Many church workers have occasional bouts with depression or find themselves feeling anxious from time to time. Some have tried medications for these conditions. Sometimes meds have been very successful, but others have found medications ineffective. Some workers don’t want to be on meds. Others hate the side-effects of meds or can’t tolerate them.
For a variety of reasons, some workers look for alternatives to medications to cope with their bouts of depression or anxiety. Fortunately, research has shown that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is just as effective as medications for many forms of depression and anxiety.
Below are some books (and workbooks) that may be helpful to you to combat your bouts with emotional changes. These books are good resources for those who want to learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its help in addressing depression and anxiety.
1. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, M.D.
This is the clinically proven drug-free treatment for depression, and “black holes” like anxiety, guilt, pessimism, procrastination, low self-esteem and other emotional problems. It uses CBT techniques.
2. Mind over Mood, Second Edition: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger, Christine A. Padesky, and Aaron Beck
This book helps you conquer depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, guilt, shame, low self-esteem and other problems. It uses CBT techniques. c. 2015
3. The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Solution by David A. Clark and Aaron Beck, c. 2011
Aaron Beck and Associates have designed tools and techniques based on clinically proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify anxiety triggers which are based in thoughts and beliefs which make us fear situations.
4. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne, c. 2015
In its 6th Edition this book has been guiding people for over 30 years. It covers panic attacks, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). worry and fear. It uses CBT techniques.
There are other Cognitive Behavior Therapy books and workbooks on the market, but these four I use in my counseling practice and many workers find them helpful. Many people learn that their thoughts trigger their emotions. They can learn to change and modify their thinking and thus change their mood and emotions without drugs or medications. Of course, medications should not be ruled out in some situations. Consulting with a physician is recommended for further assessment.
(This One Minute is written by Pastor Ron Rehrer, Counselor for Church Workers in the PSD. For help, contact Ron at phone 949.433.5182 or e-mail ron@ronrehrer.com)