Understanding How Your Brain Makes You Anxious and What You Can Do to Change It

A strategy-filled handbook to understand, manage, and conquer your own stress.

Anxiety disorders-grouped into three main categories: panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety-are among the most common and pervasive mental health complaints. From the subtlest effect of sweaty palms during a work presentation to the more severe symptom of reclusion, anxiety casts a wide net.

Medication, once considered the treatment of choice, is losing favour as more and more sufferers complain of unpleasant side effects and its temporary, quick-fix nature. Now, thanks to a flood of fresh neurobiology research and insights into the anatomy of the anxious brain, effective, practical strategies have emerged allowing us to manage day-to-day anxiety on our own.

Addressing physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms, Margaret Wehrenberg, a leading mental health clinician, draws on basic brain science to highlight the top ten anxiety-defeating tips. Everything from breathing techniques and mindful awareness to cognitive control and self-talk are included-all guaranteed to evict your anxious thoughts.

Author Bio:

Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice and a popular public speaker. She is the author of The Anxious Brain, The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques, and The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Review:

This excellent book brings Dr. Wehrenberg s expert knowledge and clinical wisdom to anxiety sufferers with clarity and compassion. Comprehensive and easy to read, she emphasizes the role the brain plays in anxiety, and more importantly, how one can then use the brain to change the brain. This practical, mind-body focus will be immensely helpful to those who are tormented by anxiety. I recommend it with enthusiasm! –Aureen Wagner, PhD, University of Rochester School of Medicine”