Messages to Myself

For years, Dr. McIntosh has talked to thousands of children and adults who are struggling with ongoing depression and anxiety and are having difficulties in their relationships. Depression, “the common cold” of emotional disorders, is of grave concern in both the secular and Christian communities. Christians are not reflecting healthy gains in this area and are losing a way to witness to the world. 

Fewer than 50 percent with major depression are ever treated and less than 25 percent are treated adequately, and fewer than 10 percent are ever treated optimally. With statistics such as these bordering on the grim zone, McIntosh formulated a plan to effect healthy and lasting life changes from the “inside out” for adults and their children. This plan, contained in Messages to Myself, offers readers simple, tangible, concrete help both in readers’ thought patterns and in their relationships with others.  
 

Says McIntosh, “The tools in my book have been used by many to get ‘unstuck’ from a depressed stage and to move into a place of new freedom and social/emotional health. Those who have used these tools have expressed dramatically changed lives!”  
 

The author says, if not dealt with, the internal messages we give ourselves and the external messages we receive from others, can lead to a number of damaging problems, including depression and anxiety. Many Christians face these and other related issues, but don’t let others in on their struggle. She says there is an urgent need for a simple and yet dramatic rescue for a large number of Christians who are depressed, have anxiety issues, anger issues, and even suicidal thoughts.  Even mature believers struggle in these areas and need an on-going strategic plan to change their thoughts and wounds. 

The content in the book reaches not only those who are depressed, but in a more general sense, those who want to improve the way they think and process life on a daily basis. They may or may not even recognize that their way of thinking affects their behavior and how they view life. Most people want to live differently but need help seeing things more clearly – looking at old messages with new frames.  

Endorsement:
Helen, Thank you soooo much for the book.  I am about halfway through and am loving it.  Your Truth Chart is so simple and "do-able" yet has such a profound impact.  I realized that I practice this concept already but not to the extent that I should.  Just this morning, I was frustrated with myself about some mistakes I had made in presenting my internet class.  I headed down the road of mentally beating myself up and I thought about you and the fender bender.  The truth is I made mistakes but they can be fixed and no one has been seriously impacted because of them.  Wow, the difference, that has made in my day. 

I hope when we can integrate this into our current Sunday School study.  I like your Truth Chart better than what is presented in the ----- book.  The ----- book has been good, but you take it a step farther and make it more practical and more full of grace.  I love the way you validate people's feelings.  I don't believe we can live the abundant life God has for us if we are constantly stuffing and pasting on a smile.  You have been a great blessing to me!
Have a great week!  Ann