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Happiness Is a Choice: Symptoms, Causes, and Cures of Depression
Happiness Is a Choice has helped hundreds of thousands of people understand and overcome depression. Drawing from their professional training, counseling experience, and biblical knowledge, the authors provide expert answers to questions such What causes depression? Is there a cure for depression? Why do Christians suffer from depression? and more. Minirth and Meier explore the complex relationship between spiritual life and psychological health and then spell out basic steps for recovering from depression and maintaining a happy, fulfilling life. The updated 2nd edition is now available in mass market size for families, pastors, counselors, and anyone struggling to overcome depression.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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867 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 26, 2009
In the event that a family member is depressed, and he doesn't feel bad enough already, recommend to him this book to add to his feelings of guilt and failure.
This book basically says that if you are a Christian (not if you're a non-Christian, mind you; non-Christians are pretty much written off as hopeless by the authors) you can CHOOSE not to be depressed, and if you ARE clinically depressed, well, it's because you're a self-absorbed sinner who is not choosing not to be.
"Happiness is a choice" the authors tell us some dozen or more times. Now, I certainly don't disagree that there is an element of choice in happiness, and that people can choose to dwell on their miseries rather than focusing on “whatsoever things are good,” but the authors take things far too far: “If any human chooses to live by these seven basic guidelines, we are convinced that he will go through life without ever suffering any of the pains of depression.”
I gave the book a whirl because it did have some good descriptions and lists. I was ready to stop reading when the authors set the timeline for grieving the loss of a loved one at 4-6 weeks, but I pressed on. Again, I almost stopped reading after this passage: "If a wife refuses her husband" [i.e. declines to have sex with him at any time, for any reason, other than if they are praying, the only biblical exception:] "she is violating his God-given right, and it would be appropriate for him to have some righteous indignation, as long as he forgives her by bedtime." Hey, doctors, don’t forget – ALL things are possible through Christ - even surviving without sex for a night or two with disappointment rather than indignation. Besides, isn't horniness, like happiness, a choice?
But I pressed on, skimming largely from this midpoint on, and there were a few helpful nuggets to be had, as well as a few necessary kicks in the pants. There was helpful chapter on how holding onto grudges breeds depression and the necessity of giving up grudges. On the whole, however, I would not suggest the book to a depressed friend or family member.
I will give this book some credit. Unlike most books on psychology or psychiatry, it will tell you that if you are living in sin (and I don't mean shacking up; I mean doing anything your conscience tells you is wrong), that may breed depression, and the best thing you can do for your psychological well being is stop and repent. It emphasizes the importance of the spiritual life in maintaining psychological health.
Note: If, like me, you take a somewhat pessimistic attitude toward this book, it's only because you're not choosing to be happy.
This book basically says that if you are a Christian (not if you're a non-Christian, mind you; non-Christians are pretty much written off as hopeless by the authors) you can CHOOSE not to be depressed, and if you ARE clinically depressed, well, it's because you're a self-absorbed sinner who is not choosing not to be.
"Happiness is a choice" the authors tell us some dozen or more times. Now, I certainly don't disagree that there is an element of choice in happiness, and that people can choose to dwell on their miseries rather than focusing on “whatsoever things are good,” but the authors take things far too far: “If any human chooses to live by these seven basic guidelines, we are convinced that he will go through life without ever suffering any of the pains of depression.”
I gave the book a whirl because it did have some good descriptions and lists. I was ready to stop reading when the authors set the timeline for grieving the loss of a loved one at 4-6 weeks, but I pressed on. Again, I almost stopped reading after this passage: "If a wife refuses her husband" [i.e. declines to have sex with him at any time, for any reason, other than if they are praying, the only biblical exception:] "she is violating his God-given right, and it would be appropriate for him to have some righteous indignation, as long as he forgives her by bedtime." Hey, doctors, don’t forget – ALL things are possible through Christ - even surviving without sex for a night or two with disappointment rather than indignation. Besides, isn't horniness, like happiness, a choice?
But I pressed on, skimming largely from this midpoint on, and there were a few helpful nuggets to be had, as well as a few necessary kicks in the pants. There was helpful chapter on how holding onto grudges breeds depression and the necessity of giving up grudges. On the whole, however, I would not suggest the book to a depressed friend or family member.
I will give this book some credit. Unlike most books on psychology or psychiatry, it will tell you that if you are living in sin (and I don't mean shacking up; I mean doing anything your conscience tells you is wrong), that may breed depression, and the best thing you can do for your psychological well being is stop and repent. It emphasizes the importance of the spiritual life in maintaining psychological health.
Note: If, like me, you take a somewhat pessimistic attitude toward this book, it's only because you're not choosing to be happy.
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April 18, 2008This book pissed me off in the begining, so I stoped reading it. It is now on my shelf. I think he is to hard and critical on people who are depressed. Religion is not the only reason people get depressed. This book did not help me at all, in fact it made me worse. I do not recommend this book. His religious views outweight his medical views. I am a Christian, but I disagreed with what he was saying... Jesus came to save the lost. Nobody is good enought to sve themselves. The Bible say if you commit one sin, you comitt all sins. But the author tends to pick on alcholics and homosexuals. I think he needs to go back and read the bible. Jesus came to save the world, not condim the world. If you belive on Him, all things are legal (but not all things are beneficial). Instead of attacking groups, he needs to start off giving people dealing with depressing, anxiety, and panic attacks hope. Instead he uses this book as a platfore to push his views... I was really sad, b/c I loved and really benefited from the work book that he co-authored.... I do not recommend this book...
January 17, 2016
Someone told me once that you choose to be happy or not, and I thought they were full of it. I thought if it was that easy, I'd have done it by now. So I run across this crazy-titled book which happens to be by authors I respect. I was skeptical but willing to hear them out. I realize now what is meant by "Happiness Is A Choice." It is a series of choices, and a commitment to stick to the changes you've chosen, which will ultimately lead you to happiness. Will this be easy? Absolutely not. But the guidance and insights in this book are invaluable. It is a reference for me now. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with depression or OCD.
January 10, 2009
This book was given to me by my family back in the days when we weren't getting along...probably about 1992-3. It is a horrendous book that gives long lists of all the 'unladylike' or 'unfeminine' things a woman could be doing that would make her 'unhappy' ...too firm a handshake, too independent, not cooking dinner for her husband...things like that. It refers a lot to women being 'hysterical' and the like. Sini Anderson stole my copy (borrowed, but then wouldn't give it back) and I would really like it back because it is a really good reference for all of the terrible things that a certain type of (purportedly christian, male) psychologist (?) thinks about women and their state of mind
July 31, 2010
This book is extremely beneficial for everyone to read. Everyone has either been depressed or knows someone who struggles with it and this book does a wonderful job of breaking depression down to all levels of humanity. They talk about dpresion from every possible angle. However, you must read this book with an open heart and open mind, willing to see areas within yourself which need improvement. We all need help with life challenges and this book points attention to all the little things that drag our spirits down. They speak alot about Christ (and they back up their comments with scripture) and how to build a stronger relationship with Him and understand His teachings so that we can do His will and be happy. All things are possible through Christ.
May 7, 2016
This book blames women and children for sexual abuse done to them and even warns that women are out to trick men into sinning so that the man's reputation and good name will be ruined. This is the worst book I have read in 40 years as a sexual abuse survivor and even just for helping with the pain depression causes. I think this could be a dangerous book for an abuser looking for an excuse for what he has done, because this book gives it to him in spades.
May 20, 2010
Practical wisdom.
September 8, 2016
I abandoned this book about chapter 4. It was sexist and overly Christian. I quit when they explained how suicide is a sin! Yuk.
October 23, 2019
I do read a little non-fiction now and then. This book on depression was written by a Christian doctor. I was going to disagree with him about everyone having a choice because I feel that some people are just wired differently. But then he addresses that later in the book. Good book, I recommend it!
September 7, 2023
Come listen to two guys tell you that a wife drives her husband to pedophilia if she doesn’t gratify his sexual desires adequately. Waste neither time nor money on this abject malarkey.
March 5, 2022
Doctors Minirth and Meier have a book in Happiness is a Choice that is a must-read for all of us dealing with depression and other such maladies. I have been reading any and everything I can get my hands on that focuses on joy, happiness, and all things in between, so when I learned that there was a book called HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE, it was a no-brainer for me to order it. (I had been looking online for another book called LOVE IS A CHOICE by Gary Smalley and this one, HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE, was in the selections of my search. Seredipitous? Maybe.) HAPPINESS was originally published in 1978 and has gone through several updates with the most recent in 2013; I believe the copy I purchased and read is the most recent edition.
I have to say that there are parts of the doctors' hypotheses that make me cringe and wonder what in the world they were thinking by writing what they did--some thoughts are quite offensive to a believer like me who has struggled with anxiety, depression, grief, etc. for more than 20 years--and I did not appreciate their cruel wording. Yes, cruel. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive. Maybe I was feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But it has been my experience that the Holy Spirit never makes me feel bad. He convicts, yes, but not in a condemning manner that makes me want to either punch something or hide in a hole.
Regardless, HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE, overall, is a very good book and well worth reading. I have already been implementing most of their suggestions for choosing happiness. As they discuss, it is often a daily choice that must be made over and over and over again. . .with God's help, Happiness is possible. :)
I have to say that there are parts of the doctors' hypotheses that make me cringe and wonder what in the world they were thinking by writing what they did--some thoughts are quite offensive to a believer like me who has struggled with anxiety, depression, grief, etc. for more than 20 years--and I did not appreciate their cruel wording. Yes, cruel. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive. Maybe I was feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But it has been my experience that the Holy Spirit never makes me feel bad. He convicts, yes, but not in a condemning manner that makes me want to either punch something or hide in a hole.
Regardless, HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE, overall, is a very good book and well worth reading. I have already been implementing most of their suggestions for choosing happiness. As they discuss, it is often a daily choice that must be made over and over and over again. . .with God's help, Happiness is possible. :)
June 10, 2015
This book was extremely helpful on the topic of NON chemical Depression. What I mean is depression that has been caused by a situation like a death or breakdown of a relationship. It highlights and discusses the types of emotions a person goes through to get to the other side and learn to enjoy life again.
This book is NOT for those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression whose levels of Serotonin are out of whack.
I'd recommend this book to a friend or family member who know someone go through a "sad, depressed time" in their life due to something traumatic happening and wants to try to understand the emotional side of the journey back to happiness..
This book is NOT for those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression whose levels of Serotonin are out of whack.
I'd recommend this book to a friend or family member who know someone go through a "sad, depressed time" in their life due to something traumatic happening and wants to try to understand the emotional side of the journey back to happiness..
March 18, 2009
This is actually a pretty old-time book on depression and other mental illnesses. Alot of research and new practices and medications have been on the scene since this book was published. However, despite the old-fashioned views of the writer/s, I found the book to be basically sound and generally helpful. The only real objection I had to the book, was the conversations regarding women. Someone needs to tell the author/s that women are equal to men, not their inferiors.
August 2, 2013
Everyone should read this! Newly updated and very helpful!
August 16, 2017
If the authors had kept religion out of this whole Medical science thing...it wud hv been a lil more better..:/
August 21, 2018
Sometimes the book reads like a Christian self-help book that draws heavily from scripture, other times it reads like a psychology book. The psychology parts, I feel, is much better than the Scripture induced solutions - as solutions are in solving our mind it should not need too much of old texts(what I mean is, psychology can give the same or better solution much more founded because the scripture is not modern psychology). So, they work not equally good apart, but usually fine when they are more mixed and draw from each other into a good psychological and spiritual insight into depression. It does remain, in the end, primarily a book for Christians on depression.
The book has three main parts. "What is depression?", "What causes depression?" and "How can one overcome depression?" The questions are worked through at the same time as I as a reader learn and of course, cannot avoid analyzing my own history and inner life. It's a daring task that reveals probably something for everyone, but it's interesting. Throughout the book, I feel that things are repeated several times, some uneccessary, but other things are good to get repeated. When finished one feels better able to understand and to interact with depression.
The book has three main parts. "What is depression?", "What causes depression?" and "How can one overcome depression?" The questions are worked through at the same time as I as a reader learn and of course, cannot avoid analyzing my own history and inner life. It's a daring task that reveals probably something for everyone, but it's interesting. Throughout the book, I feel that things are repeated several times, some uneccessary, but other things are good to get repeated. When finished one feels better able to understand and to interact with depression.
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May 26, 2021"Most people are about as happy as they choose to be," said Abraham Lincoln. The authors agree with him. Probably Lincoln knows best. He went through many grievances in his life - the death of a loved one, lost elections, the Civil War, and other major disappointments. According to the authors, Lincoln once was so depressed that he considered suicide. But he chooses to overcome his depression and obtained inner joy and peace. Of course, eventually, he died but not because of depression but fell victim to the bullet.
Dr. Minirth and Dr. Meier have over 30 years of experience and study human psychology, physiology, anatomy, mentality, spirituality and are said to have exercised psycho-therapeutic skills on thousands of patients. According to them, with minor exceptions like a genetic bipolar disorder, "happiness is a choice." Granted that the human mind and emotions are a very complex, dynamic system, both authors are very confident that lasting inner happiness and depression at its core is "your choice." I agree and at the same time disagree with this statement.
To read further, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/05...
Dr. Minirth and Dr. Meier have over 30 years of experience and study human psychology, physiology, anatomy, mentality, spirituality and are said to have exercised psycho-therapeutic skills on thousands of patients. According to them, with minor exceptions like a genetic bipolar disorder, "happiness is a choice." Granted that the human mind and emotions are a very complex, dynamic system, both authors are very confident that lasting inner happiness and depression at its core is "your choice." I agree and at the same time disagree with this statement.
To read further, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/05...
February 26, 2022
There were things I appreciated about this book, but the overall tone of it seemed harsh and flippant to me.
I did not like the manner in which statements were made and I felt like they didn’t line up with what I’ve read as healthy processes in other books by experts. For example, the statement was made that the grieving stage for an individual losing a mate will take 3-6 weeks. From what I’ve read elsewhere, the process will take much longer than this (and should!)
I agree that happiness is a choice, and I found the seven basic guidelines for a happy life somewhat helpful (although I often cringe when I see a book with steps and processes to promote an outcome).
I did not like the manner in which statements were made and I felt like they didn’t line up with what I’ve read as healthy processes in other books by experts. For example, the statement was made that the grieving stage for an individual losing a mate will take 3-6 weeks. From what I’ve read elsewhere, the process will take much longer than this (and should!)
I agree that happiness is a choice, and I found the seven basic guidelines for a happy life somewhat helpful (although I often cringe when I see a book with steps and processes to promote an outcome).
August 10, 2024
"Happiness is a Choice" by Minirth and Meier presents a compelling perspective on finding joy through faith, but I found it unfortunate that the authors did not distinguish more clearly between medical science and Christian teachings. As a Christian with a background in science, I recognize that while both realms can offer valuable insights, they do not always align seamlessly. By intertwining these two distinct areas without clear separation, the authors risk alienating readers who might have otherwise benefited from their message. Some may have found it difficult to continue reading, missing out on the potential value the book offers.
January 10, 2020
The book was firstly published in 1978., and revised in 1994. What I liked about the book is the psychiatristic view on depression. Even though some drugs and treatmants mentioned are potentially dangerous and without enough scientific background. The other part of the book is religious and it is so sad that there are people who still believe blindly in a Bible as it is. As per this book, there is no salvation if a person isnt Christian. Finally, there is no way out of depression. Seriously?
March 24, 2023
Magnificent book
The authors are very succinct and forthright on matters depression. I love the application of biblical principles coupled with medical benefits of our times in alleviating the monster of depression on our society.
I highly recommend this book to lay leaders, ministers, pastors and church leaders of all capacity. Unlike popular perceptions and misunderstanding, Depression is certainly curable
The authors are very succinct and forthright on matters depression. I love the application of biblical principles coupled with medical benefits of our times in alleviating the monster of depression on our society.
I highly recommend this book to lay leaders, ministers, pastors and church leaders of all capacity. Unlike popular perceptions and misunderstanding, Depression is certainly curable
May 7, 2019
Maybe this is helpful for people going through short bouts of depression, but I found this book useless, long, boring and somewhat triggering.
Pretty much he spent a good portion of the book, saying that depression comes from anger that you got in childhood repressed and then it comes out and just learn good anger management and all your problems will be over. =( So, so, so not helpful.
Pretty much he spent a good portion of the book, saying that depression comes from anger that you got in childhood repressed and then it comes out and just learn good anger management and all your problems will be over. =( So, so, so not helpful.
April 29, 2024
The main concept behind this book is helpful and one of the big ideas that came through is that depression is often a result of pent-up anger. It gives quite a few helpful suggestions for life practices. It also contains much information I didn’t find necessary or maybe just poorly laid out.
August 9, 2017
Great book for Christians in general and Christian Counselors.
April 15, 2020
Good read, lots of great stuff. A little to much of a Biblical counsel for me. Fix your behavior and the rest will follow. Other than that many good thoughts and instruction.
January 17, 2022
I read this book ages ago and it had a profound effect on me that still resonates.
July 7, 2023
Good concepts. A bit too much of a Christian slant at times.
March 18, 2024
Christian based help for depression
April 17, 2019
Very factual so more of a book to reference when you have an actual question about depression.
August 10, 2025
Happiness is a Choice by Frank Minirth is one of those books that just hit differently. I don’t exactly know why, but it resonated with me on a very personal level. The way it talks about depression - the symptoms, the causes, and the solutions felt incredibly real and relatable. The lessons, the science behind it all, and especially the real-life examples, made it much more impactful for me.
This was actually the first book I ever picked up from my college library, so maybe that adds to the connection. But even now, when I think about it, some of the lessons from this book still help calm me down during anxious moments. It gave me a kind of peace and clarity that stuck with me and maybe that’s the placebo effect, or maybe it’s just a well-written, thoughtful book.
Whatever the case, I genuinely loved reading it. I’d strongly recommend it to anyone going through fear, anxiety, or even mild depression. Sometimes, the right words at the right time can make a huge difference and for me, this book did exactly that. 5/5 without a doubt :)
This was actually the first book I ever picked up from my college library, so maybe that adds to the connection. But even now, when I think about it, some of the lessons from this book still help calm me down during anxious moments. It gave me a kind of peace and clarity that stuck with me and maybe that’s the placebo effect, or maybe it’s just a well-written, thoughtful book.
Whatever the case, I genuinely loved reading it. I’d strongly recommend it to anyone going through fear, anxiety, or even mild depression. Sometimes, the right words at the right time can make a huge difference and for me, this book did exactly that. 5/5 without a doubt :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews