The Bottom Line
- Excellent book to learn about depression and dealing with negative thoughts.
- Book is not a substitute for therapy; use it as a tool with professional help.
Description
- Feeling Good helps you tackle 'hot', or disturbing, thoughts.
- Learn how to 'talk back' to negative thoughts and feelings by developing 'cool thoughts'.
- Learn the basis of 'talk therpy', or 'cognitive therapy' that many psychiatrists use.
Guide Review - Feeling Good Book Review
After assault, rape, or domestic abuse, many victims experience depression. Even if you have not been diagnosed with depression, this book is a great resource to help you overcome self-doubt and worry. People with mild depression benefit most from what is called 'talk therapy'.
Depressed people experience 10 basic feelings called 'Cognitive Distortions'. Thoughts can race out of control and affect every part of your life. They range from distorted thoughts like: magnification: (I will never get better) to disqualifying the positive: (She only gave me a job because she feels sorry for me). Once you have identified the thoughts that are making you feel bad, you can learn how to talk back to them.
One of the most useful parts of the book is 'cooling hot thoughts'. Hot thoughts are negative phrases that pop into your head. Dr. Burns trains you to develop cooling thoughts in response - thoughts that are more realistic. With some practice, you will become adept at cooling off those nasty hot thoughts that torment you. This technique can help you make progress toward emotional stability.
One caution: don't use this book as an alternative to therapy or medication. Depression can have a biological or physical cause and can be triggered by traumatic events. Talk therapy is helpful, and self-help books can be wonderful tools. But many people need more help than talk therapy alone can provide. Use this book as just one tool.