Anxiety develops when non-productive worry consumes the mind, causing physical symptoms. If this occurs repeatedly, it could be a sign that you have generalized anxiety disorder. Mayo Clinic reports that some common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are obsessions about both major and minor problems, sweating, rapid heart rate and edginess. Several books have been written about anxiety in the last decade, many of which can be found in bookstores or online. Some might be available for borrowing from a public or medical library. Self-help books should never be used as a substitute for professional mental health care.
"The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Program"
"The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Program" is a tool for those who would benefit from an interactive approach. This book claims to teach the reader how to halt the irrational thinking that precipitates anxiety. It also delves into common co-disorders such as panic and depression. Using this workbook allows you to monitor your symptoms over time and recognize progress in gaining control over your condition. An interesting part of this program is that it encourages the abandonment of ideas of perfection and encourages self-acceptance. This book by psychologist William J. Knaus, Ed.D. was published in 2008.
"The Anxious Brain"
For those who prefer learning just the facts, "The Anxious Brain: The Neurobiological Basis of Anxiety Disorders and How to Effectively Treat Them" can help promote understanding of the causes of this disorder. Authors Steven M. Prinz, M.D. and Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D., explore breathing techniques, behavioral changes and modifications in thinking that can help the sufferer gain control of anxiety. The inner workings of the human brain are discussed and medicine is considered alongside other therapeutic approaches to anxiety. While promising to be straight-forward, this book is written primarily for mental health practitioners and may be too complex for some readers. This guide was published in 2007.
"What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety"
Written for children aged 6 to 12, "What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety" explains anxiety in simple language. Author Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, helps children learn ways to deal with anxiety using interactive prose that encourages them to write about their experiences. Lengthy for a children's book at 80 pages, this guide from 2005 incorporates the same cognitive-behavioral principles used in therapy sessions for anxiety. The goal of this guide is to empower children by helping them to understand they can effect the changes needed to free themselves from the grip of this disorder.
References
- "The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Program;" William J. Knaus, Ed.D.; 2008
- "The Anxious Brain: The Neurobiological Basis of Anxiety Disorders and How to Effectively Treat Them;" Steven M. Prinz, M.D. and Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D.; 2007
- "What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety;" Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.; 2005
