St. Dymphna's Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being Paperback – 5 Nov. 2021

I received a temporary e-ARC through Netgalley of ‘St. Dymphna’s Playbook: A Catholic Guide To Finding Mental And Emotional Well-Being’ by Tommy Tighe, in return for an honest review.I hadn’t heard of the author but the book description sounded fascinating. Tommy Tighe states that this is not meant to be a self-help book, rather he presents coping skills for various mental health experiences. It’s also an important reminder that we are not alone; others are suffering just like us. The author hopes that this book “will provide impetus for our Catholic Church to bring our mental health struggles out into the open without stigma and with a plan for moving forward … unafraid to walk with our sisters and brothers through their valley of tears”.St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental illness and those who care for them. The ‘Introduction’ details her life story which is incredibly sad. I enjoyed reading the historical information. I especially like the chapter titles: ‘Lord, The One You Love Is …’. I found this a powerful prayer in itself - that’s before even delving into the chapters. Each chapter is dedicated to a different mental health experience: Depression; Anxiety; Trauma; Relationships; and Grief. Underneath each chapter title, there are four subheadings, each one contains a reflection, an explanation of the symptoms or diagnosis, practical and healthy coping skills, a brief explanation of what faith and the saints say about that particular experience, and a brief list of key chapter points. The chapters are followed by a Conclusion, Resources section, and Notes.I found the reading experience very moving and helpful. I highlighted many pages and passages in the book. The insights from a letter Mother Theresa wrote to her spiritual director is especially moving and heartbreaking. Because of this, I can identify with her in a new way and I find it amazing that St. Theresa of Calcutta is there for us too. Beautiful.Overall, a very moving book that touches on an emotive, difficult and sensitive subject. The books message is very encouraging and the author brings comfort and reassurance that we are never alone. Help and hope are always out there. The holy saints suffered pain and mental anguish throughout their lives too. This book blessed me and I would recommend.

Very helpful for us who are suffering from PTSD or childhood trauma, it gives us hope that we can find peace in Prayer and devotion. Thank you so much, and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Amazing

I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years. I've also experienced times of grief, abandonment, abuse and the joy that only comes from God! This book offered a lot of insight and practical applications as well as spiritual guidance from real life experience. I'm currently in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and found some very helpful descriptions to name some of my feelings and a sense of Hope for the future.

I liked that this book covered many different mental health issues. Sometimes when someone is struggling, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what is happening. Reading this book, I was able to hone in on my child's particular symptoms. Most importantly, the book laid out the most crucial concrete steps for treatment when addressing each specific issue.

It wasn't for me; did not detail info on problems.