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Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

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Readers find 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' by David D. Burns to be a helpful guide in dealing with depression and anxiety. The book delves into cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to combat negative thinking patterns and provides exercises to increase self-awareness. Despite some criticism towards the writing style, readers appreciate the practical advice and steps offered to control one's own thoughts and emotions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct and accessible, featuring practical guidance that is sometimes repetitive to reinforce key concepts.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on understanding cognitive distortions and their impacts on mood, emphasizing the link between thoughts and feelings while providing practical methods to manage depression.

Setting:

The setting revolves around contemporary psychology, particularly in the realm of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Pacing:

The pacing is structured with organized chapters but may feel slow at times owing to detailed explanations, balanced with exercises to keep readers engaged.
Depression has been called the world’s number one public health problem. In fact, depression is so widespread it is considered the common cold of psychiatric disturbances. But there is a grim differen...

Notes:

David D. Burns is the author of the influential self-help book 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy', which focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The book emphasizes that our thought patterns can significantly influence our feelings and overall mental health.
Burns introduces various cognitive distortions that people commonly experience, such as overgeneralization, all-or-nothing thinking, and emotional reasoning.
This book has been scientifically studied and shown to help reduce symptoms of depression just by reading it, highlighting its effectiveness as a form of bibliotherapy.
While the book provides practical strategies for dealing with depression and anxiety, some readers feel it may oversimplify complex emotional issues, implying that emotional responses are solely a result of thought patterns.
Readers have noted its accessibility and ease of understanding, making it a popular choice among both general readers and those seeking mental health resources.
'Feeling Good' encourages readers to take an active role in managing their emotions through changing their thoughts, but critics point out that not everyone can tackle depression in this manner.
David Burns remains a respected figure in mental health, known for effectively popularizing CBT techniques and writing other related works, including the sequel 'Feeling Great'.
The book is considered a classic resource in self-help literature and has helped many individuals navigate their mental health challenges through cognitive reframing techniques.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of depression, anxiety, and cognitive distortions, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

The good news is that anxiety, guilt, pessimism, procrastination, low self-esteem, and other 'black holes' of depression can be cured without drugs. In Feeling Good, eminent psychiatrist David D. Burns, M.D. outlines the remarkable, scientifically proven techniques that will immediately lift your spirits and help you develop a positive outlook on life.

Recognise what causes your mood swings.

Nip negative feelings in the bud.

Deal with guilt.

Handle hostility and criticism.

Overcome addiction to love and approval.

Build self-esteem.

Feel good everyday.

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1 comment(s)

It Was OK
4 months

Good advice but depression is more complicated than negative thinking.

 
 
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