202: Ask David. Are depression and anxiety really states of self-hypnosis? Should we forgive Hitler and Stalin?

Today, Rhonda and David discuss seven great questions submitted by podcast fans like you!

1. 1. Are depression and anxiety states of self-hypnosis?
   2. How do you deal with somatic symptoms in TEAM?
   3. Should we forgive Hitler and Stalin?
   4. What if a patient feels stuck and unable to identify emotions?
   5. Do you still really believe that depression and anxiety, regardless how severe, can be treated even without the use of prescription drugs?
   6. Do you have to work on your negative thoughts the moment they appear?
   7. What role, from your years of practice, does spirituality have in the psychotherapy?

1. Are depression and anxiety states of self-hypnosis?

Hi David,

I have two questions after listening to Corona Cast 7: “My Struggle with Covid-19! Is it REALLY True that only Our Thoughts Can Upset Us?”

I was struck by thinking of anxiety as the result of hypnotizing ourselves into believing our fears. Can depression by thought of in a similar way, except that we hypnotize ourselves into believing our distorted thoughts about ourselves?

2. How do you deal with somatic symptoms in TEAM?

Can you do an episode about how to deal with unpleasant somatic situations, as Michael was experiencing during the recording, that suggest there might be some psychological distress but don't seem to have thoughts associated with them?

Thanks!

Hi Derek,

Another great couple of questions, thanks! Will add these to the next Ask David podcast, but the short story is yes, for sure—both depression and anxiety can be thought of as states of self-hypnosis, or trances, because you believe the messages you give yourself, (eg your negative thoughts) that are not true.

I think one could add other positive and negative emotions to the list as well, including anger--believing the other person really IS wrong, bad, inferior, and so forth--as well as mania and narcissism, telling yourself that you really ARE a superior person, etc.

This is a hugely important topic, and "emotional reasoning" fuels these trances: I FEEL worthless / inferior, so I must BE worthless / inferior, and so forth.

With regard to your second question, you might want to listen to yesterday’s live session with Sarah, (Podcast 193, https://feelinggood.com/category/dr-davids-blogs/feeling-good-podcast/) since it focuses on intense somatic sensations generated by emotions, and you can actually hear the exact moment of recovery, when the physical sensations disappeared.

David

3. Should we forgive Hitler and Stalin?

Hi Dr. Burns,

Do you honestly think what Hitler and Stalin did should be forgiven?

Albert Ellis said one should. I disagree!

Tom

Hi Tom,

I only help people with problems they are asking for help with. I am not an evangelist or moral authority!

David

4. What if a patient feels stuck and unable to identify emotions?

A new comment on the post "Uncovering Self-Defeating Beliefs (SDBs)--For Therapists (and Interested Patients) Only!"/

Hi Dr. Burns,

Awesome blog post! Your accessible and kind demeanor shine through clearly. What if a client feels stuck and unable to identify emotions?

Holly

5. Do you still really believe that depression and anxiety, regardless how severe can be treated even without the use of prescription drugs?

Hi Doctor Burns,

My name is Jasmine, and I just started going back to therapy about a year ago. I have really improved, and both my mom AND my therapist recommended you HIGHLY. I’m a millennial and I’m just happy you are still alive!

I also wanted to ask, do you still really believe even today that depression and anxiety, regardless how severe can treated even without the use of prescription drugs? I am asking because I just bought about three of your books and want to make sure that your confidence in these theories has not wavered.

Sometimes I feel like a lost cause because this is the first time in my life that I am truly dealing with and facing my own problems instead of turning the other cheek.

Also, how are you doing, sir?

Jasmine

Hi Jasmine,

Doing great, thanks! The new techniques have added even more power to cognitive therapy. Check out my free Feeling Good Podcasts, free depression class, and more on my website, www.feelinggood.com.

All the best, David

PS My latest book, Feeling Great, can be pre-ordered on Amazon and will be released in Sept. Check our the link below.

6. Do you have to work on your negative thoughts the moment they appear?

Hello David,

My name is Shivam,

I wanted to ask you a question regarding the double column technique for disputing your thoughts. Do we have to work on that moment(upsetting) immediately as it happens or we can work on it later when we get free time?

How often should we do it?

Its very effective but consumes a lot of time as I keep writing on and on. Any suggestions? I really appreciate that you reply me back.

Thanks for everything.

love

Shivam.

7. What role, from your years of practice, does spirituality have in the psychotherapy?

From: Jerry Souta

Subject: spirituality in psychotherapy

David:

Your seminar today (Psychotherapy Leading Voices) was awesome!

What role, from your years of practice, does spirituality have in the psychotherapy?

Is there a correlation between spirituality and between feeling good/feeling great?

Thank you for time taken in response to my in questions!

Blessings!

Jerry Souta, Jr. (MSW/LCSW/MDIV)

Thanks, Jerry.

I will answer this on an Ask David, we will be recording it soon. Your question will be featured on a Feeling Good podcast. The short answer is yes. Deep and rapid change nearly always involves a spiritual dimension, for example, one of the four “Great Deaths” of the self. There’s a whole section on this in my new book, Feeling Great.