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)

[tdawg]

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.

[beitsover]

'Feeling Good' is one of the best books ever written. What an amazing human being.

[desireswithhope]

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.

[sportsbomb]

His book allowed me to feel happiness for the first time in my life.

[nagarajaml]

He is saving my life. He deserves noble prize

[kimberleythorsen]

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 🦋

[mynonleatherlife]

the most important book i have ever read...cured my depression, changed my outlook on life permanently to one of optimism.

[Spider__]

Dr. Burns' book, "Feeling Good:  The New Mood Therapy" is THE BEST psychology book that I've ever read.  

[sisco]

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.

[Howsinfullami]

This guy single handly saved literally more than thousands lives with just one simple book
What a legend...

[mrskamran]

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!

[navidshayegh]

This man's book "The Feeling Good Handbook" changed my life. A masterpiece and pioneer of CBT

[johnyoung]

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.

[AJ-llws]

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 YouTube video.

[Ness-nqmo]

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 !

[TheHouseOffice]

Omg the ending im dying why is this the most wholesome pure thing ever

[michaelsayyae]

This man and his books saved my life 100%

[coolstuffjokesandmor]

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!

[KFiya]

I just got my book yesterday! From reading all the comments and watching this Ted talk, I know I’ll be okay

[Jo-Elle]

This book changed my life. Thank you so much.