Panic disorder book
The Best 13 Books About Anxiety
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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: $$
CBT has been proven as one of the most effective treatments for anxiety.
Dr. Aaron T. Beck, a clinician researcher, and David A. Clark, PhD, cognitive behavior therapy expert, have put the CBT techniques used by therapists into a workbook for you.
“The Anxiety and Worry Workbook” offers tools to better understand and manage anxiety thoughts and triggers.
Pros
- treatment approach was developed and tested over 25 years
- includes worksheets and homework
Cons
- the back-and-forth from the book and worksheets can be overwhelming
Shop now at Amazon
| Price | What it’s best for | Customer rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dare | $$$ | learning about cognitive behavioral therapy skills | 4. 5 out of 5 stars |
| Declutter Your Mind | $$ | implementing mindfulness into your day-to-day | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety | $ | funny stories and making light of hard situations | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook | $$$ | doing activities to help you make sense of feelings of anxiety or panic | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution | $$$ | lifestyle tips that you can carry with you | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind | $$$ | historical information and scientific data to back up advice | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You | $$$ | people who often feel overwhelmed by worldly events and things going on around them | 4. 5 out of 5 stars |
| From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life | $$$ | personal anecdotes | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Hope and Help for Your Nerves | $$ | learning specific techniques to help with your anxiety | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| At Last a Life | $$$ | science-backed techniques on approaching anxiety | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| When Panic Attacks | $$$ | learning about meditation | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick | $$$ | guided activities and journaling prompts | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution | $$ | in-depth understanding about anxiety and panic | 4. 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
| Price | What it’s best for | Customer rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dare | $$$ | learning about cognitive behavioral therapy skills | 4. |
| Declutter Your Mind | $$ | implementing mindfulness into your day-to-day | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety | $ | funny stories and making light of hard situations | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook | $$$ | doing activities to help you make sense of feelings of anxiety or panic | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution | $$$ | lifestyle tips that you can carry with you | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind | $$$ | historical information and scientific data to back up advice | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You | $$$ | people who often feel overwhelmed by worldly events and things going on around them | 4. |
| From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life | $$$ | personal anecdotes | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Hope and Help for Your Nerves | $$ | learning specific techniques to help with your anxiety | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| At Last a Life | $$$ | science-backed techniques on approaching anxiety | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| When Panic Attacks | $$$ | learning about meditation | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick | $$$ | guided activities and journaling prompts | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution | $$ | in-depth understanding about anxiety and panic | 4. |
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. Dealing with such conditions can be difficult. Going to 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
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Anxiety Therapy.
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 being afraid of anxiety disorder relapses. 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
Publisher
"All"
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- 📚“Panic attacks and where they live. How to overcome an anxiety disorder»
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Elena Welsh
Panic attacks and where they live.
Elena Welsh
WORKBOOK FOR PANIC ATTACKS
Reprinted with permission from Althea Press and Callisto Media, Inc.
© Text, Callisto Media, 2019
© AST Publishing House, 2020
From the author
Anxiety is the most common psychological problem. Everyone experiences it from time to time, and about 40 million adults in the US are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It hardly affects some people, but it literally disables many. Since this condition is so common, almost everyone I have worked with has experienced anxiety, even if it was not the main reason for the treatment. nine0003
Many people with high levels of anxiety experience panic attacks, which are the focus of this guide. They may be a sign of another type of anxiety disorder, or they may be the result of constant nervousness—attacks happen unexpectedly, without a cause or specific trigger. Some people experience panic attacks during a period of high stress, and once the condition is normalized, the attacks disappear. I belong to this group.
My first panic attack occurred when I was in a state of anxiety and uncertainty when I entered graduate school in psychology. Despite the fact that I had experience in the clinic and I knew what was happening to me, it was terribly scary to feel like you were losing control of your body. For me, this was an isolated incident, but for many people, the first panic attack turns into regular attacks, and a strong fear of anxiety eventually leads to a panic disorder. If you are familiar with the above, then I am glad that you have a book in your hands that can help. Together we will work on these challenges to reduce panic symptoms and improve our coping skills. nine0003
This workbook focuses on identifying symptoms and relieving them as soon as possible. All strategies presented in the book are scientifically tested and proven in practice. If you use the suggested practices, the result will not be long in coming. Finally, if you have been diagnosed with generalized panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or social phobia, and panic attacks are part of other symptoms, then you should use this guide in conjunction with treatment. nine0003
How to work with a book
Use the manual in the way you find most useful. You can start working from the first page. But in general, you don't have to read the chapters in strict order: find the section that works best for you that relates to what you're feeling and struggling with at the moment, and work through it. For example, if your biggest concern right now is that your panic attacks are making you less likely to be in public places, then start with Chapter 5, Your Behavior and Avoidance of Fear. If the most annoying factor in panic attacks is their physical manifestation, then turn to the third chapter, "Your Body and the Physiological Signs of Panic." If you have a tendency to exaggerate and catastrophize, which results in panic symptoms, refer to Chapter 4, Your Brain and Panic Thoughts. nine0003
Wherever you start, know that you will achieve success and long-term progress when you read the sections of the book in their entirety. Panic can appear anywhere and anytime, so you should learn all the basics. After you have finished your workbook in its entirety, go back and reread the sections related to the remaining problems.
In the first chapter we will consider the very phenomenon of panic. The second chapter will give you a basic understanding of the cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, which will help you work through the material. If you are new to CBT, read this section first. Then there are chapters on where exactly panic symptoms appear: the body (physiological sensations), thoughts, behavior. nine0003
Chapter one
Concept of panic
Panic attacks are quite common, about a quarter of all adults in the world have experienced them at least once in their lives. If you are reading this book, then you are one of them. Even a single instance of a panic attack has a devastating effect. If they occur frequently, the consequences become even more serious and are accompanied by such unpleasant phenomena as social stigmatization, increased anxiety, as well as somatic reactions, for example, an upset gastrointestinal tract. nine0003
A panic attack is a sudden onset of fear and physical discomfort that usually peaks within minutes. It is the swiftness that distinguishes panic from the symptoms of other nervous disorders. Such an attack can begin not only when you feel anxious, but also when you are calm or even joyful. Since there are so many physiological symptoms associated with panic, it's often difficult to tell exactly what you're experiencing right away. In fact, many people mistake panic attacks for a heart attack and seek emergency medical attention. This behavior is understandable, since the symptoms of a panic attack are very similar to those of cardiovascular disease, including changes in heart rate, profuse sweating, chills or fever, tremors, as well as nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling of the skin, headache pain and dizziness. In my practice, there were clients who did not believe in panic attacks, until the emergency doctors confirmed several times that they did not have any other health problems. nine0003
Somatic reactions during a panic attack are accompanied by anxious thoughts, fear of losing control or death, a sense of unreality of what is happening and daydreaming. However, especially at first, people experience only physical sensations of panic, making it difficult to determine for sure whether they are neurologically related or not.
Diagnosis is also problematic due to the fact that panic can begin due to certain diseases, such as hypertension or asthma. Therefore, it is recommended that if panic attacks occur, you should first seek medical help. After you have been medically examined and convinced that the symptoms are caused by panic, for further attacks, remember that all bodily reactions are actually caused by your mind. nine0003
Since the range of possible reactions is wide, the sensations during an attack are individual for each person. Moreover, for a particular person, they can differ each time. In one case, a person sweats, suffocates, feels sick and shakes, in the other, he has a chest pain, numbness, dizziness, and a sharp fear appear. A clear sign of panic disorder is recurring sudden attacks without any clear trigger. In addition, you may be afraid of panic attacks and deliberately change your behavior to avoid them, such as stopping activities that can increase your heart rate or avoid crowded places. This book will help you reduce the intensity of panic attacks, as well as feel more comfortable and not be afraid if the attack comes again. nine0003
Panic and anxiety
Panic is different from other forms of anxiety in many ways. While most forms of anxiety disorder may be accompanied by certain physical sensations, such as muscle tension or increased heart rate, it is somatic reactions that predominate in a panic attack. It is they who become the main object of fear in panic disorder. In other words, the source of your anxiety becomes the question of when and where the next panic attack will begin. Panic is not the result of everyday fears, such as, for example, fear of heights or something else. nine0003
Panic differs from general anxiety by its sudden onset and short duration. A panic attack is characterized by a rapid increase in the sensation of discomfort, which reaches a peak in a few minutes, while in other forms of experience the level of physical manifestations is much lower. Although you may have residual anxious thoughts after a panic attack, panic symptoms usually last less than 15 minutes.
Another feature of panic is the catastrophization of what is happening, which appears with physical sensations. For example, during a panic attack, being in a fainting state, a person begins to think that he is about to die, and explains his dizziness with a brain tumor or paralysis. I happened to work with a girl who had choking attacks, during which she was afraid to die, which further increased the panic effect. Others may fear a heart attack by experiencing sudden chest pain and numbness. According to statistics, about 25% of those who seek emergency medical help for chest pain experience a panic attack. nine0003
No matter what you say to yourself during a panic attack, even in the absence of catastrophic thoughts, the symptoms create a general sense of loss of control over your body. Physical sensations seem spontaneous, and in this case it is difficult to "just calm down." Unfortunately, the more you focus on your reactions and dramatize what is happening, the more adrenaline and stress hormones are thrown into the blood. So you find yourself in a vicious circle of panic, where somatic and cognitive symptoms reinforce and prolong each other. And it's really scary. nine0003
Situational and spontaneous panic attacks
As mentioned earlier, the key difference between panic disorder and other forms of anxiety is the spontaneity of the attack, that is, it usually appears out of nowhere, without any specific trigger or cause. The exceptions are when panic attacks are a response to certain situations that cause a feeling of fear. For example, a person with social phobia who experiences panic attacks during public speaking or meeting new people realizes that such attacks are the result of his social anxiety, and they are provoked by his fear. Similarly, a person who is afraid of needles predictably experiences a panic attack when they are injected or have blood drawn. For people with PTSD, a burst of panic seems unexpected, but in most cases it is triggered by some kind of traumatic memory that has been forced into the subconscious. By analyzing the past, survivors of such trauma can often determine what triggered the panic reaction. nine0003
However, often the panic does come suddenly. Before an attack, a person may feel happy and calm, and this makes the effect even more dramatic and frightening. Thus, many people who suffer from spontaneous panic attacks are constantly worried about future unexpected attacks.
Fear as it is
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Elena Welsh
On this page you can read online the book “Panic attacks and where they live. How to overcome an anxiety disorder, by Elena Welsh. This book has an age limit of 16+, belongs to the genres: "The arts", "Foreign psychology". The work touches on topics such as "anxiety", "panic attacks". Panic Attacks and Where to Find Them. How to overcome anxiety disorder" was written in 2019and published in 2020.
