The Feeling Good Handbook

If you are suffering from panic attacks, your medications are not working and you cannot afford to see a psychologist, then I suggest you read "The Feeling Good Handbook" by Dr.David Burns.

"The Feeling Good Handbook" is primarily a self-help manual for people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders. It gives sound advice on how to beat these common mental problems using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

The basic philosophy behind cognitive behavioral therapy, as described in the book, is that our thoughts, not external events, cause us to feel the way we do. Many of these thoughts are irrational but still have a big impact on our lives. According to Dr.Burns, we can overcome various psychological disturbances if we can isolate our irrational thoughts or "cognitive distortions", analyse them and substitute them with more realistic thoughts.

He challenges the wide-held view that medications are a proven and effective way of combatting depression and anxiety. He does not however, claim that all medications are "bad". He even has a long section in the book detailing commonly prescribed mood-altering medications, listing the benefits and known side-effects. The information is clear and objective.

"The Feel Good Handbook" also contains plenty of practical advice on a range of other problems people may experience. You may have difficulty controlling your anger; or you keep botching your job interviews, procrastinate too much, or have trouble communicating. If you do, I am sure you have much to gain by reading and completing the relevant exercises in this book.