Overjoyed. Ecstatic. Tickled Pink
Just a few words to describe how I feel as I am writing this post.
Today I have the privilege to introduce you to the beautiful Michelle Bengtson and her BRAND NEW book Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression. Not only do I get to introduce you to her but I also get to give away an author signed copy of her book to one of you beautiful readers! Read through to the end to see how you can win.
According to the CDC, over 18 million American adults suffer from depression each year. This problem affects 1 out of every 10 adults, and the number of individuals diagnosed is projected to increase by 20% each year! Depression can strike anyone – even doctors aren’t immune.
After treating patients for over 20 years as a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson suffered her own bout of clinical depression. She understands the pain and despair that women feel. But, she learned how to overcome depression’s grip and walk victorious. Since then, Michelle has helped hundreds of women limit depression’s power over their minds and recover the life they used to enjoy.
Michelle’s personal experience and professional expertise reveal the unseen issues that keep women chained in despair, while handing readers the keys to freedom. Even though someone may seem hostage to depression, it never has to be the final destination. This compassionate book will help women address the following concerns:
- How to identify the early warning signs of depression.
- Know when to seek help and who to ask.
- Tips for teaching loved ones how to help someone battling depression.
- Provide assurance that victory over depression is always possible – from someone’s who’s been through it.
Tell us a little about the book.
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression was written from two perspectives: the first being that as a clinical neuropsychologist with over 25 years in the medical and mental health field, but the second as someone who has gone through depression personally and is now on the other side. I treated patients with depression for many years, but when I went through depression personally, I gained a whole new level of appreciation and compassion for their suffering. I also realized that while the treatment suggestions that I had made for them for so many years helped but were insufficient because I had ignored the spiritual component of depression. I came to realize that unless we address the spiritual aspect of depression, we are really just putting a band-aid on the condition and expecting it to get better.
It also looks at what we can do to help overcome depression and live in the abundant life Christ died to give us. At the end of each chapter I offer a prescription for ways to apply the principles of that chapter to the reader’s own life, as well as a playlist of recommended music to encourage the reader, and the chapter ends with a prayer for the reader.
How long did it take you to write the book?
It took me approximately nine months to write the book, but the book includes many stories from over the course of my entire life.
What was your favorite chapter or part of the book to write and why?
My favorite part of the book is the introduction which is called “A Letter to My Depressed Self” which is a letter that I wrote to my depressed self, from me on the other side of depression. I love this because it’s really written to anyone struggling with depression, and is filled with encouragement straight from God’s word. I have also turned it into a poster so that it could be hung on a wall as a visual encouragement to those still in the valley who need that daily or hourly reminder of God’s promises and the truths in His word.
What was your biggest challenge or hurdle in writing and publishing your book?
Hope Prevails is based on John 10:10 which says “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” The book really puts a spotlight on the enemy of our soul and what he does to get us and keep us depressed. Because of that, he was not very happy with me. Throughout the writing and publishing of “Hope Prevails” I encountered significant spiritual warfare that I had to battle.
Is Hope Prevails just written for someone who is struggling with depression?
NO! From the title it might sound like it’s just written for someone who is depressed, but actually it’s also helpful for friends and family who have loved ones who are depressed and they want to know how to help them through such a difficult time. I’ve also gotten feedback from readers that they have the principles in the book beneficial to them even when they don’t struggle with depression, but they just want to become closer to God and better able to identify the lies of the enemy that have influence their lives and how they perceive the world and interact with others.
Have you thought of writing a study guide to go with this book? It seems like the kind of book that would be conducive to a study guide format.
Yes, actually, I’ve just finished writing the study guide to go with Hope Prevails. It will be available through my website (www.DrMichelleBengtson.com ) and very soon it should be available on Amazon. At the end of every chapter in Hope Prevails I offer three or four homework style questions, but the study guide goes much deeper to help the reader really get to the core issues of things and find deeper help, hope, and healing.
If you could go back through the writing, publishing, and marketing experience would you do anything differently?
I like to think that all of our “firsts” are a teacher for all of our “laters.” I learned so much in the projects where I was a contributing author. And the same is true in writing and publishing my first solo project, Hope Prevails. For the most part, I’m very pleased with the process and how it went. The biggest thing I would do differently would be that I would worry less, and trust God and His sovereignty more. I recently heard someone quote Jennie Allen as saying,
That is wisdom I wish I had heeded throughout my entire writing and publishing journey.
What other writers/books inspire you?
The Bible says “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” I think it is crucial that we know who our enemy is and how to fight back. For that reason, I love Lisa Bevere and her book Girls With Swords. I also enjoy books by Robert Morris and Brennan Manning.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
When I am not writing, there is nothing better than walking on the beach, boating on a lake, or watching a sunset or sunrise, or all the above during the course of the day. My soul is always most at peace when I’m near the water. Even better still when I’m with my family or close friends there.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Most definitely chocolate, but if I have a choice, I’d pick sea salt caramel chocolate 😉
What’s your favorite thing to order from the Olive Garden?
Portobello Mushroom Ravioli with extra sauce and hot breadsticks!
On average, how many times a week do you hurt yourself trying to dance in the shower?
I’m not much of a dancer but I have been known to “make a joyful noise” when I thought no one was listening.
Is there anything you want to say to your readers?
Life is hard. The Bible tells us that we will go through difficult times. But God is faithful and it’s not over until He says it’s over. Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Where can we buy your book?
On my website, www.DrMichelleBengtson.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway, CBD.com, Books-a-Million
Where can we get your book for FREE?
For more hope, stay connected with me at:
Website: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
Blog: http://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)
LinkedIn: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson
Google+: http://www.google.com/+MichelleBengtson
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson
Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ
To order Hope Prevails: http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/
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I’m excited about your book. I have experienced depression since I was a teenager. God has been good….but I desire to go deeper with God and to live more abundantly. Thanks for writing this book.
It is a tremendous book. I hope you enjoy!
Thank You for this Opportunity to Win a Copy of Hope Prevails and Please Pray for My Whole Family – My Kids – Megan- Matthew – Mena – Miles – Madison Massey and My Self Raquel Aguillon #HopePrevails
Father God, I thank you for this precious momma Raquel. I ask that you wrap Your loving arms around her family. Be with Megan, Matthew, Mena, Miles, Madison, Massey and Raquel – let them sense Your presence in their lives and draw them closer to you. Thank you for love us Father, in Jesus name Amen.
What a great interview! As a mental health professional, I’m super excited about this book’s message!
Thanks! I know you will find it very useful!!
Knowing Michelle first as a doctor and then now as a friend, I can testify to how the Holy Spirit speaks through her and uses her so much to minister to many. Her journey has been very difficult and for that, I am so thankful she is willing to share that we can also find hope. Michelle is such an amazing woman. A few words to describe her as I see her would be strong, compassionate, loving, caring & fun.
I agree whole heartedly. Thank you for sharing!
I’m a sufferer of chronic depression, and migraines, partly from my Dad’s DNA side and a side affect stemming from fibromyalgia, and tmj. In the past few years, I have been dealing with hammertoes and Morton syndrome, and weight gain. Only last week, I was in a motorcycle accident and both arms are laid up. The devil is fighting big time to pull me away from God, so I need all the help I can, to fight back.
I will be praying for you Debra. I have fibromyalgia as well and it is so hard to fight the depression at times. Thank you for allowing me to pray for you
Such a great interview!! And a fantastic book the world NEEDS!
Thank you and yes, I agree!
I am almost finished with the book and what I first thought would help me with someone who has depression has helped me too. Hope does prevail in all of our lives if we turn to God who is the keeper of hope.
That is so amazing. Isn’t it wonderful how God can work through the most unexpected things?
Thank you for this interview. Hope Prevails sounds like a great book, especially as it sounds like it deals with the spiritual aspect of depression. Depression has often overtaken me in life, but hope prevails in Jesus. I especially need prayer for God to break the chains of past abuse in my life and to quiet Satan’s lies that can be so persistent. I don’t often ask for prayer, but I’m taking this leap. Thank you.
Bless you Trudy! It is a beautiful book and one that I think you would love. Michelle has been where you are and you are right. We have hope in Jesus!
Sweet Jesus, be with my new friend Judy today. Wrap her up in Your loving and healing arms. Protect her from the lies our enemy speaks. Guard her from all harm. Heal her wounds made by others. And above all let her not only know, but also feel that she is a beautiful daughter of the King of Heaven. She is lavishly loved by You with an unfailing and never changing love. She is Your beloved! Strengthen her with Your power and encourage her that her story may one day bring You glory. Thank you Father for loving us. In Jesus precious name, Amen
Thank you so very much, Jen. Blessings and hugs to you!
What a blessing that Dr. Michelle willingly took on the task of not only sharing her professional journey with us but her own personal journey about overcoming depression. When we share with others, our trials and triumphs there is an authenticity that is so powerful! Praying that God would use this book in a mighty way across our nation. #HopePrevails
Yes that is so true. We are blessed by her!
My blog, Hope and Healing, began as a way to address the hope and healing I found living with depression. I’m thankful for the journey the Lord carried me through, because I desire to be a vessel through which He touches others living with depression. My hope is in Him alone. I wish to publish my own story but in a different format than Michelle. I write a small column, A Glimmer of Hope, in the online publication, Broken But Priceless: The Magazine.
Wonderful Jan! Thanks for stopping in and for your heartfelt ministry to others!
What often seems most hopeless is salvation for those whom I love. I am always eager for people to pray for the lost.
I have also dealt with depression for as long as I can remember.
Yes Cindy, I have a heart for the lost as well and sometimes it can take years before they come. All we can do is keep praying and trust God for the rest
Thank you for the giveaway and for writing the book
I was sexually harrassed at work and have been dealing with PTSD since it happened. It has thrown me into panic and anxiety. My employer transferred this man to another location instead of firing him. I saw him at a recent professional development that we had to attend and the panic was difficult to deal with in public. Please pray for me.
Finances are very tight right now so please pray for a miracle. My car needs to be repaired and I have to get rides to work this is stressful.
Congrats on your book. Would love to win a copy
Father, please send your angels to surround Kathleen in this difficult time. Protect her with your strong hand and comfort her with your merciful heart. I ask your will on her finances and car repairs. Most of all, let her know without doubt the she is your daughter. You love her with an unfailing love. Let her find her strength and peace in your word and your arms. Thank you for her Father. In Jesus name, Amen
I have been honored and privileged to read this book during the launch. Even though I thought I had never battled depression, once I started digging in to this book, I realized that I had somewhat walked through the dark valley of depression. I realized that I had buried some horrible memories from my past, and during those times I truly was depressed. It was so healing to realize this, and to let God guide me through this book. This book is a constant reminder of His love, His goodness, His faithfulness, His promises, and that because of Him, Hope truly does prevail. I am so grateful for Michelle and this book. I have loved ones who are struggling now, and I can’t wait to get this book into their hands. God is up to something good here! 🙂 <3
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing with us and yes, I have no doubt God is up to some big things!
I’m in the midst of some extremely huge and life challenging changes. The future is so unknown. Its going to be full of heartache and often fighting depression if life becomes unbalanced. Prayers for the future ahead.
Will be praying for you Elizabeth!
I would absolutely love a copy of this book. I want to break the hold depression has on me.
I am so thankful for the book Hope Prevails, personally a group of us have prayed for over a year for the details of this day and the launch of the book. Thanks for your part in spreading the word about this wonderful message that is contained in this book. Blessings Diana
I really want this for a friend who I know is overwhelmed within her own suffering and has NO joy left.
This is a bright and funny brilliantly smart woman who is knocked down by circumstances.
If God wants her to deal with her depression through this book I know somehow He will provide her a copy.
Praying for your friend!
God upheld us as we waited to adopt. It was a difficult time but He got us through.
Wonderful!
I thank God for this book, HOPE PREVAILS, this book will really help people, most especially women, they go through a lot. I personally experience the same thing, but God almighty brought me out. The challenges, sufferings and so many things happening around one. All we need to do is to hold on to God and believe in His promises, His says He will make a way where there is no way, God will not let down. I have not read the book yet, I will like to have a copy of it. I appreciate U.