A guide offers a pragmatic approach to overcoming anxiety and depression. Plagued by his own anxiety and depression, life coach Oglesbee, author of My Success Journal (2016) and other self-help titles, developed a method to aid himself and others “through knowledge, understanding, and practicality.” This book is a how-to manual of sorts, divided into three parts. Part I begins with a general overview of the ailments along with two standardized, self-administered tools–the Burns Anxiety Inventory and the Burns Depression Checklist–which give readers the opportunity to measure current levels. This first part provides a brief yet highly informative examination of the various aspects of the mind, including the conscious, subconscious, critical, and primitive minds, as well as right and left brain and neural pathways. In Part II, the author employs a meaningful analogy of “the mind as a garden” to explain his approach. He writes that it is necessary to “remove the weeds” of old belief systems and replace them: “The new seeds that I work with to replace the weeds are seeds of truth.” Part II lays out a number of ground rules, discusses the “mental training” necessary for proceeding, and explores several strategies Oglesbee uses to make changes.
One useful concept is the “Model of Power,” which depicts the interrelationship of past, present, and future and demonstrates why living in the present helps create a positive mental focus. Specific tools and techniques to fight anxiety and depression are the focus of Part III. Here the author presents relevant client examples to demonstrate “Discernment and Self-Regulation,” problem resolution, and how to surmount “intrusive thoughts.” Each situation is thoroughly described and includes numerous statements and questions for readers to reflect on.
A particularly engaging exercise is creating “truth cards,” written affirmations designed to “reprogram your mind and align your thoughts with truth for a better, more effective outcome.” The material is not necessarily unique, but Oglesbee diligently explains his method in clear, uncomplicated language and carefully guides readers through each chapter. What’s more, he conveys a feeling of hopefulness sure to have a calming effect. Self-affirming and uplifting advice without attempting to be a panacea for depression.
