Mary R.-A. Wanek releases memoir on faith and depression

Mary R.-A. Wanek has released a memoir about her more than 40-year struggle with major depressive disorder, weaving together faith, medical care and personal recovery. The Iowa City author’s book is now available through major retailers as she aims to offer hope and practical guidance to readers facing depression.

Why it matters: - Mary R.-A. Wanek’s memoir adds a personal voice to the conversation about depression, faith and treatment. - The book is aimed at readers who are living with depression or supporting a loved one through it. - Wanek frames healing as a combination of spiritual support, medical care and behavior change.

What happened: - Wanek announced the release of I Am Sunny; I Am Blue: My Christian Journey with Depressive Illness. - The memoir centers on Wanek’s more than 40-year battle with major depressive disorder. - The author lives in Iowa City, Iowa. - The book is available through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. - A purchase link is referenced in the release.

The details: - The memoir blends poetry, prose, biblical quotations, and excerpts from Wanek’s personal letters, journals and essays. - Wanek writes about using faith in God alongside medical care, therapy and self-growth to move toward healing. - The book highlights the need for adequate medical care when living with depression. - Wanek also emphasizes changing behavior and thought patterns and building healthy coping skills. - The memoir connects Wanek’s mental health experience to her work as a caregiver for children and people with developmental disabilities. - Wanek’s earlier newspaper column, “Sunny-Side Up,” helped earn her the nickname “Mary Sunshine.” - Her public image as upbeat and humorous contrasted with the depression she later described in the book. - The hardcover sells for $30.99. - The paperback sells for $20.99. - The ebook sells for $6.99. - The book’s ISBNs are 979-8-950391-40-8 and 979-8-950391-39-2. - Review copies and interviews are available on request.

Between the lines: - The memoir positions faith not as a substitute for treatment, but as part of a broader recovery framework. - Wanek’s story underscores how severe depression can affect people who appear cheerful and functional in public. - The release leans on lived experience and religious reflection rather than clinical analysis. - The book’s message is as much about endurance and caregiving as it is about depression.

What’s next: - Wanek is offering review copies and interview availability to media. - The publisher, MindStir Media, is inviting readers interested in publishing services to learn more at more information. - Wanek is expected to use the memoir to reach readers seeking hope and practical support for depressive illness.

The bottom line: - I Am Sunny; I Am Blue is a faith-centered memoir that pairs a long personal account of depression with a message of hope, treatment and resilience.