A review by jedore
Your Brain Is Always Listening: Tame the Hidden Dragons That Control Your Happiness, Habits, and Hang-Ups by Daniel Amen

informative medium-paced

3.5

This book explores the concept of “dragons”—invisible, often subconscious influences like past trauma, anxiety, or toxic relationships that impact your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Through practical techniques and strategies, Amen teaches how to identify and tame these "dragons" to improve mental health, break negative habits, and find more happiness in daily life. 

Dr. Daniel Amen is a renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and founder of Amen Clinics, which specialize in brain imaging to diagnose and treat mental health issues. He’s a strong advocate for using brain scans to create personalized care plans, challenging the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to mental health. Dr. Amen has authored multiple bestsellers and is known for making complex neuroscience accessible to the general public. 

I was drawn to this book because of Dr. Amen's emphasis on brain diagnostics as a foundation for more effective mental health care. As someone who’s a chronic overthinker, the title also resonated with me, promising tools to help quiet the endless chatter in my head. 

While the book did offer some helpful information and coping strategies, I found the writing style a bit too simplistic and the inclusion of cartoonish drawings a detraction from the seriousness of the subject. That said, there were a few takeaways worth noting, especially the practical techniques and mantras for addressing specific behaviors and thought patterns. 

If you’re new to understanding mental health or want straightforward, easily digestible advice, this book could be a great introduction. While it might not satisfy readers looking for deeper insights or more advanced tools, it does provide practical tips for identifying and managing the "dragons" influencing your mind.