The idea that negative feelings such as depression and anxiety are triggered by thoughts or perceptions has a long history, dating back to the Greek philosopher Epictetus, who said that people are disturbed not by things but by the way we think about them.

The book has sold over four million copies in the United States, and has also been published in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Yugoslavia and many other countries.

[2] Evidence from six studies suggests that reading Feeling Good as a form of self-directed bibliotherapy had a large helpful effect on treating depression.

[5] The Feeling Good Handbook, also by David D. Burns, includes an explanation of the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and details ways to improve a person's mood and life by identifying and eliminating common cognitive distortions, as well as methods to improve communication skills.

Exercises are presented throughout the book to assist the reader in identifying cognitive distortions and replace them with healthy beliefs.