When Misery is Company: End Self-Sabotage and Become Content

by Anne Katherine

This book offers solutions to anyone who has felt victimized, ostracized or left behind by life.

Surprising as it may sound, many people take comfort in their own misery. Feeling too good for too long (or even feeling good at all) can be scary for people, explains Anne Katherine. "Achievement creates anxiety. Intimacy leads to fear. Happiness produces uneasiness. Pleasure causes pain. The solution to this what feels good has to be stopped. I call this an addiction to misery." Katherine's fascination and perspective book provides immediate assistance to those people who think they might be making choices that keep them at a "carefully calibrated level of existence--beneath bliss and above despair."

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read for me, as it takes time to look into the adult lives/habits of childhood trauma survivors.

'For a misery addict, though, the injuries of childhood are part and parcel of the entire addiction. The addiction typically begins with early trauma, which results in incomplete life and relationship skills, which in turn create more trauma as a result of the person being unskilled and unconscious of the addiction. Add to this the problems created by the tool addictions, and the misery addict has a big task in front of her.'

I would recommend this book to anyone that has already started to deal with their trauma, but is now finding themselves constantly unmotivated to move forward, incapable of functioning in a productive manner or just downright miserable. This book will point out just out of control you really are and to let go of the responsibility of trying to handle everything yourself.

[Bethany Banks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure this book may help some people. However, this is not a book for me. The author leans heavily towards AA and the 12 steps and very much leans into God being the one to save you. It doesn't matter that she tries to say it doesn't have to be God but a higher power because not everyone will be helped by "Just believe in God and God will fix everything."

[alicebme]

Got to page 162. Will keep as reference. Cannot process more right now.

[Atiyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far so good. I'm waiting to get into the meat of the book. At times, I think the author may have some issues with a particular people but I believe there will be benefits in there. I'm also njot completely sold on this idea she coins. To call a person an addict, is a strong statement. But I'm less than 100 pages in. Keeping God's power in perspective is very important. I think there are good tips here.

[Barbara Spurll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, Anne Katherine discusses how many people don’t allow themselves to enjoy intimacy, success or pleasure in order to avoid disappointment, fear or shame, and the reasons why. This ‘addiction to misery’ and the consequent sabotaging of the self, may involve other addictions such as alcohol, drugs, sugar, junk food, not eating, smoking, gambling and shopping. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Made me realize a few things about myself and my family.