As with the entire “Dummies” series, Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies includes “The Part of Tens,” concise suggestions that offer quick relief. They include “Ten Ways to Stop Anxiety Quickly,” “Ten Ways to Deal with Relapse,” and “Ten Signs That You Need Professional Help.” The appendix recommends self-help books, resources to help children, and web sites offering more information about anxiety.
Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies contains a lot of information, but the authors advise that it is not necessary to read every word. Skip around, if you like, read what you need or would like to know. The last thing anyone reading a book about anxiety wants to do is feel pressure to complete a reading assignment about anxiety.
The first four parts of Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies are written for the anxiety-ridden to help them understand what anxiety is, what causes it, and what to do about it. The fifth part is a valuable resource for those who want to help friends or relatives suffering from anxiety. In addition to discussing adult sufferers, It offers tips on recognizing anxiety in kids and helping kids conquer anxiety.
Readers will find lots of helpful information on sleep and relaxation techniques, and a variety of ways to deal with stress. While Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies is not the book for those requiring clinical intervention, it does offer support in defeating anxiety disorders.
Bottom Line: Would I buy Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies? Yes. I am a fan of the “For Dummies” series (going all the way back to DOS for Dummies), and if I had a problem with anxiety (or someone close to me did), it would be my first resource.
Article comments
1 - Andre
I too love the "dummies" series and I remember the DOS book well. I thought your review good however having suffered from anxiety attacks myself I'd like to point out that there is a difference between stress and anxiety. Humans function at differing levels of stress and some stress is good, however anxiety or prolonged anxiety has a debilitating effect on one's life and sometimes these come from either side effects of medication or as a result of a learned response to situations. If the latter then books such as the dummy series or other CBT's can provide the relief that one seeks. Thank you for the review anyway.