Feeling Good by David D. Burns cover

Feeling Good

The New Mood Therapy

by David D. Burns

4.5(8,669 ratings)
13 min read

Brief overview

This book explains how distorted thoughts contribute to depression and anxiety, and shows you how to reshape them to improve your mood. You will learn simple, effective techniques to build healthier self-esteem, overcome negative beliefs, and find greater emotional balance. Expect practical exercises and real-life examples that help you transform old habits of thinking into a more positive and sustainable outlook.

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Introduction

Welcome to a journey toward understanding how your thoughts shape your emotions. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by guilt, anxiety, or a low sense of self-worth, know that you’re not alone and there is hope. This book begins with a bold promise: that by addressing certain thought patterns, you can relieve much of the pain and confusion you might be feeling right now.

Many of us feel at the mercy of our moods, but this approach teaches that our day-to-day outlook is created by our own internal dialogue. When we learn to spot and adjust these messages, we suddenly discover a powerful way to improve how we feel. It doesn’t require superhuman effort—just curiosity and some simple techniques.

Think of these pages as a friendly guide rather than an academic lecture. The insights here have helped countless people overcome despair and anxiety. In the chapters ahead, you’ll find practical exercises, relatable stories, and clear explanations showing you how to break free from counterproductive thoughts. Let’s begin.

Feeling better often starts with noticing the unspoken messages you tell yourself every day.

The Roots of Negative Thinking

One central idea is that painful emotions rarely arrive out of nowhere—they often stem from certain patterns of thought. Negative beliefs can become so automatic we hardly question them. You might say to yourself, “I’m failing at everything,” or “No one cares what I think,” without realizing those statements might be inaccurate.

In this view, depression and low self-esteem do not simply appear because of external events. Instead, your reactions to events—shaped by your thoughts—determine how you ultimately feel. The good news is that when you change your perspective, you can diminish these heavy emotional burdens.

This perspective shift isn’t about denying reality. Rather, it’s about replacing harsh self-criticism and gloom with fair-minded thinking. It’s also about discovering personal triggers that spark spirals of negativity. Once you identify these triggers, you can learn to stop them in their tracks. Imagine calmly responding to life’s tough moments instead of feeling overwhelmed.

When you trace negative emotions to specific thoughts, you begin to see that there’s always a door toward relief.

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What is Feeling Good about?

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy shows how your everyday thoughts can either lift you up or weigh you down. Drawing on tested cognitive therapy methods, it reveals how habitual negative thinking fuels depression and anxiety, and how reframing those thoughts can create a lasting emotional shift. Through real-life examples and evidence-based techniques, the book demonstrates a practical process for recognizing self-defeating beliefs and replacing them with a balanced mindset.

By focusing on self-esteem, self-compassion, and better coping habits, you gain tools to break free from cycles of guilt and hopelessness. The result is an easy-to-follow roadmap toward greater resilience. This guide invites you to discover how positive changes in thinking build a foundation for better mental health, helping you feel calmer, more assured, and better prepared for life’s challenges.

Review of Feeling Good

This book’s key strength lies in its use of research-backed techniques that are straightforward and accessible, making it stand out among self-help offerings. Dr. Burns provides simple exercises like daily thought records, which highlight distorted beliefs and teach you a more balanced point of view. The writing style is easy to follow yet remains convincingly grounded in scientific findings, ensuring that even first-time readers can put the principles to use right away.

You’ll find advice on managing perfectionism, anger, and guilt, along with strategies for collaborating with mental health professionals or exploring medication if needed. The content suits both those who struggle with severe mood issues and anyone looking for self-improvement. By the end, the clarity of the book’s methods and real-world insights make it well worth reading for anyone hoping to nurture a strong emotional backbone.

Who should read Feeling Good?

  • Individuals battling ongoing negative thoughts or mild depression who want practical solutions
  • Professionals seeking an evidence-based method to manage stress and build self-confidence
  • Therapists or counselors looking for clear, proven tools to recommend to clients
  • Students and readers interested in understanding cognitive therapy principles for personal growth

About the author

David D. Burns, MD, is a renowned American psychiatrist and adjunct professor emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He received his B.A. from Amherst College in 1964 and his M.D. from the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1970. With over 50 years of experience, he has authored bestselling books such as "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy," "The Feeling Good Handbook," and "Feeling Great: The Revolutionary New Treatment for Depression and Anxiety." He has won numerous awards, including the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology Through the Media Award and has been named "Teacher of the Year" three times by the graduating class of psychiatric residents at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

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