Books for people with anxiety


The Best 13 Books About Anxiety

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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.
  • Best overall anxiety book: At Last a Life
  • Best for cognitive behavioral therapy: Dare
  • Best for mindfulness: Declutter Your Mind
  • Best for humor: Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety
  • Best for the latest research: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
  • Best for actionable lifestyle tips: The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution
  • Best for historical information: My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind
  • Best for relational advice: The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You
  • Best for personal stories: From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life
  • Best for specific techniques: Hope and Help for Your Nerves
  • Best for learning about medication: When Panic Attacks
  • Best workbook: Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick
  • Best for in-depth understanding: The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution

Anxiety comes in many forms and can affect people in different ways. If you’re dealing with anxiety, you’re definitely not alone. It’s the most common mental health issue facing Americans. Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States, which is about 18 percent of the population.

Types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias.

Anyone living with anxiety knows it can have a direct effect on your quality of life. The good news is that anxiety, in all its forms, is treatable.

The most common treatments for anxiety are psychotherapy, stress management techniques, medication, and aerobic exercise. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. You may find yourself combining techniques to manage symptoms.

Self-help books can be a good way for you to learn about new techniques or try things that have worked well for others. The books below offer a variety of constructive ways to tackle anxiety symptoms from different perspectives.

The books on this list were chosen because of the tools and techniques they recommend for curbing anxiety. Some books listed were written by doctors and professionals in mental health, while others were written by people who have experienced and overcome anxiety firsthand.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $12
  • $$ = $12–$15
  • $$$ = over $15

Best overall

At Last a Life

Price: $$$

When you’re going through long-term panic and anxiety, it can feel like you’ve lost control of your life. Seeing a future free from anxiety may seem hard to envision.

Author Paul David wrote “At Last a Life” to share his story of recovery and provide hope for others that it’s possible to regain your life. The book is based on a combination of his personal story, as well as research he’s done on anxiety.

Pros

  • includes both personal stories and science-backed research
  • many reviews state the book has been life-changing

Cons

  • much higher price point than other books

Shop now at Amazon

Best for cognitive behavioral therapy

Dare

Price: $$$

Author Barry McDonagh asks readers to “dare” anxiety to do its worst.

This book focuses on facing anxious thoughts — and challenging them — instead of feeding into them or trying to ignore them.

McDonagh’s technique is based on scientific evidence and his 10 years of helping people with anxiety. The book also comes with a free app and audiobook to use for relaxation and anxiety relief.

Pros

  • based on scientific evidence
  • comes with free app and audiobook

Cons

  • reviewers say the book is a simplified version of cognitive behavioral theory (CBT), with no new information

Shop now at Amazon

Best for mindfulness

Declutter Your Mind

Price: $$

You’ve heard how helpful decluttering your living space can be. “Declutter Your Mind” applies this same philosophy to your mental space, with the idea that negative and anxious thoughts take up valuable mental real estate.

The book focuses on teaching you mindfulness by reframing your negative thoughts. It uses techniques to allow you to be present in the moment and take control of your thought process.

Pros

  • great for people interested in mindfulness
  • quick read

Cons

  • some users found that the writing isn’t very engaging

Shop now at Amazon

Best for humor

Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety

Price: $

If you’re not into traditional self-help books and want to tell anxiety to eff off, “Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety” may be the read for you.

The book’s philosophy is that reading a self-help book shouldn’t feel like a chore. In the book, author Robert Duff speaks candidly and weaves swearing and humor throughout the information and actionable tips.

Pros

  • entertaining to read
  • has a sequel related to depression

Cons

  • short and not particularly in-depth

Shop now at Amazon

Best for the latest research

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

Price: $$$

Facing anxiety takes work. Without a guide, many of us don’t know where to start. “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” is exactly what the title suggests.

This workbook is designed to help you learn tools and skills to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Written by a cognitive behavioral therapist, the workbook is based on current clinical research on anxiety and its treatment.

Pros

  • written by a cognitive behavioral therapist
  • revised and updated for 2020 to focus on the latest research

Cons

  • pricier than comparable options

Shop now at Amazon

Best for actionable lifestyle tips

The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution

Price: $$$

An unbalanced diet can have effects on more than cholesterol and blood pressure. As “The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution” suggests, foods also impact brain chemistry and emotions.

The book offers tips on how to eat more nutrients and reduce cravings. There are also lifestyle tips for how to reduce anxiety symptoms and how the food we eat plays a role in those symptoms.

Pros

  • provides actionable tips for lifestyle and diet
  • written by a nurse

Cons

  • information seems to be largely based on two other popular books

Shop now at Amazon

Best for historical information

My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind

Price: $

Anxiety can be a deeply personal experience. Many people experience it in different ways.

Author Scott Stossel draws on his own personal journey with anxiety to explore the condition’s history. He also offers the opinions of scientists, philosophers, and other writers.

In addition to recalling the many treatments — including some strange ones — that were developed to relieve anxiety, “My Age of Anxiety” also provides personal stories of people who’ve found success in controlling their symptoms.

Pros

  • shares personal stories with an honest and frank tone of voice
  • well-researched, with science-backed information

Cons

  • described as a “history lesson” by some reviewers

Shop now at Amazon

Best for relational advice

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

Price: $

If others have described you as “too sensitive” or “too shy,” according to psychotherapist Elaine Aron, PhD, you might be a highly sensitive person.

Aron’s book, “The Highly Sensitive Person,” is designed to help you recognize these traits and understand them to improve your life and personal relationships.

Her perspective comes from a place of understanding, since Aron herself identifies as a highly sensitive person.

Pros

  • written by a psychotherapist who self-identifies as a highly sensitive person
  • includes actionable takeaways

Cons

  • the research feels lacking and may be out of date

Shop now at Amazon

Best for personal stories

From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life

Price: $

Panic attacks can leave you feeling powerless and out of control.

In her book “From Panic to Power,” author Lucinda Bassett shares how she personally used techniques to manage anxiety and reclaim power over her life.

She offers skills and methods to help you respond to anxious thoughts and negative self-talk.

Pros

  • based on the author’s personal experience
  • has sold over 72,000 hardcover copies

Cons

  • reviewers do not feel the book contains enough helpful advice and resources

Shop now at Amazon

Best for specific techniques

Hope and Help for Your Nerves

Price: $—$$$

The physical symptoms caused by anxiety may seem minor to people who’ve never experienced them. But to people who live with anxiety daily, they can make a big difference in quality of life.

The late Dr. Claire Weekes drew on her years of helping patients with anxiety to offer step-by-step guidance. “Hope and Help for Your Nerves” teaches you techniques for analyzing and understanding your own anxiety so you can focus on management and relief.

Pros

  • walks you through techniques to help minimize anxiety
  • covers many specific scenarios that are common for people with anxiety

Cons

  • information and research may be outdated

Shop now at Amazon

Best for learning about medication

When Panic Attacks

Price: $$

Anxious thoughts can be pretty deceitful. They’re not actually grounded in reality, but they feel so legitimate when you’re having them.

“When Panic Attacks” aims to help you recognize and confront your anxious thoughts.

Dr. David Burns is a believer in treating anxiety without medication. He also shares the latest research on anxiety and depression medications and why he feels they may sometimes do more harm than good.

Pros

  • provides 40 helpful techniques to help anxiety
  • includes workbook-style surveys and questions

Cons

  • research may be outdated

Shop now at Amazon

Best workbook

Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick

Price: $$$

Panic attacks can be downright terrifying if you don’t know what’s happening. Even after you’ve become familiar with them, they can still make you feel out of control and helpless.

The “Panic Attacks Workbook” is designed to help you understand panic attacks and break the cycle of anxious responses leading to them. It uses charts and worksheets to help you literally work through recovery.

Pros

  • clearly explains how panic attacks work
  • utilizes charts and worksheets

Cons

  • may not apply to people with generalized anxiety

Shop now at Amazon

Best for in-depth understanding

The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution

Price: $$

CBT has been proven as one of the most effective treatments for anxiety.

Dr. Aaron T. Beck, a clinician researcher, and David A. Clark, PhD, cognitive behavior therapy expert, have put the CBT techniques used by therapists into a workbook for you.

“The Anxiety and Worry Workbook” offers tools to better understand and manage anxiety thoughts and triggers.

Pros

  • treatment approach was developed and tested over 25 years
  • includes worksheets and homework

Cons

  • the back-and-forth from the book and worksheets can be overwhelming

Shop now at Amazon

PriceWhat it’s best forCustomer rating
Dare$$$learning about cognitive behavioral therapy skills 4. 5 out of 5 stars
Declutter Your Mind$$implementing mindfulness into your day-to-day4.5 out of 5 stars
Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety$funny stories and making light of hard situations4.5 out of 5 stars
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook$$$doing activities to help you make sense of feelings of anxiety or panic4.5 out of 5 stars
The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution$$$lifestyle tips that you can carry with you4.5 out of 5 stars
My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind$$$historical information and scientific data to back up advice4.5 out of 5 stars
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You$$$people who often feel overwhelmed by worldly events and things going on around them4. 5 out of 5 stars
From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life$$$personal anecdotes4.5 out of 5 stars
Hope and Help for Your Nerves$$learning specific techniques to help with your anxiety4.5 out of 5 stars
At Last a Life$$$science-backed techniques on approaching anxiety4.5 out of 5 stars
When Panic Attacks$$$learning about meditation4.5 out of 5 stars
Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick$$$guided activities and journaling prompts4.5 out of 5 stars
The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution$$in-depth understanding about anxiety and panic4. 5 out of 5 stars

There are many different methods of dealing with anxiety, ranging from CBT to mindfulness to medication. Some methods may work better for certain people than for others. If you’re interested in learning about specific areas, you should look for a book that focuses on those techniques.

It’s also a good idea to look for a book written by a qualified professional, such as a doctor (an M.D.), therapist, counselor, or psychologist. This way, you can feel confident that all information included is vetted and science-backed.

Alternatively, some books about anxiety are written by non-medical professionals and simply focus on the author’s personal experience. Should you feel that this is most helpful in your anxiety journey, there are plenty of reads you can pick up that dive into people’s personal anecdotes.

Finally, you may want to look for a book that was published as recently as possible. A book that came out 10 to 20 years ago most likely will not include the most up-to-date information about mental health conditions, medication, or helpful techniques.

You may want to consider seeing a mental health professional for anxiety if:

  • your symptoms significantly interfere with your daily life
  • you’re experiencing physical symptoms in addition to mental ones
  • you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a long period of time

Your primary care physician can refer you to a psychologist or therapist if needed. These professionals will be able to help you find methods to manage your anxiety.

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Most of the time, an external trigger causes stress. Stress can be short-term during times of relational difficulty or extra tasks at work. Anxiety, however, may have no discernible cause. It can be persistent and escalate into anxiety or panic attacks, or uncomfortable physical symptoms.

What is the best book to overcome anxiety?

Our pick for the best overall book on anxiety is “At Last A Life” by Paul David. However, there are dozens of anxiety-based books on the market, many of which cover different research or personal experiences. A single book might not be as helpful to some people as others.

Can reading books help with anxiety?

Yes! Reading can help with anxiety by easing stress and helping your body and mind relax. Some doctors even incorporate bibliotherapy (treatment through the use of books) for patients with mental health conditions.

Reading books about anxiety can be a good way to help you think more positively and find ways to manage anxiety attacks.

It is important to remember that although these books can be helpful, they shouldn’t take the place of working with a licensed mental health professional.

If you feel like you need help managing your anxiety, schedule an appointment with a professional.

The Best 13 Books About Anxiety

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.
  • Best overall anxiety book: At Last a Life
  • Best for cognitive behavioral therapy: Dare
  • Best for mindfulness: Declutter Your Mind
  • Best for humor: Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety
  • Best for the latest research: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
  • Best for actionable lifestyle tips: The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution
  • Best for historical information: My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind
  • Best for relational advice: The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You
  • Best for personal stories: From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life
  • Best for specific techniques: Hope and Help for Your Nerves
  • Best for learning about medication: When Panic Attacks
  • Best workbook: Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick
  • Best for in-depth understanding: The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution

Anxiety comes in many forms and can affect people in different ways. If you’re dealing with anxiety, you’re definitely not alone. It’s the most common mental health issue facing Americans. Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States, which is about 18 percent of the population.

Types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias.

Anyone living with anxiety knows it can have a direct effect on your quality of life. The good news is that anxiety, in all its forms, is treatable.

The most common treatments for anxiety are psychotherapy, stress management techniques, medication, and aerobic exercise. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. You may find yourself combining techniques to manage symptoms.

Self-help books can be a good way for you to learn about new techniques or try things that have worked well for others. The books below offer a variety of constructive ways to tackle anxiety symptoms from different perspectives.

The books on this list were chosen because of the tools and techniques they recommend for curbing anxiety. Some books listed were written by doctors and professionals in mental health, while others were written by people who have experienced and overcome anxiety firsthand.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $12
  • $$ = $12–$15
  • $$$ = over $15

Best overall

At Last a Life

Price: $$$

When you’re going through long-term panic and anxiety, it can feel like you’ve lost control of your life. Seeing a future free from anxiety may seem hard to envision.

Author Paul David wrote “At Last a Life” to share his story of recovery and provide hope for others that it’s possible to regain your life. The book is based on a combination of his personal story, as well as research he’s done on anxiety.

Pros

  • includes both personal stories and science-backed research
  • many reviews state the book has been life-changing

Cons

  • much higher price point than other books

Shop now at Amazon

Best for cognitive behavioral therapy

Dare

Price: $$$

Author Barry McDonagh asks readers to “dare” anxiety to do its worst.

This book focuses on facing anxious thoughts — and challenging them — instead of feeding into them or trying to ignore them.

McDonagh’s technique is based on scientific evidence and his 10 years of helping people with anxiety. The book also comes with a free app and audiobook to use for relaxation and anxiety relief.

Pros

  • based on scientific evidence
  • comes with free app and audiobook

Cons

  • reviewers say the book is a simplified version of cognitive behavioral theory (CBT), with no new information

Shop now at Amazon

Best for mindfulness

Declutter Your Mind

Price: $$

You’ve heard how helpful decluttering your living space can be. “Declutter Your Mind” applies this same philosophy to your mental space, with the idea that negative and anxious thoughts take up valuable mental real estate.

The book focuses on teaching you mindfulness by reframing your negative thoughts. It uses techniques to allow you to be present in the moment and take control of your thought process.

Pros

  • great for people interested in mindfulness
  • quick read

Cons

  • some users found that the writing isn’t very engaging

Shop now at Amazon

Best for humor

Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety

Price: $

If you’re not into traditional self-help books and want to tell anxiety to eff off, “Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety” may be the read for you.

The book’s philosophy is that reading a self-help book shouldn’t feel like a chore. In the book, author Robert Duff speaks candidly and weaves swearing and humor throughout the information and actionable tips.

Pros

  • entertaining to read
  • has a sequel related to depression

Cons

  • short and not particularly in-depth

Shop now at Amazon

Best for the latest research

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

Price: $$$

Facing anxiety takes work. Without a guide, many of us don’t know where to start. “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” is exactly what the title suggests.

This workbook is designed to help you learn tools and skills to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Written by a cognitive behavioral therapist, the workbook is based on current clinical research on anxiety and its treatment.

Pros

  • written by a cognitive behavioral therapist
  • revised and updated for 2020 to focus on the latest research

Cons

  • pricier than comparable options

Shop now at Amazon

Best for actionable lifestyle tips

The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution

Price: $$$

An unbalanced diet can have effects on more than cholesterol and blood pressure. As “The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution” suggests, foods also impact brain chemistry and emotions.

The book offers tips on how to eat more nutrients and reduce cravings. There are also lifestyle tips for how to reduce anxiety symptoms and how the food we eat plays a role in those symptoms.

Pros

  • provides actionable tips for lifestyle and diet
  • written by a nurse

Cons

  • information seems to be largely based on two other popular books

Shop now at Amazon

Best for historical information

My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind

Price: $

Anxiety can be a deeply personal experience. Many people experience it in different ways.

Author Scott Stossel draws on his own personal journey with anxiety to explore the condition’s history. He also offers the opinions of scientists, philosophers, and other writers.

In addition to recalling the many treatments — including some strange ones — that were developed to relieve anxiety, “My Age of Anxiety” also provides personal stories of people who’ve found success in controlling their symptoms.

Pros

  • shares personal stories with an honest and frank tone of voice
  • well-researched, with science-backed information

Cons

  • described as a “history lesson” by some reviewers

Shop now at Amazon

Best for relational advice

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

Price: $

If others have described you as “too sensitive” or “too shy,” according to psychotherapist Elaine Aron, PhD, you might be a highly sensitive person.

Aron’s book, “The Highly Sensitive Person,” is designed to help you recognize these traits and understand them to improve your life and personal relationships.

Her perspective comes from a place of understanding, since Aron herself identifies as a highly sensitive person.

Pros

  • written by a psychotherapist who self-identifies as a highly sensitive person
  • includes actionable takeaways

Cons

  • the research feels lacking and may be out of date

Shop now at Amazon

Best for personal stories

From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life

Price: $

Panic attacks can leave you feeling powerless and out of control.

In her book “From Panic to Power,” author Lucinda Bassett shares how she personally used techniques to manage anxiety and reclaim power over her life.

She offers skills and methods to help you respond to anxious thoughts and negative self-talk.

Pros

  • based on the author’s personal experience
  • has sold over 72,000 hardcover copies

Cons

  • reviewers do not feel the book contains enough helpful advice and resources

Shop now at Amazon

Best for specific techniques

Hope and Help for Your Nerves

Price: $—$$$

The physical symptoms caused by anxiety may seem minor to people who’ve never experienced them. But to people who live with anxiety daily, they can make a big difference in quality of life.

The late Dr. Claire Weekes drew on her years of helping patients with anxiety to offer step-by-step guidance. “Hope and Help for Your Nerves” teaches you techniques for analyzing and understanding your own anxiety so you can focus on management and relief.

Pros

  • walks you through techniques to help minimize anxiety
  • covers many specific scenarios that are common for people with anxiety

Cons

  • information and research may be outdated

Shop now at Amazon

Best for learning about medication

When Panic Attacks

Price: $$

Anxious thoughts can be pretty deceitful. They’re not actually grounded in reality, but they feel so legitimate when you’re having them.

“When Panic Attacks” aims to help you recognize and confront your anxious thoughts.

Dr. David Burns is a believer in treating anxiety without medication. He also shares the latest research on anxiety and depression medications and why he feels they may sometimes do more harm than good.

Pros

  • provides 40 helpful techniques to help anxiety
  • includes workbook-style surveys and questions

Cons

  • research may be outdated

Shop now at Amazon

Best workbook

Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick

Price: $$$

Panic attacks can be downright terrifying if you don’t know what’s happening. Even after you’ve become familiar with them, they can still make you feel out of control and helpless.

The “Panic Attacks Workbook” is designed to help you understand panic attacks and break the cycle of anxious responses leading to them. It uses charts and worksheets to help you literally work through recovery.

Pros

  • clearly explains how panic attacks work
  • utilizes charts and worksheets

Cons

  • may not apply to people with generalized anxiety

Shop now at Amazon

Best for in-depth understanding

The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution

Price: $$

CBT has been proven as one of the most effective treatments for anxiety.

Dr. Aaron T. Beck, a clinician researcher, and David A. Clark, PhD, cognitive behavior therapy expert, have put the CBT techniques used by therapists into a workbook for you.

“The Anxiety and Worry Workbook” offers tools to better understand and manage anxiety thoughts and triggers.

Pros

  • treatment approach was developed and tested over 25 years
  • includes worksheets and homework

Cons

  • the back-and-forth from the book and worksheets can be overwhelming

Shop now at Amazon

PriceWhat it’s best forCustomer rating
Dare$$$learning about cognitive behavioral therapy skills 4. 5 out of 5 stars
Declutter Your Mind$$implementing mindfulness into your day-to-day4.5 out of 5 stars
Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety$funny stories and making light of hard situations4.5 out of 5 stars
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook$$$doing activities to help you make sense of feelings of anxiety or panic4.5 out of 5 stars
The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution$$$lifestyle tips that you can carry with you4.5 out of 5 stars
My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind$$$historical information and scientific data to back up advice4.5 out of 5 stars
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You$$$people who often feel overwhelmed by worldly events and things going on around them4. 5 out of 5 stars
From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life$$$personal anecdotes4.5 out of 5 stars
Hope and Help for Your Nerves$$learning specific techniques to help with your anxiety4.5 out of 5 stars
At Last a Life$$$science-backed techniques on approaching anxiety4.5 out of 5 stars
When Panic Attacks$$$learning about meditation4.5 out of 5 stars
Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick$$$guided activities and journaling prompts4.5 out of 5 stars
The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution$$in-depth understanding about anxiety and panic4. 5 out of 5 stars

There are many different methods of dealing with anxiety, ranging from CBT to mindfulness to medication. Some methods may work better for certain people than for others. If you’re interested in learning about specific areas, you should look for a book that focuses on those techniques.

It’s also a good idea to look for a book written by a qualified professional, such as a doctor (an M.D.), therapist, counselor, or psychologist. This way, you can feel confident that all information included is vetted and science-backed.

Alternatively, some books about anxiety are written by non-medical professionals and simply focus on the author’s personal experience. Should you feel that this is most helpful in your anxiety journey, there are plenty of reads you can pick up that dive into people’s personal anecdotes.

Finally, you may want to look for a book that was published as recently as possible. A book that came out 10 to 20 years ago most likely will not include the most up-to-date information about mental health conditions, medication, or helpful techniques.

You may want to consider seeing a mental health professional for anxiety if:

  • your symptoms significantly interfere with your daily life
  • you’re experiencing physical symptoms in addition to mental ones
  • you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a long period of time

Your primary care physician can refer you to a psychologist or therapist if needed. These professionals will be able to help you find methods to manage your anxiety.

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Most of the time, an external trigger causes stress. Stress can be short-term during times of relational difficulty or extra tasks at work. Anxiety, however, may have no discernible cause. It can be persistent and escalate into anxiety or panic attacks, or uncomfortable physical symptoms.

What is the best book to overcome anxiety?

Our pick for the best overall book on anxiety is “At Last A Life” by Paul David. However, there are dozens of anxiety-based books on the market, many of which cover different research or personal experiences. A single book might not be as helpful to some people as others.

Can reading books help with anxiety?

Yes! Reading can help with anxiety by easing stress and helping your body and mind relax. Some doctors even incorporate bibliotherapy (treatment through the use of books) for patients with mental health conditions.

Reading books about anxiety can be a good way to help you think more positively and find ways to manage anxiety attacks.

It is important to remember that although these books can be helpful, they shouldn’t take the place of working with a licensed mental health professional.

If you feel like you need help managing your anxiety, schedule an appointment with a professional.

What to read for anxiety and panic attacks: "Anxious brain", "Don't feed the monkey!" and other books

Wellness

Vika Arakelyan

August 16, 2021 13:29

According to the American publication Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, people have become three times more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety disorders during the pandemic. Coping with such conditions can be difficult. Hiring a specialist is still the best solution, but it's good to have tools on hand to help yourself. nine0003

The Anxious Brain

Joseph A. Annibali

The American psychiatrist's original title is Reclaim Your Brain. Annibali believes that an overloaded brain underlies the entire spectrum of anxiety disorders, from post-traumatic to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Describing cases from his practice in the Amen clinic, he illustrates various "breakdowns" of consciousness and suggests ways to get rid of them.

Anxious Brain is good because, unlike many self-help books, it does not dissuade the reader from drug therapy and does not promise miraculous healing. On the contrary, Annibali talks in detail about what drugs you can be prescribed and what to expect from them. The chapter on each disorder also ends with a small list of dietary supplements that have actually shown their effectiveness in research: for those who want to try to do without "big pharma". nine0003

Publishing House

Bombori

Translation

MV Novikova

“Return to Life”

Paul David

The book of Paul David does not have an official Russian publication, but amateur translations are often published on thematic forums and publics . David is not a psychiatrist, but an ordinary person who has suffered from a severe anxiety disorder for 10 years. He speaks the same language with readers and describes sensations that are understandable and close to every "anxiety person" - this is what many lack in books written by psychiatrists. In Resurrection, David addresses conditions that are rarely covered in the self-help literature, such as derealization and depersonalization syndromes. This is one of those books that you can read right during a panic attack or an acute attack of anxiety: David's confidence that your healing is possible no matter how many months or years you live with the disorder is therapeutic in itself. nine0003

Buy

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Anxiety Therapy.

How to deal with fears, anxieties and panic attacks without medication

David Burns

Anxiety Therapy is a new book by psychiatrist David Burns, author of the bestselling Mood Therapy, about self-help for depressive disorders. Despite the clickbait headline (the attractive “no drugs” won’t work for everyone, of course), this is a good guide to applying the principles of CBT. Inside the book, Burns offers an anxiety profile test and gives you a mood journal template to fill out daily. This is followed by a dozen chapters with different CBT techniques that psychotherapists use in their practice (and which you can apply yourself). Burns also helps to understand how to recognize the cherished recovery and stop fearing the recurrence of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety Therapy is more like a real workbook than any other book in the collection: it is expected that you not only read it, but also regularly perform the tasks and practices described. nine0003

Publisher

Alpina Publisher

Translation

A. Kogteva

“Don't feed the monkey! How to get out of the vicious circle of worry and anxiety

Jennifer Shannon

A pretty book by CBT psychotherapist Jennifer Shannon is more suitable for people with a high level of daily anxiety, but "not holding up" to clinical manifestations. Shannon writes about perfectionism, over-responsibility, cycles of worry, and fears. The disturbing mind in the book is embodied in the image of a monkey, which is proposed to be tamed and trained. "Don't feed the monkey!" Written in simple language and illustrated with clear and funny infographics, it can make life easier for those who worry about little things every day. nine0003

Publisher

“Ves”

Translation

E. Davydova, L. Kolodyazhnaya

“Anxiety, fear and panic attacks. Self Help Book”

Andrey Goloshchapov

In 2010 Andrey Goloshchapov received his Ph.D. at the University of California and worked for several years as a research fellow in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. And in 2020 he released this book, which clearly traces the experience of foreign psychological practice. In Russia, the methods of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and EMDH (desensitization and processing by eye movement) are not yet so widespread, but are gradually appearing in the arsenal of psychotherapists. These methods of working with trauma and anxiety are more body-oriented: in one, special patterns of tapping on different zones on the body play the main role, in the other, eye movements. And despite the fact that it sounds rather esoteric, the effectiveness of such techniques has a serious evidence base. Goloshchapov in his book teaches readers the basics of TES and EMDH and adapts them for various disorders (panic, post-traumatic and others). A separate chapter is devoted to bodily practices: after all, anxious people especially often feel disconnected from their own bodies. nine0003

Publishing house

“All”

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6 books, which will help you cope with anxiety

Events in Ukraine and their consequences led to an anxiety increase. in society. The editors of RBC Trends have prepared a list of books that can help you pull yourself together

The material was prepared in collaboration with the AST publishing house. nine0003

Calm down in the moment

“Be calm. Proven Anxiety Management Techniques, Jill Weber

Jill Weber, International Anxiety Specialist, has put together techniques that work to overcome anxiety. These are three sets of strategies for dealing with different manifestations of anxiety.

The first section contains recommendations for people who may experience this psychological condition with emotions and bodily symptoms such as anger, irritability, sadness, shortness of breath, feelings of hopelessness, or insomnia. Another group of techniques is focused on cases where increased anxiety manifests itself in actions - quarrels with relatives and friends, or inability to perform daily activities, such as washing dishes or driving a car, talking with relatives and friends. The third section helps you organize your racing thoughts and cope with winding yourself up. This small - 170 pages - book can be used as needed as a reference guide. nine0003

Don't fall victim to the information war

Noise by Daniel Kahneman

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's hard-to-read book continues the theme of cognitive distortions covered in his bestseller Think Slow, Decide Fast. In this book, Kahneman and co-authors focused on exactly how information noise affects decision making, and what manifestations of this phenomenon we can find in medicine, jurisprudence, economic forecasting and forensics. An unprepared reader may find the statistical analyzes given in the book to be complicated. But in the end, understanding the mechanism of distortion will help reduce the impact of information noise and make more rational decisions. nine0003

Allow yourself to worry

“Tender to yourself”, Olga Primachenko

Olga Primachenko is a journalist from Belarus, ex-editor-in-chief of LADY. TUT.BY, who shares her experience of experiencing difficult situations with readers. Faced with divorce and other personal struggles, she tried different techniques and approaches, and put together an anthology of different techniques, generously flavored with words of encouragement. The book is like a friend who can take your hand and reassure you: it is normal to experience the feelings that overwhelm you now, you have every right to defend your beliefs or, conversely, refrain from online battles in the comments. At the end of the book, the reader is waiting for a marathon - a month of daily self-love practices. nine0003

Understand how our feelings work

“How not to go crazy. Bring order to thoughts and feelings, Philippa Perry

Philippa Perry is a British psychotherapist with 25 years of experience. In the book, she addresses how our brain works, why we experience certain emotions, and talks about how to gain psychological stability.

Based on four principles, guided by which, according to the author, one can get out of a personal psycho-emotional crisis. First of all, it is self-reflection - the habit of observing and tracking your feelings and actions, as well as their true causes and triggers. The second point is relationships with others. Deep connections with family, friends, a mentor, a child, or any other person in life is an essential part in the foundation of mental health. The third section is devoted to good stress - those tests that do not exhaust and kill us, but really make us stronger and smarter. And our attitudes and beliefs complete the list of pillars of emotional stability. They can limit us and prevent us from moving forward, or, on the contrary, they can nurture self-confidence and help. nine0003

Face the fear of death

“Looking into the sun. Life without fear of death”, Irvin Yalom

The most famous book by the American psychotherapist and writer Irvin Yalom has gone through several reprints and remains on the bestseller list. The fear of death is inherent in people, it can manifest itself in panic attacks, or maybe in a random search for new experiences. Changes and crises can reinforce this fear.

Yalom talks about the ideas and approaches that help people come to terms with the finiteness of life and regain control over their condition using the examples of his patients' stories. One of the approaches Yalom calls the ripple effect: we can not always change the world, but everyone can do some small things that help specific people, who, in turn, can pass this goodness on. nine0003

To endure no matter what

“You are flint! How to Become Mentally Resilient Damon Zachariadis

This book was not written by a psychologist, but by the founder of a content marketing agency. In the field of digital, a year counts as two, and the author certainly has experience of perseverance. In the book "You are a flint!" collected practical advice on how to keep stress and pressure. For example, it describes the technique of the American "fur seals" on how to develop psychological resilience. The author contrasts willpower with habits.


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