Episode Details

Questions for today:

1. Rose asks: I wake up dreading the day. What can I do?!
2. Maggie integrates TEAM-CBT with prayer and asks for help with mother / daughter issues.
3. Simon asks: "How can we deal with patients who are afrad of their feelings?"
4. Amanda asks: "Help! I have a romantic relationship conflict! What should I do?"
5. Aaron asks: Why are feelings of depression and anxiety correlated? In other words, why do they frequently go hand in hand?

The following questions and answers were written prior to the live podcast. Make sure you listen to the podcast to get the full answers, including role-play demonstrations, and so forth.

1. Rose asks: I wake up dreading the day. What can I do?!

Hi David,

I've been reading your book, "Feeling Good," for help with my anxiety ever since my 100-year-old mom moved in with me. Your techniques are helping, but every morning I wake up anxious, dreading starting my day. Is there a technique to help with this?

I really am working to change my thoughts from negative to more positive thanks to you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rose

David's reply

In my book, Feeling Good, I urge people to write down your negative thoughts, and emphasize that it won't work very well unless you do this. Many people refuse. How about you? What were the thoughts you wrote down when you woke up feeling upset and dreading your day.

Could use as an Ask David on a podcast if you like.

Best, david

Rose wrote: Thanks for your speedy reply. I'm new at this and just started reading the book yesterday, but I will start writing down my thoughts. Thanks for your help.

2. Maggie integrates TEAM-CBT with prayer and asks for help with mother / daughter issues.

Dear Dr. Burns,

I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude for your work, which has had a profound impact on my life. Your book Feeling Good: The Workbook helped me overcome a very dark period of depression after being diagnosed with infertility. It truly transformed my mental health, and I continue to rely on your techniques—especially your list of cognitive distortions, which I use often to stay grounded.

Your podcast has also been a great resource for me, and I've noticed recent episodes touching on the self and spirituality, which caught my attention in a special way. I felt compelled to share something personal with you. While your methods gave me the tools to change my thinking, I also found solace and strength through my faith. Prayer was an essential part of my healing process, and for me, it provided something beyond my own power. In moments when I felt I couldn't make it through on my own, the belief that there is a God I can turn to brought me peace and comfort.

Both your work and my faith were crucial in my journey. Your research and teachings helped me take control of my thoughts, but my relationship with God gave me hope when I needed it most. I believe that the combination of these two—your scientifically backed methods and the power of prayer—made a tremendous difference in my recovery.

I'm also excited about your app, but as someone living in Honduras, I was unable to download it. I would love to know if there are plans to make it available outside the U.S. in the near future, as it would be an incredible resource for me and others in similar situations.

Lastly, can I make a suggestion for a podcast subject? Mother daughter issues. I really need help in this area of my life.

Thank you for your dedication to helping others. I hope that sharing my experience offers some insight into h