, or any other mental health struggle, please know you’re not alone, you are not broken beyond repair, and your faith is not measured by how you feel on your hardest days. God draws near to the weary and the weak, and He is patient with every step toward healing.
Wherever you are in your journey, we hope one of these books can walk alongside you.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or local mental health support service. You don't have to carry this alone.
Anxiety and depression don't discriminate. They touch pastors and parents, students and seniors, the deeply faithful and the newly curious alike. And yet, mental health struggles are still too often met in the church with silence, scepticism, simplistic answers, or shame—none of which reflect the compassion of Christ.
The books below were written by pastors, counselors, and fellow strugglers who take Scripture and mental health seriously. None of them offer quick fixes but all of them offer something better: honest companionship, biblical wisdom, and real hope for the road ahead.
Understanding Depression and Darkness
Is It Unspiritual to Be Depressed? by Paul Ritchie tackles a question many believers quietly wrestle with but rarely voice aloud. Ritchie offers a compassionate, biblically grounded answer: depression is not a failure of faith, and struggling with it does not mean you've lost your standing before God. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness by Ed Welch is a trusted, gentle guide for those in the thick of depression. Welch combines deep biblical insight with genuine understanding of what depression actually feels like from the inside.
Thy Deepest Distress by Aaron Garriott offers thoughtful theological reflection for those who feel that their depression puts them at odds with a life of faith, helping readers see that Christ meets us in our lowest places rather than waiting for us to climb out first.
When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend by Mark Meynell speaks with particular honesty as a pastor's own account of depression, offering companionship for others in ministry—or anywhere—who feel they must hide their struggle behind a brave face.
Spurgeon's Sorrows by Zack Eswine draws on the life of the beloved 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon, who battled depression throughout his ministry. Eswine shows how one of history's most fruitful pastors found God to be faithful in his darkest days. The section on “unhelpful helpers” is particularly insightful for what not to say when helping a sufferer.
“I bought this for a family member suffering from depression, but read it myself before passing it on. I would recommend the book to those who are going through dark times and also those who care for them. It was helpful and encouraging without being preachy or too much like a 'self-help' manual. Draws heavily from Spurgeon’s life and trials with practical advice included.” - Mary, Eden Customer Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Facing Anxiety and Worry
Hope in an Anxious World by Helen Thorne-Allenson offers steady, practical encouragement for readers whose minds are consumed by worry, helping them root their hope in God's character rather than their circumstances.
Living Without Worry by Timothy Lane examines the roots of chronic worry and without minimising how real and persistent anxiety can feel, offers a thoughtful, gospel-centered path toward greater peace.
Walking Through Eating Struggles
A New Name – Grace and Healing for Anorexia by Emma Scrivener is a courageous, first-person account of the author's own journey through anorexia. Scrivener writes with remarkable honesty about the complicated relationship between body, identity, and faith, offering hope to others walking a similar road.
Equipping the Church
Mental Health and Your Church by Steve Midgley and Helen Thorne-Allenson is an essential resource for church leaders and congregations who want to care well for those in their midst who struggle with mental health. Practical and pastoral, it helps churches become places of genuine refuge rather than added pressure.
If you're walking through anxiety, depression, or any other mental health struggle, please know you’re not alone, you are not broken beyond repair, and your faith is not measured by how you feel on your hardest days. God draws near to the weary and the weak, and He is patient with every step toward healing.
Wherever you are in your journey, we hope one of these books can walk alongside you.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or local mental health support service. You don't have to carry this alone.
Make room for beauty, wonder, and joy this Christmas. Explore 8 stunningly illustrated Christian gift books, from art and devotionals to visual journeys and keepsakes.
Make room for strength, faith, and purpose this Christmas with 10 handpicked Christian books for men. Discover daily devotionals, classic guides, and inspiring reads.
Make room for beauty, wonder, and joy this Christmas. Explore 8 stunningly illustrated Christian gift books, from art and devotionals to visual journeys and keepsakes.
Make room for strength, faith, and purpose this Christmas with 10 handpicked Christian books for men. Discover daily devotionals, classic guides, and inspiring reads.
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