Try this too, Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]

Try this, Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]

Better alternative, Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]

Can we convince ourselves that everything's swell and that we feel nice? Of course! People can convince themselves of all kinds of things that are objectively untrue. If you want to go through life believing things that are objectively untrue, cognitive behavioral therapy is for you. But does pretending to have a different reaction to circumstances beyond your control actually help in the long run? Because that's what CBT is all about: pretending, repressing, sticking your finger in the dike to hold the flood back a little longer. There is absolutely no scientific proof that it works, period. (Google "limits of cognitive behavioral therapy" and "why cognitive behavior therapy doesn't work".)
CBT is nonsense. Read some Schopenhauer and get a dose of reality; you'll be better off.

Este comentario va en castellano porque su máxima utilidad es para lectores no usamericanos.

El libro es bueno, muy bueno diria, pero el lector no usamericano debe hacer un trabajo constante para "desusamericanizarlo" pues el libro tiene muchas cosas que solo son razonables para alguien que tenga membresía en ese marco cultural.

En resumen: en medio de bastante ruido cultural hay buena información de caracter bastante "universal".

When I began reading the book is was skeptical to try Dr. Burn's methods but I was also desperate. I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for a year and nothing was working. I started using the triple column technique every day, recording my distorted thoughts, identifying the cognitive distortions, and giving a rational response. After just a few weeks, I began to notice a reduction in my anxiety and I wasn't as depressed. Even though I have a long way to go, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I truly believe in the techniques presented in this book. I did begin to lose interest in the last few chapters as they go into detail about medications and I stopped reading them. However, the book is still excellent and I know there's a great resource on medications whenever I need it.

Excellent read!! It doesn't matter how young or old you are this book can help you see yourself and life differently. It has helped me reflect on my beliefs and my life. What a true gift it has given me. It helps form a new way of thinking about negative thoughts and gives valuable strategies on how to use positive thoughts to really feel better about yourself. I highly recommend this book. If you are ready to view yourself honestly and are open to real life changes, than this book is for you.

You do not have to suffer from full-blown depression to appreciate Dr. Burns insight into cognitive thoughts and how they affect your mood.
This book addresses every aspect of feelings that drive negative thoughts about ourselves, guilt, anger, sadness, perfectionism. I had spent years reinforcing negative thoughts based on situations out of my control. This book lifted me to a level of awareness of this spiraling behavior and gave me the tools I needed to change it. This will be a book that you need to read, and apply. Remember, it took years to condition yourself to think negatively, give this book a chance to reverse that process! I have bought several copies and given them to friends who have benefited from it's read as a result of facing sad or negative situations.

I think absolutely anyone could benefit from reading this book. It makes clear the link between our thoughts and our moods and gives concrete methods for conciously changing the thought patterns that lead to self-destructive feelings and actions. And unlike many self-help books, it isn't dry or preachy; it's easy to read and well worth the time. If you're depressed, PLEASE buy this book - it WILL help! If you're not depressed, buy this book - it WILL improve your life!

I feel that David Burns has been able to put a good edge of stability on my day to day living. Stuff that I think I might have worked out myself but Burns deals with in a simple direct way and how to cope with them whatever youve decided your problems are; that one has a procrastination issues, surviving negative people and situations, you know...just dealing with life in general. He shows how to cope with situations either by writing activities or by your own mind revision.
IE. pge 138, dealing with critisism.
1.Always speak the truth.
it might be biazarre and weird truth but the attacker will run out of steam and it will lose their grip on you.
The book is focused on depressed people. I dont think I am actually 'depressed' but certainly had my issues and one of these is dealing with antidepressants in the past and this book has a great section on the treatment of antidepressants.

I was working on a movie this summer and reading this "Feeling Good" book between takes. I had read the book a few times before, but suddenly I saw on one of its pages what my problem was. Earlier, a pyschiatrist had diagnosed me with severe depression. He prescribed several types of medication. Besides the psychiatrist, I saw three therapists. Each one of them made me feel worse, I thought. The last one said something to me that I thought was so hurtful that I could not talk for the entire session for fear I would burst out crying. I couldn't see that last therapist again. However, I did realize how mentally sick I was--how hurt I was. The medications I took did, somehow, allow me to see things more clearly. So, I was reading this book, a page I had read before, when suddenly I realized the core of my problem. I think this book is great--if your mind is clear enough to understand it. I don't want to cite the page because I get easily embarrassed, but, I think, it gives the best summary of how you must change your attitude so that you can feel better--or just survive. Of all the books I've read, this is the best, and I wanted to let you know. Perhaps, you, too, would reread the book and find the answer. However, I think becoming aware of the depth of my depression also helped in my realization of what the book was trying to make me see.

This is one of the best books written for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression who are looking for tools that the can use daily to help themselves feel better. The author, who is a psychiatrist, is a pioneer in the field of cognitive behavioral therapy. His premise is simple..." the way you think determines the way you feel"

And he is right.

For the individual who is willing to put the time in and work through this book the rewards will be great.

I have recommended this book to a number of my patients

Dr Alagia

I've read several "self help" books on depression and I got the most out of this one, by far. I think maybe because it was so easy to identify with much of what he said. Like when he is talking about the different types of distorted thinking, "Hey, I do that!" His suggestions are simple and easy to follow. He admits to thoughts you may have as you read and responds to them. Just overall, I really felt like this book spoke to me more than any of the others that I have read.

Good book! Arrived on time and in good condition. This book would help anyone to analyse their thoughts and make corrections in actions and thought toward a better life. I highly recommend it!

This is an excellent book for anyone suffering from depression. It's not some magic cure-all, but it really helps you identify and actually CHANGE the negative thinking associated with depression. It actually helps you begin to feel better again. It didn't completely cure me, but I can honestly say that without the knowledge I gained from this book I probably wouldn't be here anymore. If you suffer from serious depression: first, find a therapist, then, GET THIS BOOK!

This book is truly awakening, it made me realize how distorted I view the world. I believe that the learnings I have gained from this book will make me a better wife, mother and friend. Good luck to all in the frustrating battle with depression, I hope you find the book as helpful as I did!

This is an excellent book for anyone suffering from depression. It's not some magic cure-all, but it really helps you identify and actually change the negative thinking that causes depression. It didn't completely cure me, but I can honestly say that without the knowledge I gained from this book I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here anymore. If you suffer from serious depression, first find a therapist, then GET THIS BOOK!

I received this book a few weeks ago, and started reading it after it was recommended to me by a counselor. One central point that I encountered is that sadness and depression are not the same. Especially after Hurricane Katrina and the destruction it brought New Orleans (where I live), I have equated my sad feeling with depression. Thank goodness, that is not so.
This review is not final; I will write a more complete review once I finish reading this book.
19 April 2008: today, I finished reading this book, and am now completing my review. Dr. Burns has some interesting things to say, but I wish he had condensed the text so as to make it more relevant to the non-scientist. I, for one, had to read a few sentences twice to understand them.
As I stated above, this book was recommended to me because I was seeking counseling due to post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from Hurricane Katrina and its damaging effects on New Orleans, my United States hometown. I had not lost any belongings in the hurricane, however, the damages I saw in New Orleans when I returned from my two-month-evacuation had left effects on both my physical and mental health. My blood pressure had gone sky high. Also, just as soon as I saw the damage, it left me bewildered. I remember getting a Bible and not being able to read Psalm 23 which speaks of green pastures and still waters; "waters" brought back the picture of the 17th street canal breach which spilled all the water into New Orleans; "pastures" reminded me of beautiful green grass that also enhances the beauty of New Orleans. I am still reading Psalms 22 and 130. I am glad that I read in the book that sadness (which I felt a lot after Katrina, and still feel) is not the same as depression. I really needed to know that. Also, Dr. Burns makes an interesting distinction between what psychiatrists would do with depressed people (prescribe medications) and what counselors and social workers would do (provide counseling to deal with the problem). After reading that, I am glad I sought counseling. Dr. Burns' treatment of medicines is also noteworthy. He goes into great length about how to deal with medicines, and the bottom line that I am getting is that it is always wise to stay in touch with your doctor when taking certain medications. From my experience, I agree with that. I have always believed, and believe to this very day, that it is never advisable to take medicine advertised in commercials, as one can never be certain about taking such medicines without possible damaging effects. One such example are sleeping pills.
Dr. Burns also includes statistical data in his book, but, from time to time, they do not correspond with the text.

I received this book a few weeks ago, and started reading it after it was recommended to me by a counselor. One central point that I encountered is that sadness and depression are not the same. Especially after Hurricane Katrina and the destruction it brought New Orleans (where I live), I have equated my sad feeling with depression. Thank goodness, that is not so.
This review is not final; I will write a more complete review once I finish reading this book.

Amazing book. Tons of insight and many many tools to use to get at the roots of mal-thinking. Trouble is, one must still make oneself do the exercises to get the results. :) Seriously, though, I found the exercise of asking yourself over and over "Why does this upset you?" when dealing with an upsetting event or idea really gets you to the core of the issue. Every time I remember to use this technique, I have a huge Aha! moment and resolve issues. I really do believe that if a person read and used this book regularly for a year, thousands of dollars could be saved in therapy. Combine it with the powerful technique of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and even more mental garbage is quickly removed. Highly recommend.

I read this book years ago and found it very helpful. I'm a teacher and have used many of its ideas over the years. Its info on self esteem is very valuable.

This book, along with therapy has helped me get back on track in my life. It straightened out all the kinks. I coupled psychotherapy once a week while reading this book... no antidepressents! It made me come a long way in a very difficult journey.

This book is arguably the best self-help book available for anyone suffering from depression. It presents the basics of congitive therapy in a format that the average person can use. Cognitive therapy and the overwhelming scientific evidence for its effectiveness are described in the first few chapters. Dysfunctional thought records are introduced as the primary self-help technique for the reader next (in a chapter labeled as self-esteem so do not skip it). Later in the book, individual issues, many of which may be experienced by the reader, are discussed in depth to give the reader new ways to consider these issues as they use thought records to help themselves.

This self-help approach is not quite as effective as using the book during therapy with a cogntive therapist, but the price of this book makes it affordable for everyone. I have talked with people who still today use some of the practical techniques from Feeling Good, even twenty years after they first read it. This is a good general starting place to learn about cognitive therapy.

I got a lot out of Rational Emotive Therapy from Albert Ellis. This book is somewhat more detailed and takes more time and effort to use but is worth it.

This is a BIG book full of uneccesary material that someone who is severely depressed is going to have a HARD time even holding up. Seriously, I went through a deep depression many years ago and during that time "Feeling Good" was required reading in one of my college courses. The professor, who admittedly had never experienced a depressive episode swore that this was the best book for anyone suffering from depression. While I will admit there is some helpful information in this book you have to be out of the deep depression to begin appreciating any of it.

In the academic field of counseling/psychology this book is touted as the best book for patients with depression. However, in my real world experience the only therapists/counselors recommending this book are ones who have either not gone through a severe depression or who never really read the book themselves.

Cognitive theory ideas can be extremely helpful to people with depression. But I wouldn't waste your money on this one.

There are several books out there - written by other sufferers who made it back to freedom - that will be more valuable. If you need a therapist to help you then get a live one and not one from a book whose theory is based on his personal style.

I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression

When Going Through Hell... Don't Stop! A Survivor's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety and Clinical Depression

Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression

A Pathway to Healing: One Woman's Journey through Depression

etc...

OK, here's my story. I've been severely depressed for 2 years, and this was the first book I read for depression, and I did a lot of work with it. Well, id did help me, but may be only 15%. The author applies that we can change our way of thinking, well, some of it but not everything. There're some things that we can't change because we live in a society with its own values and expectation, and we can't become completely ignorant toward some things that we've believed in all our life, and in which people who surround us believe in it, too. Also, we can't fool ourself, if something is bad, we can't tell ourself that it's good, if we keep practicing saying that, than, our unconscious mind won't trust our conscious mind.

I knew that I had a depression, but, I didn't know how severe it was! I didn't trust to go to a therapist (not that good where I live & couldn't afford to at a certain stage) Family & friends weren't that helpful. Unfortunately, when you tell someone that you're suffering from an illness called depression they usually don't take you seriously. People don't treat depression as a life threatening disease! Before buying Feeling Good I had a very difficult year: I left my job, a guy that I was involved with & my house. I just needed a break & to be with my family (my score would've been 98 on BDC at that stage!). Sadly, they didn't understand: being selfless doesn't pay off! I even ended up being homeless & jobless... Any way, some how, I reached out to the hero inside me; I started to pull myself together; got a loan from a friend rented a house & at a later stage got a temp job. I became much better but I knew that I didn't conquer that disease. A friend told me about Feeling Good, I couldn't put it down...the most important book I've ever read! It covers all the tiny details about your feelings & troubles then provides you with detailed steps on how to overcome depression.
I'm a highly attractive woman, extremely powerful & never had troubles getting men! I always had a smile on my face & people say that I'm the most optimistic person they've ever met! I had a perfect life but I gave it away because depression made me see the world in black.
Guess what...life is BEAUTIFUL & worth living. It gives us plenty of opportunities, all what we need is to grab one!
When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up! Change begins with YOU. Start now...
Thank you Dr. Burns; you're my best friend!

This is considered by many to be a classice self help book on cognitive psychology, meaning changing our thoughts about the situaion and playing more positive more helpful "tapes" in our mind. I recommend this book highly.

I was instructed by a counselor to order and read this book. So far, it is helpful. I was pleased with its condition and the promptness in delivery.

You are not alone anymore when you read Feeling Good. The keys are clearly given for the root causes of depression and anxiety and then you are lead to hope to unlock the door of feeling good. It will take effort and belief but it is truth that will get you out of the pit if you really want out and want to feel good instead of bad. It is one aspect of overcoming depression. I would also recommend lifestyle therapy such as diet and exercise changes.

My shrink suggested I buy Feeling Good so I did. It's a good book that has obviously been written by someone who's done a lot of research on the subject of depression. But that's the problem, for me it's too much research.
The book is longer than a depressed person has patience to read. It's over 700 pages and all that is packaged in a small paperback. All I want is the results of the research not hundreds of pages of studies and survays and research. I know it's good to know all this stuff but as a depressed person I don't really care about it. All I'm interested in is in dealing with the depression. Bottom line, I havn't finished the book yet because it's too much like a text book and that's hardly what I need.

Other than that, as I say, it's a good book with a lot of information if you have time to either read it all or try and find the info you're looking for without putting it away for later.

Down to earth, everyday helpful, and the reverse role-playing exercises Dr. Burns uses with his patients and relates to us in this book are not only funny, witty, amusing and interesting, they are spot-on in their usefulness.

LOVE this book!

In actual documented scientific studies, reading this book has proved to be as beneficial to people suffering depression than any medication available today. Totally comprehensive, it is an absolute must read for anyone who experiences the dreaded "Black Dog". Highly recommended.

Another feel good book which I love and recommend - How to be a Super Hot Woman: 339 Tips to Make Every Man Fall in Love with You and Every Woman Envy You

Both books rock!

Bought this book in the mid 80s. Have referred to it over and over through the years. I have recommended this book to friends more than any other. This book can be life changing.

This book will surprise you because you will find yourself in it. There is a lot of information and techniques for dealing with depression that challanges what you might think you know. It is worthwhile and helpful if you really want to feel good.

I have read all of Dr. Burns' books which are very good and many of the other books on CBT including those by Ellis. For me this was my faviorite. I think the reason it is so good is not just the CBT model, but the warmth and wisdom that Dr.Burns brings to it. It is almost like the fuel for the engine, and I don't think it would work nearly as well without it.

Besides from making me feel better these are a few things that CBT has helped with:
-I had always had insomnia as far as I can remember. I rarely do now.
-I went out on a handfull of dates the past two years for the first time. They didn't end up how I wanted but it was a big step for me.
-I gave up a lot of the resentment towards my parents and became closer to them
-I get along with other people better.

I spent a year a half doing these exercises for an hour a day each morning because if I didn't the way I felt was simply unbearable. My BDC (the checklist to measure you mood) showed a temporary improvement at first with relapses. But then as I tracked this the relapses got less severe and further apart. And something strange happened in that I would occasionally feel happy for what seemed like the first time that I could remember.

Now that I feel better the motivation to do this everyday has decreased. However, I now do one exercise per day (around 5 min) and plan to continue to do so. I feel like I am more immune to depression now, because I have this tool and have learned to change my thought patterns. I have used this to stop myself from relapsing since, but in all honesty I could probably be happier if I did more.

Some things that I learned thay may help:
-Doing exercises first thing in the morning was often the most effective time for me
-I bought a cheap voice recorder to play back my disputations at other times
-Tracking your mood is essential to see that you are really making progress (when you feel bad it is hard to remember)
-Try to read different books on CBT/REBT and try different exercises
-I wonder if I would have made progress faster or been better off if I had done it in conjunction with a therapist

I hope this helps. I am sincerely thankful for this book!

This book is great. It does not make baseless claims or promises. It's based on a very reassuring combination of common sense and scientific study. I haven't put myself through the whole program yet, but already feel more in control of my moods. I am genuinely feeling better. CBT is a positive, proactive approach suitable for anything from mild, temporary depression to severe and prolonged depression - such as my own. The method leaves the patient in control, yet thoroughly supported throughout. I highly recommend this book to anyone who isn't currently 'feeling good'.

Dr. Burns' book "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" offers instant yet insightful ways to start pulling out of depression or anxiety and to create life-long changes in thought patterns that can keep one living a happier and more productive life into the future. His systematic identification of the thought-errors that lead to and reinforce depressive feelings is quite brilliant: Most of us aren't aware when we are doing them and, if aware, believe that there is truth to these mistaken patterns. Simply becoming aware of negative self-talk and its mistaken premises may almost immediately help a person (particularly someone with milder depression).

BUT: Dr. Burns, I feel, fails to take seriously the effect that major traumatic events can have on a person's psyche. While he acknowledges that death, disability, or major illness can lead to feelings of sadness (although, he says, they do not "cause" depression), I feel that he systematically underestimates the importance of the conditions of one's life in relation to how one feels in and about their life. Certainly, one shouldn't need external "props" to feel basically good or worthy. However, there are some basic, necessary conditions of human flourishing that everyone needs - to be free of serious pain, to have the minimum financial wherewithal for basic security, ordinary human social contact and not isolation; maybe a handful of others. Dr. Burns seems to minimize the importance of any "real world" factor in his assertion that anyone - including, in examples he uses, prisoners of war - can be happy if only they have the right mindset. This takes a good principle too far, and makes it potentially damaging: A person is not weak or even suffering from errors of thought if he or she feels somewhat depressed under truly extreme circumstances that are outside the bounds of what people should be called upon to live with; rather, they're experiencing a possibly realistic reaction to a very bad situation. It's important to distinguish when you need to change your *thoughts* from when you need to change your *reality,* though often both are important.

The caveat above really is a small one, as most people suffer from depression in the midst of totally ordinary circumstances - circumstances that only may appear hopeless or insurmountable because of the depression itself. That's where treatment - and Dr. Burns' book - are so valuable. But for people experiencing depression in truly extraordinary circumstances that deprive one of the basic conditions of human flourishing, I think it's helpful, and humane, to acknowledge that it is not merely mistaken thought patterns that create a barrier to contentedness or happiness.

In summary: A hugely helpful book - but a bit panglossian on the power of right thinking under any and every circumstance.

I dealt with depression throughout my teenage years and twenties. One day I literally could not get out of bed because I was so depressed. My aunt bought me this book and told me to read it. This was almost 10 years ago. Once I had finished it, I have had a completely different outlook. I have carried what I gained from this book with me ever since and I now know how to deal with my emotions and feelings. I highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, or other related issues. It is the one and only book I have read on the subject and it is apparently the only one I needed.

"Feeling Good" is absolutely helpful book for anyone going through anxiety or depression. Dr. Burns allows you to evaluate your thoughts and learn how mental distortions contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression. Afterwards he offers a cognitive therapy approach to overcome these negative thoughts and emotions. Cognitive therapy works on changing thoughts in order to learn coping skills that allow you to feel in control of your mental and emotional world. This is a great book for anyone who wants to take control of their mood and to start feeling good once again. Here are some other books that you check out on depression:

Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think: Strategies for coping with anxiety and depression.
Undoing Depression: Holistic approach to managing depression.
Breaking the Patterns of Depression: Offers over 100 exercises to overcome depression.
Nexus: A Neo Novel: Fascinating journey of Logan Andrews through suicide, anxiety and depression to spiritual transformation.

I am part of an online message board for people with depression. Several people there have mentioned that this book was helpful to them. So I decided to see if my local library had a copy. I was able to find one. I picked up this book with an open mind and tried to read it the same way. There a couple things that I like about this book, and quite a few that I didn't like.

Before I go any further, let me just say that I have read numerous self-help books. Overall, I find reading self-help books to be nothing but a waste of time. I tend to read them with a lot of skepticism. Pretty much all the self-help books I've read have nothing to offer except simplistic answers and quick-fixes which seldom work. But lately, my depression has been so severe that I'm willing to read just about anything that might help. If it wasn't for that, I very much doubt I would have picked up this book.

On the positive side, I think this book has a lot of good things to say regarding self-esteem, negative self-talk and silencing the inner critic. To be honest, I just finished the book yesterday, so I haven't had a chance yet to employ the techniques mentioned by Dr. Burns. But like I said, at this point, I'm willing to try almost anything.

I agree with the previous reviewers who have said that the techniques in this book probably work well for people with mild to moderate depression. But don't work at all for people with very severe depression. I find it rather ironic that Dr. Burns felt qualified to write a book that describes a "cure-all" for depression when it's obvious that he has never experienced serious depression himself. I also disagree with Dr. Burn's assertion that science has never proven that depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance. I have taken some classes that deal with medical issues. Including once called "Health and Human Diseases." The text for this class has an entire dealing with mental illness, including depression. It describes in detail, the symptoms, causes, and treatment for each disorder. In the section on depression, it very clearly states that severe depression CAN be caused by a chemical imbalance (usually of seritonin) It is obvious to me that Dr. Burn's just plain wrong when he says that the medical community doesn't believe that depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance. I've also looked up depression on the website for Mayo Clinic and they too, state that depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance. Mayo Clinic is one of the most well-known and well respected hospitals in the nation.

Second, it makes me incredibly angry for Dr. Burns to say that you if you simply change your thinking your depression will disappear. In my opinion, disorted thinking and negativity is a symptom of depression, not the cause of it. I wish it were as easy to overcome depression as Dr. Burn's seems to think it is. But I don't think it is. In my opinion, based on my own personal experience with depression, I know that depression is an incredibly complex issue. There are no cure-alls or quick fixes when it comes to depression. It also angers me to read that Dr. Burns believers there is no valid reason for depression. That is just not true. In addition to a chemical imbalance, the medical community also believes that in some cases, depression can also be genetic. That seems like a valid reason to me.

Dr. Burns also seems to buy into one of the most common misconceptions about depression. "It's all in your head" That is pretty much what Dr. Burn's is saying. In my opinion, Dr. Burn's solution to depression is not the be all and end all he claims. In fact, I found much of his writing to be very condescending and patronizing. He seems to think that dealing with depression is similar to turning off a light switch. As long as the wires are hooked up correctly when you flip the switch, the light goes on. When you flip the switch, the light goes off. That's great if you're talking about electricity, but not if you are talking about depression. If there's one thing I know about depression it's that you can't just switch it off at will. Dr. Burn's seems to not understand the difference between true depression and just the blues.

I was also somewhat confused by the section on anti-depressents. In one place, he says that if you employ his techniques, you shouldn't need anti-depressants. But later on, he says that his techniques are most effective if they are used on conjuction with medication. That is a clear contradiction.

Honestly, I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to anyone who has very severe depression like I do. If I knew someone with mild to moderate depression, I might recommend this book. But for those of us with severe depression, my advice would be to just skip this book. It will only make you frustrated and angry.

Although I'm not at all depressed and it's not exactly geared towards people like me who are in a stable state of mind, I found this book incredibly insightful as far as how to alter the way you look at negative feelings, people and situations that come your way. Certain chapters I skipped (like how to motivate yourself to leave your home and not stay in bed all day) because they truly didn't apply to me, but if you read this book with the perspective of opening your mind up to a different way of looking at negative situations, then it could really benefit you whether you're depressed, happy or somewhere in between. It's intellectal without being overwhelming, and down-to-earth without being too "self-help-ish". I think it's a great book for ANYONE and after reading it, I've become much more laid back about negative situations and people. And who wouldn't want that!

"Feeling Good" by Dr. Burns really helped me to manage depression and to better understand how my thoughts contributed to it. I've realized through this book the profound influence of thinking on my mood. Dr. Burns allows you to map ten cognitive distortions that maintain negative thinking and emotions. Once we can eliminate these distortions then our mood can improve and the depression or anxiety will start to lift.

Dr. Burns recommends that a cognitive therapy approach be used to allow for coping skills. He adds that when drug therapy is combined with cognitive therapy, the results are often better and offer long-term solutions because the person wanting to change their mood is self-empowerment with understanding and awareness. I believe this was the best part of "Feeling Good" book: It allowed me to take inventory of my thoughts and emotions.

One example of cognitive distortion is All-or-nothing thinking. This involves thinking in absolute terms. Through this distortion, you see everything in black-and-white. Either you're an absolute success or a complete failure. Even if you are successful in many areas of your life, with this distortion you will dwell on that one instance where you see yourself as a "failure" and then believe you are a failure in everything. This type of thinking leaves no room for a balanced perspective, you can only have extremes.

This book really helped me and I also found "Nexus: A Neo Novel" by Deborah Morrison and Arvind Singh very helpful. It's the intimate portrayal of Logan Andrews' struggle with depression and despair. His cognitive distortions are explored at a spiritual retreat where people struggle with personal pain. "Nexus" offers many helpful ideas for someone going through depression and it deals with depression in an honest way, not shying away from the lows that accompany anxiety and depression. I highly recommend "Feeling Good" with the psycho-spiritual story Nexus: A Neo Novel.

Great book that teaches you how to control your moods by controlling your thoughts. Really helpful, realstic and an eye opener. I bought this book for myself and my sis and recommended it to everyone I know with mood problems...which is everyone!

As a Counselor, I have recommended this book to many of my clients and have seen the growth they have made. I myself benefited highly from the book and believe just about everyone would, no matter who you are and what goes on in your life.

I am not big on self help books, but this book has changed my life! I am always striving to be the best person I can be and this book can help you get there.

This book is full of wonderful ideas on how to stop negative thinking so that I can no longer suffer from depression and the associated behavior. It gives me the tools I need to cure myself!

I've worn out three copies of "Feeling Good". It's not a book you read once and forget. It's easy to read and understand. Dr. Burns uses layman terms and offers explanations for the hard to understand medical terms he uses.

I feel somewhat bad about the fact that I don't have a solution for those things that are bothering you. For one reason, I don't know what they are; and if I did, I'd not be able to place the importance on them that you do. I certainly wouldn't expect you to understand how the death of two fellow pilots in Vietnam thirty-eight years ago is still troubling me. Truthfully, I don't understand it either. All I know is that it is.

I do have two suggestions. 1) Take the minutes, hours and days, one at a time. 2) The status quo tells me that no one else has it figured out either. So, I think I'll stick around just see how they get out of this mess we're in.

I can't say on what pages you'll find help/solutions for those things that are bothering you, but I can say that they are there.

I have a genetic "load" which has caused me to have bipolar disorder. I have suffered on and off from depression since my adolescence. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 32 years old. Getting help from medications in my case is essential--talk therapy alone isn't enough to help me. Having said that, I think it took me so long to be diagnosed because of my extremely abusive, shame-based upbringing. I don't fault my parents so much as I realize that they also learned their dangerous/bizarre thinking patterns from THEIR dysfunctional parents. To make a long story short (or longer-LOL) when my psychiatrist first recommended this book, it opened my eyes to many of the thinking patterns that have caused me so much pain over the years. I have been in cognitive therapy 3 times with 3 different counselors. The first time was very brief but helpful, the second time lasted for 2 1/2years (the MOST helpful), and the last time was more of a "tune-up" to remember my coping strategies so that I could apply them to three new, unavoidable, challenging relationships.

I say all that to say this--the principles in this book cover basically EVERY bad thinking pattern that you could have. Like me, you may need medication and/or the help of a good cognitive therapist, but you will likely turn to this book over and over throughout your life. If just reading this book is too hard to extract practical help, then try the author's Feeling Good Workbook, which will guide you step by step through his various strategies for conquering negative thought patterns and actions.

This book, though the author doesn't know it, is based on the ancient Biblical text from the book of Proverbs which says, "As a man (woman) thinks in his heart so is he." In other words, what you really believe deep down ALWAYS effects the way you live, whether you realize it or not. This book will help you to discover what you TRULY believe about yourself and how life works. Those "revelations" will help you to escape from the denial which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to change. But don't be afraid to see whether or not you need medicine and/or counseling also. Going to a psychiatrist is really hard the first time, as is going to a counselor/therapist (especially if, like me, you were raised in a home whose unspoken motto was "Denial, Sweet Denial," and you were taught from a young age NEVER to ask for help for personal problems) May the Lord bless you as you seek healing--it truly CAN happen:)