Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be triggered by various factors, including stress, trauma, and genetics. While there are several treatment options available, books on anxiety have become increasingly popular in recent years. These books provide practical advice, coping strategies, and insights into the condition, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Because highly sensitive people frequently struggle with anxiety, we felt it important to select books that would help and support the mental health of HSPs.
When it comes to purchasing books on anxiety, the critical thing to consider is the author’s credentials and experience in the field of mental health. It’s essential to read books written by qualified professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Additionally, it’s helpful to choose books that align with your specific needs and interests, whether it’s managing social anxiety, panic attacks, or general anxiety disorder.
Whether you’re looking for a self-help guide or a memoir, there’s a vast selection of books on anxiety available to you. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we’ll review some of the most popular books on anxiety and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you find the right book for you.
So, if you’re struggling with anxiety and looking for valuable resources to help you manage your symptoms, keep reading. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to, and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which book to choose.
Table of Contents
Best Books on Anxiety for the Highly Sensitive Person
If you’re someone who is highly sensitive, you know how overwhelming anxiety can be. It’s important to find resources that can help you navigate these feelings and develop coping mechanisms. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best books on anxiety for the highly sensitive person. These books offer practical advice, helpful tips, and personal stories that will help you understand and manage your anxiety.
#1 – The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
If you’re looking for a comprehensive self-help guide for anxiety and phobias, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The book offers a step-by-step program to help you understand and manage your anxiety and phobias.
- The workbook format allows you to actively engage with the material and track your progress.
- The book covers a wide range of anxiety disorders and phobias, making it a versatile resource for anyone struggling with anxiety.
Cons
- The book is quite lengthy, with 528 pages, so it may take some time to work through.
- Some of the exercises may be challenging or uncomfortable for those with severe anxiety or phobias.
- The book is focused on self-help, so it may not be a substitute for professional therapy for those with severe anxiety or phobias.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with anxiety or phobias. The step-by-step program and workbook format allow you to actively engage with the material and track your progress. However, the book is quite lengthy, so it may take some time to work through. Additionally, some of the exercises may be challenging or uncomfortable for those with severe anxiety or phobias. Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive self-help guide for anxiety and phobias, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook is definitely worth checking out.
#2 – Rewire Your Anxious Brain
If you’re looking for a practical guide to understanding and managing your anxiety, Rewire Your Anxious Brain is a great resource. With expert insights and easy-to-follow strategies, this audiobook can help you take control of your thoughts and emotions.
Pros
- Provides a thorough explanation of the neuroscience behind anxiety
- Offers practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life
- The narrator’s voice is clear and engaging
Cons
- Some of the strategies may require more time and effort than others
- Not all of the strategies may work for everyone
- May require multiple listens to fully understand and implement all of the concepts
Rewire Your Anxious Brain is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing anxiety. The audiobook covers a wide range of topics, from the biology of anxiety to practical strategies for managing symptoms. The authors, Catherine M. Pittman and Elizabeth M. Karle, provide clear explanations and actionable advice that can help listeners take control of their anxiety.
One of the strengths of this audiobook is its focus on the neuroscience behind anxiety. By understanding the underlying biology of anxiety, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation for why they feel the way they do. The authors explain how the brain processes information and how this can lead to anxiety and other emotional responses. They also provide practical strategies for rewiring the brain to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
Another benefit of this audiobook is the engaging narration by Susannah Mars. Her voice is clear and easy to listen to, which makes it easy to stay engaged with the material. She also does a great job of conveying the emotion behind the text, which can help listeners connect with the material on a deeper level.
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#3 – Anxiety: Panicking about Panic
If you’re looking for a concise, easy-to-read self-help book on anxiety and panic attacks, this is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The author writes from personal experience and offers practical advice that you can apply to your own life.
- The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear headings and subheadings.
- At just 144 pages, it’s a quick read that doesn’t overwhelm you with information.
Cons
- The book doesn’t delve too deeply into the root causes of anxiety, so it may not be as helpful for those with more complex issues.
- Some readers may find the writing style a bit simplistic or repetitive.
- The book was published in 2014, so some of the information may be a bit outdated.
If you’re looking for a straightforward guide to help you understand and manage your anxiety, this book is a great place to start. Fletcher’s writing is clear and concise, and he offers plenty of practical tips and exercises that you can use to cope with your symptoms.
One thing that sets this book apart from others on the topic is that Fletcher writes from his own experience, so you get a sense of authenticity and empathy that can be hard to find in a self-help book. He also does a good job of breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, which makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers.
That being said, if you’re dealing with more severe or complex anxiety issues, you may find that this book doesn’t offer enough depth or nuance to fully address your needs. Additionally, some readers may find that the writing style is a bit repetitive or simplistic, which can be a turn-off.
#4 – Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks
If you’re looking for a straightforward guide to help you manage anxiety and panic attacks, Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks may be the book for you.
Pros
- The author’s approach is easy to understand and follow.
- The book offers practical exercises and techniques to help you manage anxiety and panic attacks.
- The author shares personal experiences with anxiety, making the book relatable and reassuring.
Cons
- The book may not be as helpful for individuals with severe anxiety or panic disorders.
- Some readers may find the author’s writing style too simplistic or repetitive.
- The book may not offer enough in-depth information for those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of anxiety and panic attacks.
If you’re looking for a practical guide to help you manage anxiety and panic attacks, Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks is definitely worth checking out. The author’s straightforward approach and personal experiences with anxiety make the book relatable and reassuring. The exercises and techniques provided in the book are practical and easy to follow, making it a great resource for those looking to manage their anxiety on their own.
That being said, the book may not be as helpful for individuals with severe anxiety or panic disorders. Some readers may also find the author’s writing style too simplistic or repetitive. Additionally, the book may not offer enough in-depth information for those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of anxiety and panic attacks.
Overall, if you’re looking for a practical resource to help you manage anxiety and panic attacks, Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks is definitely worth considering.
#5 – The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution
If you want to learn cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anxiety, then The Anxiety and Worry Workbook is an excellent resource.
Pros
- The workbook provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anxiety, including relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy.
- The exercises are easy to follow and understand, and the book includes plenty of worksheets to help you practice the techniques.
- The authors provide real-world examples and case studies to help you apply the techniques to your own life.
Cons
- The book can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are new to cognitive-behavioral therapy. It may take some time to get used to the techniques and the worksheets.
- The book is geared towards individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, so it may not be as helpful for those with other anxiety disorders.
- The book does not provide guidance on how to find a therapist or how to choose the right therapist for you.
The Anxiety and Worry Workbook is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anxiety. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques, and the exercises are easy to follow and understand. The book is geared towards individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, so it may not be as helpful for those with other anxiety disorders. Overall, if you are looking for a practical, easy-to-use workbook to manage anxiety, then The Anxiety and Worry Workbook is a great choice.
#6 – Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind: How to Stop the Cycle of Anxiety, Fear, and Worry
If you’re looking for a practical and straightforward guide to help you manage anxiety, fear, and worry, then Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind is definitely worth checking out. This book provides a fresh perspective on how to deal with anxiety and offers actionable steps that you can take to break free from the cycle of negative thinking.
Pros
- The author uses simple and easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to everyone.
- It offers practical advice and exercises that you can use to manage your anxiety in real-life situations.
- The book is well-structured and easy to navigate, making it a quick and enjoyable read.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too simplistic or basic.
- The author’s approach may not work for everyone, and some readers may need more specialized treatment.
- The book may not be suitable for those looking for a deep dive into the science of anxiety and its causes.
Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind is an excellent resource for anyone looking to manage their anxiety and improve their mental health. The author’s approach is simple, practical, and effective, making it a great choice for those who want to take control of their anxiety and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
The book covers a range of topics, including how anxiety works, why it’s so difficult to manage, and how to break free from the cycle of negative thinking. The author also provides practical exercises and strategies that you can use to manage your anxiety in real-life situations, such as social events, work meetings, and family gatherings.
Overall, Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a practical and straightforward guide to managing anxiety. Whether you’re dealing with mild anxiety or a more severe condition, this book can help you take control of your thoughts and emotions and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
#7 – Be Calm: Proven Techniques to Stop Anxiety Now
If you’re looking for practical techniques to manage anxiety, Be Calm is a great resource to add to your library.
Pros
- The book provides step-by-step tools to help you manage anxiety in a variety of situations.
- The author uses relatable examples to help illustrate how anxiety manifests and how to address it.
- The techniques are grounded in research and presented in an easy-to-understand format.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, so it may not be comprehensive enough for individuals with severe or chronic anxiety.
- Some of the techniques may not work for everyone, as everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique.
- The writing style can be a bit dry at times.
If you’re looking for a practical guide to managing anxiety, Be Calm is a great starting point. The book provides step-by-step tools to help you manage anxiety in a variety of situations, and the author uses relatable examples to help illustrate how anxiety manifests and how to address it. The techniques are grounded in research and presented in an easy-to-understand format. However, the book is relatively short, so it may not be comprehensive enough for individuals with severe or chronic anxiety. Additionally, some of the techniques may not work for everyone, as everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique. Despite these limitations, Be Calm is a useful resource for anyone looking to better understand and manage their anxiety.
#8 – Teen Girl’s Anxiety Survival Guide
If you’re a teenage girl struggling with anxiety, you should definitely consider purchasing The Teen Girl’s Anxiety Survival Guide. This book provides practical advice and helpful tips on how to cope with anxiety and feel your best.
Pros
- Provides actionable advice for managing anxiety
- Easy to read and understand
- Based on sound scientific research
Cons
- May not be as helpful for those with severe anxiety
- Only geared toward teenage girls
- Does not provide a comprehensive overview of anxiety disorders
The Teen Girl’s Anxiety Survival Guide is a great resource for teenage girls who are looking for ways to manage their anxiety. The book is written in a friendly and approachable tone, making it easy to read and understand. It provides practical advice and helpful tips on how to cope with anxiety, including strategies for dealing with panic attacks, negative thinking patterns, and social anxiety.
One of the strengths of this book is that it is based on sound scientific research. The author, Lucie Hemmen, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with teenagers. She draws on her years of experience to provide practical advice and helpful tips that are grounded in science.
However, it’s worth noting that this book may not be as helpful for those with severe anxiety. While it provides some great strategies for managing anxiety, it may not be enough for those who are struggling with more severe symptoms. Additionally, the book is only geared toward teenage girls, so it may not be as helpful for other age groups or genders.
#9 – Anxiety Relief for Kids
If you’re a parent looking for strategies to help your child overcome anxiety, Anxiety Relief for Kids is a great resource to consider.
Pros
- The book offers practical on-the-spot strategies that parents can use to help their child manage worry, panic, and avoidance.
- The author, Bridget Flynn Walker, provides clear explanations of what anxiety is and how it can manifest in children, as well as guidance on how to identify triggers and develop coping skills.
- The book is written in a conversational tone that makes it easy to understand and apply the strategies presented.
Cons
- Some of the strategies may not be effective for all children, as anxiety can be complex and multifaceted.
- The book is relatively short, at only 152 pages, which may leave some readers wanting more in-depth information.
- While the book is geared towards parents of children with anxiety, it may not be as helpful for those dealing with severe or chronic anxiety.
If you’re looking for a practical guide to help your child manage anxiety, Anxiety Relief for Kids is definitely worth checking out. The book is well-written, easy to understand, and offers a range of strategies that can be implemented on-the-spot. Whether your child is dealing with occasional worry or more severe anxiety, this book can help you develop the tools you need to support them.
#10 – Attacking Anxiety: From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free
If you’re looking for a book that will help you attack your anxiety and depression, this is the one for you. Attacking Anxiety: From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free by Shawn Johnson is a must-read for anyone who wants to take back control of their life.
Pros
- The author is relatable and provides strategies that are easy to understand and apply to your life.
- The book is filled with hope and encouragement, which can be hard to find when you’re struggling with anxiety and depression.
- The strategies in the book are effective and can help you form an army of allies to fight your anxiety and depression.
Cons
- The book is heavily focused on faith and religion, which may not be for everyone.
- The author’s personal experiences may not resonate with everyone, and some readers may find it hard to relate to his journey.
- The book may not be as effective for those with severe anxiety and depression, who may need more intensive treatment.
Attacking Anxiety: From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to take control of their anxiety and depression. The author, Shawn Johnson, shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression, which makes the book relatable and easy to connect with. The strategies he provides are effective and can help you form an army of allies to fight your anxiety and depression. While the book is heavily focused on faith and religion, the strategies can still be applied even if you’re not religious.
One of the best things about this book is the hope and encouragement it provides. When you’re struggling with anxiety and depression, it can be hard to find hope, but this book gives you the tools you need to start feeling better. The author’s personal experiences are also helpful, as they show that you’re not alone in your struggles.
While this book is an excellent resource for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, it may not be as effective for those with severe anxiety and depression. These individuals may need more intensive treatment, such as therapy or medication. Additionally, some readers may find it hard to relate to the author’s personal experiences, which may make the book less effective for them.
#11 – Drawing On Anxiety: Finding calm through creativity (Volume 2) (Drawing on…, 2)
If you’re looking for a creative way to manage your anxiety, Drawing On Anxiety: Finding calm through creativity is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Provides fun drawing activities to distract you from worry
- Equal parts self-help, journal, self-care, and meditative anxiety releaser
- Offers a friendly way to work through anxious moments
Cons
- Some ideas may seem unoriginal if you’ve read other art therapy books
- Not ideal for those who don’t enjoy drawing or creative activities
- May not be a comprehensive solution for severe anxiety
Drawing On Anxiety is a unique book that combines art therapy and self-help techniques to help manage anxiety. The author, Kate Sutton, is an artist and anxiety sufferer herself, which gives her book a personal touch that is both relatable and comforting.
The book is part of the Drawing on… series and offers a variety of drawing prompts and exercises that are designed to help you focus on the present moment and calm your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who hasn’t picked up a pencil in years, the exercises are approachable and easy to follow.
While some of the ideas in the book may not be entirely original, the author’s unique perspective and approach to anxiety management make it worth reading. However, if you’re not a fan of drawing or creative activities, this book may not be the best fit for you.
Overall, Drawing On Anxiety: Finding calm through creativity is a great option for those looking for a creative way to manage their anxiety. It’s not a comprehensive solution for severe anxiety, but it can certainly be a helpful tool in your anxiety management toolkit.
#12 – On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story about love, hardship, history, and strength, then On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety is definitely worth a read. This book is a sweet story about real characters that will make you fall in love with them.
Pros
- The characters are well-developed and feel like real people.
- The story is heartwarming and touching.
- The writing is beautiful and engaging.
Cons
- The story may be too slow-paced for some readers.
- Some readers may find the book too predictable.
- The book may be too emotional for some readers.
On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety is a beautifully written story about a retired Jewish couple who moves next door to a vulnerable family with a young son. The interactions between the characters are well-described, and the story is both moving and engaging. The book is set in the same area as several other books by the same author, and it is clear that the author has a deep understanding of the area and its residents.
The characters in the book are very human and appealing, and the story is well-written and concise. The central characters, Avriel Rosen and his wife, are both emotionally-scarred and childless, and their move to Canada and opening of a chain of drugstores many years before the story opens is Mrs. Rosen’s decision. Downsizing from their chain, they move next door to a vulnerable family with a young son, and the story of their friendship is heartwarming and touching.
The writing in On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety is very good, and the story is engaging and well-paced. The book is enhanced with features like Page Flip, Word Wise, and X-Ray, and it is supported by Screen Reader and Text-to-Speech. The book is available in Kindle format, and it has a print length of 274 pages. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story about love, hardship, history, and strength, then On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety is definitely worth a read.
Buying Guide
If you are looking to buy a book on anxiety, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Content
When choosing a book on anxiety, it is important to consider the content. Look for books that cover topics that are relevant to you and your specific situation. Some books may focus on general anxiety, while others may be more specific to certain types of anxiety, such as social anxiety or panic disorder.
Author
Consider the author’s credentials and experience when choosing a book on anxiety. Look for authors who are experts in the field, such as licensed therapists or psychologists. You may also want to consider authors who have personal experience with anxiety, as they may be able to provide unique insights and perspectives.
Format
Consider the format of the book when making your purchase. Some books may be more text-heavy, while others may include exercises or worksheets to help you apply the concepts to your own life. You may also want to consider whether you prefer a physical book or an e-book.
Reviews
Read reviews from other readers before making your purchase. Look for books that have positive reviews and have been recommended by others who have experienced anxiety. However, keep in mind that everyone’s experience with anxiety is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
Price
Consider your budget when choosing a book on anxiety. While some books may be more expensive than others, keep in mind that investing in your mental health is important. You may also want to consider borrowing books from a library or purchasing used books to save money.
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[…] a pastor, or a good friend or two to whom you can turn for guidance and help in this area. Anxiety is hard, but it can be conquered and kept at […]