{"id":87728,"date":"2017-08-17T13:48:54","date_gmt":"2017-08-17T13:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/uncategorized\/2017\/08\/17\/kevlar-for-the-mind-dont-count-on-self-help-books-for-solutions\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T08:44:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T08:44:35","slug":"kevlar-for-the-mind-dont-count-on-self-help-books-for-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/commentary\/2017\/08\/17\/kevlar-for-the-mind-dont-count-on-self-help-books-for-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Kevlar for the Mind: Don’t count on self-help books for solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When people find out that I\u2019m a psychologist, they often ask if I can recommend any good self-help books. In all honesty, I tend to steer clear of the self-help aisle at my local bookstore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, it\u2019s hard not to get drawn in by the covers with their bright colors, pithy titles and \u201cexperts\u201d smiling from ear to ear. But for the most part, I can generally resist the urge to learn how to fight stress in 10 easy steps or achieve happiness in seven days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the success of these books tells me that many people are lured to the self-help stacks \u2014 strategically placed between the religion and science sections. These books are meant to appeal to those of us who struggle with relationship problems, encounter stress and anxiety in our daily lives, and have periods of feeling blue. In other words, at some point, they appeal to everybody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not that I\u2019m anti-self-help books. In fact, I\u2019ve written a few of them over the years. My concern is that many books within the self-help genre have a major flaw: They are strong on hype, but weak on substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, ridding one\u2019s self of anxiety or panic isn\u2019t as simple as learning to take deep breaths or going to a \u201ccalm place\u201d in your head. And sometimes sadness can be a symptom of a psychiatric condition that no amount of \u201cpositive thinking\u201d will correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My humble opinion is that as a service member, you are less likely to benefit from a self-help book than your civilian peers because you already know most of the information found within these books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early on, you are taught how to identify problems and generate solutions. You are taught methods in decision making, stress management, and conflict resolution. Heck, you probably hear \u201cadapt and overcome\u201d at least five times before lunch every day. The latter is the primary theme found within most self-help books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the answer to the occasional blues or the stress life throws at you ever day? It\u2019s simple: Rely on your training. Draw upon the skills and talents you\u2019ve developed as a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine.<\/p>\n\n\n\t