Darkness is My Only Companion

i recently read, Darkness is My Only Companion by Kathryn Greene-McCreight. i think it's actually the first book i've seen that addresses mental illness not simply from a christian perspective but that does so in such a way so as to address the spiritual and theological implications of mental illness.

i've read a few secular books about mental illness in general, and many on particular illnesses; i've read memoirs from those who suffer from mental illnesses, and articles that look at the scientific, psychiatric, or psychological aspects; i've read christian books that look specific issues such as abuse or abandonment within from a christian framework, and ones that discuss psychology or counseling or theories from a christian perspective.

this was the first book i've seen that approached it from within a christian framework, taking personal experience into account, but focusing on the theological and spiritual implications of mental illness. the author dealt with questions of the soul and personality, and the effects of mental illness on each. she wrote about the consequences and ramifications of suicide from a biblical standpoint. and peppered in virtually every page were scriptural references and/or prayers, poems, and other such expressions of the faith throughout the centuries.

what this book offers is invaluable and a necessary introduction into a conversation that is well past due within the church. she has marvelous and beautiful things to say throughout the book that make it a helpful book for those who struggle with a mental illness and a valuable reference for those in pastoral vocations, with family or friends who are mentally ill, or who seek to care for the mentally ill in some other capacity.

unfortunately, the book was not edited as well as i would have liked. there were so many beautiful and needed things interspersed throughout the book, yet the way the individual paragraphs were ordered often made it feel chaotic in such a way that much valuable information could easily be lost to a reader because of the sense of disorganization within the book. though, i guess for those who have never personally experienced a mental illness, paying attention to the disordered nature of the book could help illustrate what it can be like in the mind of someone who is struggling with a mental illness.

even with that complaint, i would highly recommend this book as i feel that it offers some opening words to a conversation we must have within the church. and the fact that she is open about sharing her experiences while simultaneously addressing spiritual and theological implications seems to only give her greater credence and an ability to stand as a clear voice calling the church to reform its treatment and beliefs of the mentally ill.