I Want to Change My Life of Melemis, Steven M. on 01 March 2010

by Steven M. Melemis

The book contains a five-point plan for overcoming anxiety, depression, and addiction. Learn the symptoms, treatment, and relapse prevention strategies that will change your life. Learn new coping skills such as cognitive therapy, stress management, and mindfulness along with step-by-step instructions on how to use them. The book includes numerous exercises and a one-month program to help you get started. Dr. Melemis is a leading authority in addiction and mood disorders who has helped thousands of people improve their lives. For more information refer to IWantToChangeMyLife.org.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jonathan Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really great stuff in this book--I really love the relapse model that the author provides. It can also be found on his website. In fact, the website has such great resources that the book is mostly a bonus if you want to dig in a little deeper to the concepts presented there.

[Jørgen Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Melemis is a doctor who has specialized in helping patients who suffer from anxiety, depression and addiction, and he has helped patients for the last 20 years. In the book he argues that anxiety, depression and addiction have two main factors in common: tension and negative thinking. Therefore his treatment is a mix of relaxation and cognitive therapy.

His method for relaxation is partially based on meditation as it is found in the eastern religions, albeit without religious elements. The main focus is on relaxing the body and letting go of negative thoughts.

The cognitive therapy is built on (when you're relaxed) analyzing your negative thoughts, where do they come from, why they're negative, what the consequences are if you keep thinking them etc. Finally you also make an action plan for the next time the thoughts come up.

His reasons for this particular treatment is that a persons thoughts make up their perception of reality, and by letting go of negative thoughts one can avoid pain. But as it is difficult to "just think positive," he recommends a mix of the two therapies. Cognitive therapy for analysis, relaxation for letting go.

The book can be summarized in one of his most used sentences:

"When you're tense it's easier to do what's familiar and wrong, instead of what is new and right."

[Curtis Kratt · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took me 1417 days from purchase to finally finish this book. I just didn't care for it.

[Kristen Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Was a great read and right here on my phone so very accessible ! Looking toward my next read on this app!

[Ramesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for writting a book

Im practicing mind body relaxation it works well thanks for changing my life,now I'm going to live my life as I required.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be good recommended reading for anyone ready to enter treatment. I thinkni will recommend it at work.

[Mx Alec · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not a bad self-help book, but I would rather have invested it in therapy instead. I feel like the writer is advocating for this one miraculous solution (mind-body relaxation), which is pitted against all mental health problems (anxiety, depression, addiction); and I'm not saying it's not a good idea, but I would have had enough with 200 pages less. This self-help method would be better if directly experienced, taught in person, and explained in a short 50 pages, as far as I'm concerned.

[Rsme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought for two others in hopes that they would get help! Excellent author with good compassionate ideas. May just be wishful thinking on my part, but highly recommended if one is willing to get help.

[Jennifer Lucey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[ADD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info here for everyone. Definitely worth the effort to read.

[Venkat]

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