We all have humbug thoughts: the deceptive beliefs and outright lies lurking in the dark recesses of our minds, keeping us shackled and miserable. These are the thoughts that insist we're not pretty enough, not strong enough, or not smart enough. They tell us we're worthless and don't deserve happiness.

Left unchecked, humbug thoughts drive people to substance abuse, overeating, and other forms of self-medication. To know happiness-and your true worth-you need to free yourself from gloomy and habituated patterns of humbuggery.

David A. Gibbs, PhD, LMHC, CAP, ICADC, offers an escape...