02640oam 2200481z- 450 991096455730332120210113194203.097817845031301784503134(CKB)3710000001010314(MiAaPQ)EBC4773947(VLeBooks)9781784503130(Perlego)953485(EXLCZ)99371000000101031420190426d2017 uy |engtxtrdacontentcrdamediacrrdacarrierSadness, Depression, and the Dark Night of the Soul Transcending the Medicalisation of SadnessDigital OriginalJessica Kingsley Publishers1 online resource (355 p.)9781785920561 1785920561 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. Church work with the mentally illDepression, MentalMedicalizationPsychology and religionSadnessChurch work with the mentally ill.Depression, Mental.Medicalization.Psychology and religion.Sadness.259.425Dura-Vila Gloria1810167Littlewood Professor Roland1810168BOOK9910964557303321Sadness, Depression, and the Dark Night of the Soul4361374UNINA