I'm Depressed — Now What?

Maria V. Gallagher finds an excellent resource in Tommy Tighe's guidebook for building coping skills to help navigate depression.

I'm Depressed — Now What? St. Dymphna's Guide to Building Your Depression Playbook 

By Tommy Tighe

Published by Ave Maria Press

I felt for a long time as if I was displaying a scarlet “D” on my chest, a mark of shame and utter defeat.

The “D” stood for depression and it had brought me to my knees.

I so wish that, at that difficult time, I had had a resource to turn to like the book, I’m Depressed — Now What? 

Author Tommy Tighe speaks with the authority of a licensed marriage and family therapist. But he also conveys his message with the empathy and understanding of someone who truly knows the unspeakable pain of depression.

I once heard a famous journalist remark in an interview that being depressed is like winning a million dollars in the lottery and it not making any difference whatsoever. That is certainly how I felt. I was crushed and burdened and I had lost my zest for living.

Thankfully, I received the treatment I needed and my life took a dramatic turn for the better. But it was a long and challenging road to recovery.

The Spiritual Component

Part of the problem was that I desperately needed not only conventional treatment, but spiritual solace as well. My providers were highly competent and skilled, but they did not mention the Almighty. I felt as if they really didn’t understand me, since, in the haze of depression, I had convinced myself I was heading to Hell.

The subtitle to Tighe’s book is “St. Dymphna’s Guide to Building Your Depression Playbook.” Tighe knows the tremendous importance faith can play in recovery. He does not downplay spirituality — he celebrates it. And that is what sets this book apart.

I do not mean to suggest that one book can cure depression. It is a complex illness which may require a number of different methods of treatment. Checking in with a medical professional can be your initial action toward finding relief.

A Catholic Approach

But by the same token, faith should not be discounted. It can be vitally important in helping an individual to rediscover the meaning in his or her life. A Catholic approach to depression treats the entire person: the physical, psychological, and the spiritual. And that multi-pronged approach can make all the difference in the world.

I implore you — if you believe you are suffering from depression, consult with a trusted medical professional immediately. Your psychological health is of paramount importance for both yourself and your family.

But then consider reading I’m Depressed — Now What? It is a book that mixes the practical with the transcendent and puts to rest the notion that depression is a character flaw. It is a serious illness and must be treated as such.

Tighe poses a series of questions and provides answers that are incredibly reassuring. For instance, he asks, “How can I know if I’m actually depressed?” and “How do I tell loved ones I’m struggling without pushing them away?”

A Note to Family Members

Perhaps it is not you who are suffering from depression, but a beloved family member. You may also find the book to be helpful as you accompany your relative on the journey toward healing. The more we all know about depression, the better we can minister to those who are afflicted.

Tighe does not offer quick fixes. Rather, he provides a playbook to aid people to find the path toward recovery. As a result, he has done a tremendous service which can bestow many blessings on families.

It is critical not to take an oversimplified approach to depression (I recommend this excellent CatholicMom column on the topic.) Depression can manifest itself in many ways, and the root causes can be difficult to pinpoint. But reading I’m Depressed — Now What? can be a crucial step toward hope and healing.

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Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva