Feeling good | David Burns | TEDxReno
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Why do we sometimes fall into black holes of depression, anxiety and self-doubt? And can we change the way we feel?
Dr. Burns graduated magna cum laude from Amherst College, received his M.D. from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He has served as Acting Chief of Psychiatry at the Presbyterian / University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (1988) and Visiting Scholar at the Harvard Medical School (1998), and is certified by the National Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Burns is currently Adjunct Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where he is involved in research and teaching. He has received numerous awards, including the A. E. Bennett Award for his research on brain chemistry, the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology through the Media Award, and the Outstanding Contributions Award from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. He has been named Teacher of the Year three times from the class of graduating residents at Stanford University School of Medicine, and feels especially proud of this award.
In addition to his academic research, Dr. Burns has written a number of popular books on mood and relationship problems. His best-selling book,Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, has sold over 4 million copies in the United States, and many more worldwide. Feeling Good is the book most frequently “prescribed” for depressed patients by psychiatrists and psychologists in the United States and Canada. Surveys indicate that American mental health professionals rate Feeling Good as the #1 book on depression, out of a list of 1,000 self-help books.
In 1995, Dr. Burns and his family returned to California from Philadelphia. When he is not crunching statistics for his research, he can be found teaching his famous Tuesday evening psychotherapy training group for Stanford students and community clinicians, or giving workshops for mental health professionals throughout the United States and Canada.
To learn more about Dr. Burns, you can check out his Wikipedia page or read a recent article about Dr. Burns by Robert Strauss in the Stanford Magazine.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
I am reading Feeling Good for the first time. I’ve had life long depression and have been on antidepressants for over 20 years. I’ve gone to a handful of therapists, most were of little help. My depression has only gotten worse and is now debilitating. After going through only a couple of chapters in this book I am genuinely feeling joy, happiness. I am smiling and talking to others instead of isolating. I wake up and look forward to the day.
That is awesome to hear! I hope in the 4 months since you posted this that you have continued to improve! I had a problem for a long time, I believe it was the "jumping to conclusions: mind reading" cognitive distortion, and "overgeneralization" that had me in this rut. People at school love me, many of them have shown this appreciation, yet, I never felt it inside. And just a few minutes ago, I decided to write down all the people in school who most likely like me as a person, the first two of my friends were easy, I got stuck for a moment but kept pressing onwards, then as I went further down the list of names it kept getting easier and easier, eventually I had to stop because there are just too many names it'd be a waste of time! People I don't even know the names of like me in that school! So, no romantic relationships have worked out for me YET, but I'm definitely liked by people! It's an amazing realization, and I will continue to work with this further to uncover and eliminate all my chronic woes! I only hope you will find this same success, as it seems you have been based off your comment.
I am so happy for you!❤️
Great! Keep up the good work! Burns's techniques take a lot of effort and initiative, but they are worth the sweat.
I'm having a hard time getting myself to read anything right now. It feels like I have ADD all of a sudden. I can't concentrate long enough on what I'm reading. I don't even want to read just like I don't want to get out of the bed I don't want to read a dang book. I mean it's so weird how you can hear of what you might need to do but you can't make yourself do it. you can hear that it's good to go out in the sunshine and get some exercise and that will help you feel better, but you can't make yourself do it. It's like there's this big weight holding you down on the sofa or on the bed. you might even think you need a therapy session but you can't get yourself to even make the phone call. It's weird.
@@lyncap99 try the audiobook. It’s great and made me want to buy the book and really make a study of it.
'Feeling Good' is one of the best books ever written. What an amazing human being.
+Yana You might also enjoy Martin Seligman's very well written book, "What You Can Change and What You Can't" in which he accurately refutes John Bradshaw's toxic shame nonsense. I had the misfortune of finding a Bradshaw toxic shame disciple and spent a year waiting for her to offer some advice on what was going wrong in my life. Finally stopped going to her when she insisted the "big Don" write the "little Don" a letter discussing my childhood. I didn't have anything to say to the "little Don" and found myself a new therapist who explained to me that depression is caused by events in the here and now, not things that happened sixty years ago. He was absolutely right. I did have some relapses, but I learned how to think about things differently using tools this Burns helped develop. Here is a lesson not too late for the learning for those who suffer from depression. Find yourself a Cognitive/Behavior therapist and stay away from mental help providers who want you to spend years examining your childhood and what mommy and daddy did to you.
definetly I agree
Just ordered it :-)
Fuck you
I think "Wilco" could use the services of a good psychotherapist to get out of the "Fuck you" rut he's in.Couldn't be too bright.
I've read his book, got out of intense depression, twice as I had recurrent depression too. And seeing him on TED is just so heart warming. I felt like, this is the person with whom Ive spent so many hours learning CBT techniques, he is simply amazing man. Thank you Dr Burns. I now help so many other people and teach CBT methods. You've inspired a hell out of me.
Yes, Burns is great and I hope you are well Nishant. Feeling good and intimate connections are two of my favourite books.
+Nishant Setia crying reading this with the same experience. bless you David.
Nishant Setia I too learned to help myself challenge my cognitive distortions with David Burns ' Feeling Good - The New Mood Therapy' and his accompanying workbook 'Feeling Good Workbook'
So glad this worked for you; it is 3 years since you posted your comment, wondering how you are now? My son is dealing with issues, may be your input could encourage him.
I got the same feeling, I will try with the book 🙌🙌.. I was just hiding my anxiety, because I thought I was going crazy. I was scared of people to think that I was just insane. I hope you are happy and full of dreams so far ! 🙌🙌🙌✌. Sorry for my English
the most important book i have ever read...cured my depression, changed my outlook on life permanently to one of optimism.
MyNonLeatherLife how did you feel today? I mean, can u over come depression?
@@Byemiek I'm not sure if you can completely cure depression but you can manage it to the point where it's barely noticeable.
Same here. I'm 200% more optimistic.
@@Byemiek Yea you can completely overcome it. I don't have any anymore. 100% possible and doable.
@@mynonleatherlife My depression is related with my teeth extractions, so i cannot overcome yet. Thanks for ur answer
Dr. Burns' book, "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" is THE BEST psychology book that I've ever read.
This and 'Intimate connections'
+bongocerocampanero I like Albert Ellis and his books, but I like David Burns' books even more. Dr. Burns comes across as more of a caring person that Dr. Ellis, and Dr. Burns is a better writer.
Some interesting comments here. I think it is hit and miss with Ellis. While I like his material and work on REBT, his autobiography All Out and works by others (I.e Dryden, Joffe Ellis and Franklin) who write about Ellis and REBT stand out more. Burns seems to have a somewhat 'warmer' approach and I like his work too. All in all, like the styles of therapy, the best books for you will be the ones that you resonate with best and that serve you best.
bongocerocampanero Yes. And it was through Ellis and REBT that I discovered CBT, Beck and Burns.
I couldn't agree more! This book is life changing.
His book allowed me to feel happiness for the first time in my life.
I don't think I've ever cried from a TED talk...until now. Wow, powerful stuff. God bless you Dr. Burns and the work you're doing in this critical field. It is so needed in an age where we have knowledge and technology yet so many feel terrible physically, mentally, emotionally. Hopeful to turn that around!
Sooooo true!!!
Me too!
Yup . Got me too 🥲 Looking forward to the book :)
I actually don't remember if I cried this much in years, it was a wonderful speech absolutely wonderful
He is saving my life. He deserves noble prize
Yes! And a Nobel prize too!!!
@@Onnitfan1😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I did not catch that.
Why does this video only have 173K views considering the millions of people on antidepressants?
+SD Seems reasonable to speculate many folks who take medication either mistakenly think subduing psychic pain has resolved the problem, or that once they no longer feel pain, they no longer want to make the effort to resolve the actual source problem. Also, KZhead stats suggests folks spend time on YT not to find useful information, but to chill out on entertainment.
Well said SD
Most folks take antidepressants and then say "well, I tried everything".
SD not translated into other languages
Win for Big Pharma
The staff at the Psychward, during my 2 week stay there back in 2008 after a failed suicide attempt from giving up the fight against 40+ years of Endogenous and Major Depression, strongly recommended I read his book, 'The feeling good handbook'. I did and it turned out to be an integral part of fully curing my self.
Congratulations on the success, I wish you continued good health.
Xander17 how did you feel today? I mean, can u over come depression?
That's awesome
His book :Feeling Good" saved my life. Deep depression and anxiety back in 1984. Read the book, practiced it and learned to control what put me in a severe clinical depression.Depression is very painful and scary. I wish it on no one. Thank You.
this gives me so much hope to read that it helped someone!!
I’m currently reading “Felling Good” and it’s heartwarming to put a face to the man that is teaching me how to change. I have tears watching this and am also so proud of you Dr. Burns ! You are an incredible human being !
I just got my book yesterday! From reading all the comments and watching this Ted talk, I know I’ll be okay
God bless you. Did you read it, yet?
That wasn't CBT - that was beautiful. Amazing demonstration that CBT isn't all about cold rationality. By getting past the negative thoughts, you can access your true feelings, and then act on them. Really beautiful. Thank you Dr. Burns - not only for your incredible book, but for having the courage to give this talk, and be vulnerable in front of so many people. Makes me love you all the more. This just became one of, if not, my most, beloved KZhead video.
I read the book around 30 years ago and it changed my life. I believe everyone should read it, even if you haven't fallen into a dark hole. Thank you, Dr. Burns!
Wow that's great. It's so energizing!!!
Omg the ending im dying why is this the most wholesome pure thing ever
Absolutely wonderful to hear that depression and anxiety are best treated by one's own positive thinking and not drugs. I hope this message continues to reach and inspire others.
It All Depends this Is Your opinion not Fact.
His books won't work for those with endogenous, biological depression/anxiety etc. It will work for those with "situational depression" which is a far less severe, and more common type of depression. Go look in the psychiatric hospitals, the psych wards, and try his methods on those patients and they will do nothing.
@@anlace3447 I would like to learn more about biological depression, where can I find resources? How do I find one find out if person has situation or biological depression?
It's surprizing (sadly) that CBT developed by Dr Beck and the work of Dr Burns is not at the forefront of mental problems treatment. This miracle cure, and this man's work is nothing short of the picnnacle and cutting edge of modern psychiatry and psychotherapy as far as depression and anxiety in non psychotic patients is concerned. Dr Burns''s genius. Thank you for you compassion and work.
Its b3cause its more profitable to give drugs sadly.
Yes I was also outraged to find this out, and I totally agree- Dr Burns' work is revolutionary!
Negative self talk is a hard habit to break but being kind to others and yourself is a good habit to get into. I think society is harsh and overly critical, it feels like we're being forced to outperform machines to prove our worth, and if there's nothing that makes us stand out then we're a burden on this broken system nobody even wanted to be a part of in the first place. Kindness is so important and it's contagious, if everyone lifted each other up and shunned all the harsh critics who never have a good thing to say about anyone or anything, maybe even the bullies will get into the habit of spreading joy, giving compliments, and treating others with living kindness. The butterfly effect is real 🦋
Feeling good is a great book, and while reading, I felt that Dr. Burns is a very sensitive and understanding person, today I am convinced of this. Great performance, I cried.
A sincere thank from China. Dr. Burns. You are one of the best doctors in the world!
Fuck you
Wow look, an edgy 12 year old with anger management issues. Wilko Kid, you need help.
Wilko Kid what is wrong with my comment? I don't understand.
WilkoKid He’s just a kid. He thinks it’s funny to watch as helpless cats fall ten stories to their death. Really classy stuff. So funny.
I am Chinese toox. A really big THANK YOU to Dr.Burns. never mind the haters comment; ) Hope I can get rid of depression soonx
Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) left unchallenged, tend to repeat themselves, and turn into Self-Defeating Beliefs (SDBs). Negative Beliefs can cause Depression, Anxiety, Stress Disorders and Addictions. Circumstances alone do not depress us or make us anxious. It is how we interpret those circumstances that cause our depression or anxiety. LIsten to Dr Burns as he gives a short introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
+Joy Light thanks grandma :3
This man's book "The Feeling Good Handbook" changed my life. A masterpiece and pioneer of CBT
'Feeling Good' has made such a difference in my life. I consider it my emotional "life preserver." When I am in an emotional crisis, I can tell myself "I will be OK. Dr. Burns can help me get through this. Cognitive Therapy has worked for me many times before, and it will work for me this time too." Just thinking that calms me, even before I do the self-help exercises. I have suffered from chronic severe depression for much of my adult life, so 'Feeling Good' is literally a life-saver for me. (I do take medication as well, but medication alone is not enough.)
Fuck you
LOL!
"wilkokid" needs help. Ignore that stupidity. Positive vibes & Blessings to you Denise.
like a life raft
We've thought of it in similar ways! I think of it as my "emotional life preserver!"
This TED talk starts slowly and finishes very powerfully. Amazing.
Awesome that he told that story for the 1st time here --and that his son was there as well--so validating and uplifting. And for those so inclined, another example of a higher power at work.
Fantastic book, life changing for me. Always have a copy or 3 to hand out to folks in need. One other thing. Imo, you don't need to be depressed to have reason to explore this topic. Having some understanding of how our thoughts can influence how we feel / behave, our lives, Is golden.
Yes, very true. This and Dr Ellis' REBT work are great tools to have when dealing with such. Be well Duncan.
i wish I was in usa to ask u a copy . I cant find it in brazil or a pdf saver ....
I always end up feeling it's physical for me. I don't feel capable of moving or thinking:s
And even if your mental health is good, sadly it is almost guaranteed that at some point somebody close to you will be in trouble so it can't hurt to know your way around the topic
I was literally sobbing when he was talking about the patients accomplishments
Cbt was the only thing that really helped me with my depression. God bless ya David Burns
this book sure got me out of depression in my younger days....it's an absolute winner
Angeli Alvares how did you feel today? I mean, can u over come depression?
@@Byemiek true, i need this answer too.
@@rogerrabbit2902 nothing, he is depresed or died xD
I never thought I would cry watching a ted talk in my life. I was reading the book "mindset" and read a bit about cognitive therapy. So I looked it up and found this video. And damn. this is helpful. instantly gonna buy the book.
cool thing about this book is that a lot of the examples he gives can still apply today even though it was written 40 years ago.
I think Feeling Good was the first psychology book I ever read - I still remember its impact on me to this day. Great talk and touching ending.
Dr Burns, you are a gift to mankind. I've personally read his book and it has helped me tremendously. He should win like a Nobel prize or something.
Dr.Burns described it so simply, it actually makes sense. Our thoughts become us.
powerful but turn up the airconditioning :)
Crying, wow, what an amazing man. Thanks for everyone’s who shared their experiences on reading the book too! Buying now💚
This man and his books saved my life 100%
Wow... what a man...what a doctor...what a father...an amazing human being. Blows me away!
I had no idea that I would be fighting tears by the end of this video, so beautiful.
same here
That ending was unexpected. Wow!
people who have depression and anxiety need someone to talk to. it will help them a lot.dont be by yourself ,be with the people you love.
Although I have never met him, Dr. Burns has changed my life for the better as much as if a healing Hand had touched my brow. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
I ordered the book based on the comments. I'm here. Anxious and fearful. Of what I am not quite sure - everything and anything it seems. I just wanted to say to anyone reading this that I am also feeling it. I'm here with you. I believe God is with me and I will pray that you can be present with him as well. Imagine how good you'll feel when this passes. And then you get a superpower. You can relate to people who feel like this and you can put your hand out fearlessly. And your list of meaningful work will grow. Let's all put in the hard work every day, together.
How are you doing now?
@@nbi_nbi I haven't had real anxiety in almost a year. I go on trips and live life pretty normally. I'm always looking over my shoulder for anxiety, so it would be nice to stop that habit. But things are pretty normal right now and I'm grateful. I think sleep, diet, exercise, and sunlight also went s long way.
Thanks for your comment that you put up one year ago and also the response last month. " Imagine how good you'll feel when this passes. And then you get a superpower. You can relate to people who feel like this and you can put your hand out fearlessly. And your list of meaningful work will grow. Let's all put in the hard work every day, together." @@coryhames9331
Brought me to tears!!!!! Thank you, Dr. Burns!
This is amazing. This affirms so much of what I believe and have read throughout the years. It's our own thoughts that mess us up. And the best part is that we can change our thoughts and change our lives. Thank you, Dr. Burns for this information and for the wonderful, beautiful story about your amazing son.
I saw this video. Watched it a couple of times. It's great!
His Book Is A God Sent Gift. What I learnt from it is that we fail to give evidences of our successes to ourselves. Mind seems to change only from the evidences provided to it, or the pseudo-evidences it manufactures on its own by the power of thoughts.
In a niche grossly overpopulated with regurgitated pop psychology, Feeling Good is a tremendous book. Truly life changing if you take the time and apply the strategies.
Thank you Dr David Burns Your Book The Feeling Good Handbook Has Help Me In So Many Ways! I Recommend This Book To Anyone Who Is Reading This And Is Breathing.. It Is The Ultimate Handbook To Life.
Thank you , Dr.Burns. 'Feeling Good ' made me feel better literally around 20 years ago. At that time, I was getting depressed and trying to find how to feel better. Reading this book, I put into practice what I learned from it immediately . It actually worked for me. and Thank you for sharing your amazing story !
This means so much to me, so so much at this time in my life. I’ve been in a battle of learning and earning and proving myself for seven years now, after the birth of my beautiful daughter and then the chaos of a turbulent custody battle. The anxiety and complete panic I was so familiar with, over time, completely devolved into what I must admit, although begrudgingly, is textbook depression. The negative thoughts, self doubt, it’s all so very consuming... The worry about being a mother who can both provide and produce in my work (what I’ve proven to myself I could at one point), and a mother who can also find the time and energy to nourish and guide my love through her own delicate development in the midst of all this turbulence... it became paralyzing. I’m still in my process, but I picked up this book to help me find the strength and desire to move forward. It’s been such a great help to me so far, I listen to it on audible when I’m feeling tired and haven’t completed everything I wanted to in a week. It really lifts me up, makes me feel okay, allows me to see that I am doing enough for the both of us - and boy do I really need that!
Killer Queen how did you feel today? I mean, can u over come depression?
i just bought the ebook yesterday because my psychologist recommended it to me. i've already felt confident that the book is going to help me a lot! i'm very happy and ready for recovery now. i hope everyone who is experiencing mental illness knows that recovery is always possible and you will get better!
KeepItMarvelous how did you feel today? I mean, can u over come depression?
This book changed my life. Thank you so much.
His book When Panic Attacks is wonderful. I've listened to that book on audible at least a hundred times. It's so so good
David Burns is an amazing human being: kind, compassionate and intelligent. Thank you Dr. Burns for helping so many of us.
God bless you, Dr. Burns for sharing your insights into the human mind.
Thank you Dr. Burns for helping so many of us throughtout these years! A genuinely powerful, touching, thought-provoking and inspirational talk! Salute to you!
This modest looking man has helped me out with depression and feeling better more then Tony Robbins and his books/cds. TR has helped me feel better. Mr. David Burns has helped me get better.
We are all so grateful you answered the calling Dr. Burns! You have left a legacy.................
Ive found my youtube channel and podcast! Like so many others, the book (given to me by a therapist) did the trick. After 2 years re-reading it I tried out a podcast (like my gr-kids do_) and found Dr. Burns... what humility, kindness, and deep hearted delivery! Thanks, Doc.
Dr David Burns is one of the all-time greats in the field of medicine.
Dr. Burns' Feeling Good saved my life, so glad to see him on TED stage.
Thank you Dr. Burns. Thank you very much!
Amazing man, so helpful and humble. We need more therapists like him. Thank you for all your help!
Such beautiful ending, it summarizes everything with an emotional moment. You don't have to be blue anymore, have faith in yourself and in others. You can do it.
This man has so much love in him.
So humble, so down to earth, close to people who are in pain and suffering. I think he is number 1 person who can reach an extreme level of empathy that no one else can and I cannot even question that because the pages in his book are so real and true. I wish him nothing but a happy and peaceful life.
Thank you Dr Burns. Your work is helping me so much!!!
What a beautiful moment at the end! Keep up the good work Dr. Burns!
What an incredible human being.
What a great story teller. Thank you for making this world a better place.
His book changed my life.
This man is a hero.
I think that story at the end is to show an example of cognitive therapy technique of controlling your thoughts leading to positive feelings where those feelings lead to actions and by the law of compound effect bear fruit in abundance. It can work for us by starting with the stepping stone of controlling your thoughts.
One of the best videos I've ever seen on KZhead, reading the book and now understood him better, thank you, Dr. Burns!
What a great doctor. What a cool dad
The son Erik, sums it up perfectly, *I’m so thankful that you had enough faith in yourself to have faith in me to give me my life* 🥺 Hope a lot more people can read his book or watch his talk. Thank you Dr. Burns!
Thank you, Dr. Burns, for sharing such a personal story and for taking the time to write Feeling Good. You're a life saver! Many blessings to you and your family.
Dr David Burns is the real deal and his work is so powerful. I’ve seen him in person in workshops and he is a patient teacher as well as a phenomenal psychiatrist. Thank you for giving us your writings and videos!
I've been a fan of the techniques demonstrated in his books for a while; now, I also like him as a person. What an inspiring lecture!
You're wonderful Dr. Burns!
David burns is a true legend his book literally saved my life i never thought i would beat ocd and was feeling really hopeless thank you for your amazing book and thank you for saveing the lifes of millions.
Feeling good by Burns is a classic. Best books for Depression. Also, if cognitive techniques don't work for you, there are behavioral techniques in the book (Like Do-Nothism) which will lift people out of depression. Sometimes Cognitive techniques alone won't work.
Wonderful. What a beautiful man.
The best TED talk sharing. Thanks.
this video is amazing! it definitely helped me change my attitude towards life and the way I perceive myself as well
I've just cried...how beautiful this is!!!
i just ordered this book. Great speech. Thank you for this. Very helpful
This was soooooo moving! I cried buckets!!!! Thank you Dr. Burns! God bless you!
God bless Dr. David Burns
Gracias!!! No me cansaré de ver y escuchar ésta charla!!
I teared up 25seconds in.
i'm new to Dr Burns' work and excited to dive in. as a former SUFFERER of intense anxiety, panic and depression, i can confirm that changing your thinking ABOUT what these things are can make a huge impact. i learned to stop being so afraid of these feelings, which brought them into much more manageable levels. but i want more. i don't want to just be "not anxious" or "not depressed" (trust me that was good enough for quite awhile. i was in BAD shape)....i want to actually be happy too. i somehow stumbled upon Dr Burns and feel that was the wink and nod from the man upstairs to check it out.
Oh my God! That was such a deeply moving talk!
wow ! finally my favorite author in a talk programme ! i am sure overseas fans , readers of his wonderful book will be very happy to see him give a presentation..
Wow! So profoundly amazing! Big tears at the end. What a blessing to see this today.
Thank you for dedicating your life to such a meaningful purpose. Beautiful.
This is the best TEDx talk ever.
What a genuinely good and kind hearted man. I'm going online and buying his book right now. Hope it helps me as it has helped the rest of you.
This man does wonderful work