Is 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' Effective For Depression?

2025-06-20 00:03:17 268

3 answers

Alice
Alice
2025-06-24 19:29:52
I've read 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' during a rough patch, and it genuinely helped. The book breaks down cognitive distortions in a way that sticks—like how 'all-or-nothing thinking' traps you. The daily exercises, especially the mood journal, forced me to spot patterns I’d ignored for years. It’s not a magic fix, but the techniques (like the 'double-column method' to challenge negative thoughts) became tools I still use. The science behind it—cognitive behavioral therapy—is solid, and Burns makes it accessible without dumbing it down. For mild to moderate depression, it’s a lifeline; for severe cases, it’s best paired with professional help.
Liam
Liam
2025-06-22 16:29:27
As someone who’s battled depression long-term, I approached 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' skeptically. What surprised me was how methodical it felt—like a workshop manual for your brain. The first section on identifying cognitive distortions (mind reading, catastrophizing, etc.) was revelatory. I’d never realized how much I assumed others judged me until Burns pointed it out.

The practical exercises are where it shines. The 'pleasure prediction sheet' made me confront how depression warps anticipation—I’d assume activities would feel pointless, but tracking them proved me wrong. The book’s emphasis on gradual exposure to avoided tasks helped me rebuild routines I’d abandoned. Burns’ humor also disarms you; his 'vertical arrow technique' to dig deeper into fears felt less intimidating when framed as 'playing detective.'

It’s not perfect. Some examples feel dated, and the chapter on medication oversimplifies. But as part of a broader strategy—therapy, support groups—it’s invaluable. I’d recommend pairing it with 'The Upward Spiral' for a neuroscience perspective.
Jade
Jade
2025-06-25 21:25:42
This book changed how I view my own thoughts. 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' doesn’t just preach positivity—it teaches you to dissect negativity. The chapter on 'should statements' hit hard; I realized how much guilt I carried from self-imposed rules ('I should work harder,' 'I should be happier'). Burns’ approach isn’t about dismissing pain but reframing it logically.

What sets it apart from other self-help books is the immediacy. The 'triple column technique' (write the thought, identify the distortion, argue against it) became a nightly ritual. Within weeks, I caught myself mid-spiral thinking, 'This is pointless,' and actually laughed—I’d spotted the 'discounting positives' distortion in real time. For anyone resistant to therapy, it’s a bridge; for those in treatment, it reinforces skills. Bonus: the section on 'hidden gains' of depression (avoidance, sympathy) was uncomfortably accurate.
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Related Questions

Where Can I Find A Workbook For 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy'?

3 answers2025-06-20 00:00:05
I stumbled upon the workbook for 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' at my local bookstore last month, tucked away in the self-help section. It's got the same blue cover as the original book, making it easy to spot. Amazon carries it too, often bundled with the main book at a discount. The workbook breaks down each concept into practical exercises—mood logs, thought records, and behavioral experiments—so you can apply the techniques immediately. Libraries sometimes have copies, but they get checked out fast. If you prefer digital, Kindle and Apple Books offer instant downloads. The workbook’s structure mirrors the book’s chapters, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants hands-on practice with cognitive behavioral therapy.

How Does 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' Help With Anxiety?

3 answers2025-06-20 07:51:39
As someone who battled anxiety for years, 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' was a game-changer. The book breaks down cognitive distortions—those twisted thoughts that make anxiety spiral. It teaches you to catch them in real time, like 'catastrophizing' (assuming the worst) or 'mind reading' (believing others judge you). The writing is blunt but kind, like a therapist nudging you to question your own logic. The daily mood logs helped me track patterns, and the exercises forced me to confront irrational fears. My favorite trick was the 'double-standard method': asking, 'Would I say this to a friend?' Spoiler: You wouldn't. It cuts self-criticism fast. Unlike fluffy self-help books, this gives actual tools. The 'externalization of voices' technique—where you argue back against anxious thoughts out loud—sounds silly but works. The science behind it (cognitive behavioral therapy) is solid, and the examples feel relatable. After two months, my panic attacks dropped by half. It won’t replace medication if you need it, but it’s a lifeline for daily management.

What Are The CBT Techniques In 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy'?

3 answers2025-06-20 08:38:11
I've been using 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' as my mental health playbook for years. The CBT techniques are practical gold. The daily mood log is my favorite—it forces me to identify negative thoughts and challenge them head-on. Instead of saying 'I'm a failure,' I write evidence against it like past successes. The double-column method is brutal but effective: negative thought on one side, rational response on the other. Cost-benefit analysis stops my self-sabotage—when I procrastinate, I list what it costs me versus benefits. The book taught me to spot cognitive distortions too. All-or-nothing thinking? I now see shades of gray. Mental filtering? I balance negatives with positives. The vertical arrow technique digs deep—asking 'what if' until I hit core fears. These aren't just tools; they rewire how your brain processes emotions. I pair this with 'The Happiness Trap' for ACT techniques—complements CBT beautifully.

How To Apply 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' Exercises Daily?

3 answers2025-06-20 15:44:15
I've been using 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' exercises for months, and the key is consistency. Start with the Daily Mood Log—it takes five minutes to jot down negative thoughts and challenge them. I keep a small notebook in my pocket for this. The double-column method works best: write the automatic thought on the left, then dissect it on the right with logic. For example, if I think 'I messed up everything,' I counter with 'I completed three tasks today.' Cognitive restructuring feels awkward at first, but within weeks, it rewires how you process setbacks. Add visualization exercises during commute time—picture handling stressful scenarios calmly. The book's 'pleasure prediction sheet' is gold; scheduling small joys (like a favorite snack) creates anticipatory happiness that offsets gloom.

Does 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' Include Mindfulness Practices?

3 answers2025-06-20 18:29:32
I've read 'Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy' cover to cover, and while it's packed with cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness isn't its main focus. David Burns emphasizes identifying and challenging negative thoughts through structured exercises like the Daily Mood Log. The book does touch on relaxation methods that overlap with mindfulness, such as breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, but it doesn't dive deep into formal mindfulness meditation. If you're looking for a CBT-heavy approach to mood improvement, this is gold. For dedicated mindfulness practices, you might pair it with 'The Miracle of Mindfulness' by Thich Nhat Hanh for a more balanced toolkit.

What Is This Feeling Lyrics

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As a devoted music enthusiast, 'What Is This Feeling?' is a catchy number from the Broadway musical 'Wicked'. The lyrics cleverly depict a mutual disdain that blooms between the characters Elphaba and Galinda when they first meet at Shiz University. It's a roller coaster of musical emotions, unpacking everything from surprise, frustration to outright antipathy. For me, this song is a representation of how relationships aren't always about love at first sight. Sometimes, they're about the ability to grow through tension, disdain, and eventual understanding.

How Are You Feeling Meme

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I've been feeling a bit nostalgic lately, like when I rewatch 'Your Name' and get those butterflies all over again. It's the kind of vibe that makes you want to dive back into the world of beautiful animation and heartfelt stories. Sometimes, it hits me out of nowhere, and I just want to share those feels with my friends. On the flip side, I find some joy in the little things, like a new episode of 'Chainsaw Man' or discovering a hidden gem in visual novels. It's about ebbing between those intense emotions and simple pleasures that keeps things real and interesting.

What Does Feeling Froggy Mean

2 answers2025-03-12 05:54:07
Feeling froggy means being in the mood to take a leap or make a bold move, like when you're ready to jump into something new or take a risk. You know, like when you’re about to try something adventurous or face a challenge head-on. It gives off that vibe of excitement and readiness to go for it, simple as that!
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