Quotes by David D. Burns

Perfection is mans ultimate illusion. It simply doesnt exist in the universe.... If you are a perfectionist, you are guaranteed to be a loser in whatever you do.

When two people respect each other, the ability to be vulnerable and to reveal hurt feelings can create a powerful emotional connection that is the source of real intimacy and friendship.

Depression can seem worse than terminal cancer, because most cancer patients feel loved and they have hope and self-esteem.

Negative thinking patterns can be immensely deceptive and persuasive, and change is rarely easy. But with patience and persistence, I believe that nearly all individuals suffering from depression can improve and experience a sense of joy and self-esteem once again.

Every time you feel depressed about something, try to identify a corresponding negative thought you had just prior to and during the depression. Because these thoughts have actually created your bad mood, by learning to restructure them, you can change your mood.

People who are prone to anxiety are nearly always people-pleasers who fear conflict and negative feelings like anger. When you feel upset, you sweep your problems under the rug because you dont want to upset anyone. You do this so quickly and automatically that youre not even aware youre doing it.

Depression has been called the worlds number one public health problem. In fact, depression is so widespread it is considered the common cold of psychiatric disturbances. But there is a grim difference between depression and a cold. Depression can kill you.

Cognitive therapy is based on the idea that when you change the way you think, you can change the way you feel and behave. In other words, if we can learn to think about other people in a more positive and realistic way, it will be far easier to resolve conflicts and develop rewarding personal and professional relationships.

Cognitive therapy is a fast-acting technology of mood modification that you can learn to apply on your own. It can help you eliminate the symptoms and experience personal growth so you can minimize future upsets and cope with depression more effectively in the future.

I always wanted to see peoples lives transformed from depression and anxiety to joy and peace.

Therapy is not to talk about things, but to change the persons life, and to relieve suffering, such as depression, anxiety, or relationship problems.

One of the most interesting things about the cognitive theory is the idea that anger and interpersonal conflict ultimately result from a mental con. In other words, youre telling yourself things that arent entirely true when youre fighting with someone.

“Perfection is mans ultimate illusion. It simply doesnt exist in the universe.... If you are a perfectionist, you are guaranteed to be a loser in whatever you do.”

“Achievements can bring you satisfaction but not happiness.”