I read the book Feeling Good The New Mood Therapy by Dr. David Burns about three decades ago. I needed a pick-me-upper then. Two chapters into the book, and I felt considerably better!
This time, there was something inside me that urged me to read it again. And it's not because I needed a pick-me-upper. Not sure why.
The book has a simplistic solution to the problem of depression. In a gist, the book says that it is actually our twisted thoughts that create our feelings of hopelessness and ultimately, depression. And what causes the twisted thoughts? It is primarily caused by low self esteem.
As I continued to read the book, it dawned on me that as someone who believes in a God who loves me unconditionally, a God who made me after his image, and a God in whom I choose (and constantly try) to trust totally, low esteem would seem a far away concept. The fact that God loves me gives me a reason to believe I am a worthy human being. And knowing that one is loved unconditionally brings about a burst of energy and enthusiasm to do the best one can do in this world.
Could it be that a strong belief in our loving and merciful God can help depression?
It's interesting that there seems to be a parallel trend between secularism and depression1. As our society becomes more secular, there seems to be more cases of depression, even suicide2. Of course this is a very simplistic observation to a very complicated problem. But who knows. Dr. Burns' behavior modification program could be as simplistic as believing in a God who loves us.
And I think the results could just be as positive, to say the least.
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My name's Anna Maria and I publish a new post on my blog every Friday! Check out my website touchedbygrace.today and subscribe for book updates and more blog posts! If you've been #tbgtoday, feel free to share your story of grace here.
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