Reclaim Your Brain: How to Calm Your Thoughts, Heal Your Mind, and Bring Your Life Back Under Control

by Joseph A. Annibali, Daniel G. Amen (Foreword)

A prescriptive guide to restoring cognitive calm, based on Amen Clinic Chief Psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Annibali's three decades of treating patients who suffer from overloaded, over-stimulated brains.
 
Dr. Joseph Annibali has treated thousands of people with overloaded, over-stimulated brains. Some people describe their brain as being "in chaos"; others feel that their brain is "on fire." But whether they are ultimately diagnosed with "normal" anxiety, disabling OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, or even substance abuse, the underlying problem is a Too-Busy-Brain, a great irritant that interferes with attention, concentration, focus, mood, and often much more. It may even be a sign of undetected damage to either the brain or the body itself. But through practical strategies, understandable explanations, and prescriptive mind-management techniques, Dr. Annibali will help readers finally reclaim their brains and get back in control of their lives.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Personal Development, Health, Brain

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 29, 2015

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the information, case studies and treatment suggestions provided in this book for well-known mental issues, like depression or anxiety, were interesting, my favorite parts of the book were the chapters devoted to something I haven’t heard about: excess negativity and rewriting the untrue stories your brain tells you.

I’m prone to negativity myself, and the categories of negative thinking described in the book (with examples to show why they’re ridiculous) really hit home. I’m going to mark these passages for later reference, because I think seeing the types of negativity so logically explained on a page in front of me where they’re “real” and hard to argue with will help me reshape my negatively-distorted mindset into a more rational, less negative perspective. The book also details how the brain sometimes makes up painful stories that are incomplete and untrue (like being convinced you were a horrible student in high school, when in reality you actually managed to get all B’s and struggled with school because you had ADHD). The book walks you through dissecting and looking at your stories critically to find the true, and most likely less negative, story.

Overall, this book was easy to read and wide-ranging enough that anyone who picks it up will probably find something relevant. If nothing else, it’s worth the price of the book just for a chance to reflect on how the brain works so you can better understand yourself and others.

[Robert Sutherland · Rating 2 out of 5]

You are probably messed up. It's either because your brain is too active or not active enough. If you did drugs, that was bad. If you use too many electronics, that's bad. You might have OCD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep apnea, or a score of other problems, but it's likely your brain that is at fault. Give yourself a butterfly hug. Take some supplements. See a counselor. Experience cognitive behavior therapy. Meditate. Practice mindfulness. Get some meds. Get a brain scan. Now you should be good to go.

You're welcome.

[Heba El Saeid Mohammed · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved the explanatory background but at the very end it just says how mindfulness can help u overcome anxiety and many other issues

[Madeline Kaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

perfect blend of science, theory, case studies, and recommendations of medication, mindfulness/wellness activities, and supplements

[Jusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I am not mistaken this is my first book with medical research. I just like how the author explains with simple words the diseases and give examples with symptoms. All people and their stories are taken from life. I figured out that there will be different diseases of the brain. Author offers some techniques to control negative thoughts, anxiety, depression and so on. I really enjoyed this book, maybe will come back to it again :)

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книга достаточно интересная, можно почитать для общего развития, как говорится. Но в плане исцеления… ну не знаааю.
Я начала читать книгу после того, как мне поставили диагноз «нервное расстройство». Таблетки выписанные неврологом помогали, но недостаточно. Приёмы из книги с дыханием и «объятьями-бабочкой» не помогали совершенно.
Зато, помог психотерапевт. Интересно было увидеть в книге одно из выписанных мне лекарств. Но без специалиста я не догадалась бы (и не смогла бы без рецепта) приобрести нужные мне таблетки.
Итог: думаю, что прочитать книгу будет не лишним, хотя бы для того, чтобы вовремя пойти к врачу, если в одном из описанных случаев вы узнаёте себя или кого-то из близких. Но не думайте, что книга вас исцелит! И лично я никому не рекомендую самостоятельно назначать себе лекарства.
Будьте здоровы🫶

[Graham Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often read books such as this . However it turned out that the wisdom contained in it was very thought provoking and appears to be backed up with lots of brain science. This book would be very inspirational to those in need of returning to a calm, controlled life.

[Alyssa Dresen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The science part of my brain appreciated how this book describes the anatomy and physiology behind anxiety, depression, etc. I also like how the author gave specific examples of things you can do in the very moment you feel ~unwell~

[Brett Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate my friend Dru for recommending this book to me. The premise is simple. We can reclaim our brains (i.e. Negative effects like ptsd, addiction, depression, anxiety) by managing our minds and achieving balance in our brains. This can be done through a variety of techniques including diet, exercise, drugs, natural supplements, thought experiments , etc. The author talks a lot about balancing the prefrontal cortex activity ( the "Spock" logic) with the lambic system (our emotions) and so he relates all sorts of thighs like ptsd, depression, addiction, etc. due to an over or under active PFC. So it was a fascinating book. A real eye opener. I liked the descriptions of common ailments like ptsd or adhd in terms of PFC activity. I liked his in depth look at nutritional supplements and their impact. I was NOT so excited about his push for drugs and spectral imaging of the brain. I thought there was a complete lack of serious discussion about the side effects of brain changing psych drugs. But I enjoyed the book. It has helped me make sense of me and my brain and my issues. I look forward to using some of the supplements mentioned as well as other techniques to help me be a better me. But I am not going the drug industry route and I am not getting my brain scanned ! But maybe my head examined in other ways. :).

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with case studies of various injuries to the brain as well as diseases such as anxiety, depression, Dr.Annibali walks us through the testing and the recovery possibilities.
He also introduces us to a new problem, the internet with its flood of information is causing to much over stimulus.
Though there is a lot of medical terminology , the final chapters help us with ways to calm and reset our minds. We are also taught to rewrite our negative stories and make them into a positive statement.
Over all the book was well written and very informative.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few interesting and useful parts. But the extent to which he is out of touch with and demonizes technology makes me uneasy and has me concerned what other fields he's behind on in this book. Yes, information overload is a real thing and can definitely lead to anxiety and other issues. I would never argue that. But to claim "digital dementia" because elementary school children aren't using a phone book is ridiculous. So I'm going to be done and move on to something else after reading to about the halfway point.

[Kelsey Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not my favorite, especially after reading such a good book on the same subject. I thought the info was okay for the most part, but there was a few sections where the info seems to contradict information that I've received from my doctor. I also tend to prefer books that offer more practical advice. I have nothing against prescription medications (in fact, I fully support people using them as necessary), but I feel like only a doctor who is aware of an individual's case should suggest which medicines you should take. I was hoping for more practical methods.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect mixture of science and theory. The authors explain the scientific reasoning behind the over active mind and include all of the brain's parts and functions to give you a great, overall understanding. The book covers conditions that are mentally challenging such as depression, anxiety, ruminating thoughts, ADHD and bi polar disorder. Not overly complex, and a great peak into the human mind and what governs our thoughts, logical and emotional reasoning.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first half, then skimmed a lot of it, seeking out helpful information pertaining to my own ailments. Turns out... now I understand why I needed the supplements and weird remedies... I haven't been taking. Doh. I will be now. Thanks for that.

[Shannon Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with very practical and quick tips.

[Yanal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blinks:
1. A healthy brain has a good balance between the prefrontal cortex(PFC) and limbic system. The PFC serves as the control center for things such as organization, impulse control, motivation, and problem solving. The limbic system or primal brain is the emotional center and is divided into four parts: basal ganglia, anterior cingulate, amygdala, and the thalamus.
2. Every brain needs a unique amount of stimulation in order to work well.
3. Brain imbalances can lead to addiction, but motivational interviewing can help.
4. Mindful meditation can calm you down and helps to rebalance your brain.
5. Negativity is rooted in how the human brain is wired and manifests itself in many ways. The brain is divided into two hemispheres: left oversees logic and language, while the right is more responsible for sensory experiences, such as looking at a photograph. Right brain is more negative than the left.
6. Challenge negative assumptions by writing down your thoughts and personal stories.
7. Improve your closest relationships by challenging the roles you and your partner play in them.

[Konstantin Smygin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing book about our brain, behaviour and habits. Some interesting facts I knew from this book:
– Our right hemisphere are more "negative", then left. So, it's means, if in your brain are dominate right hemisphere, you are may be predisposed to the negative feelings and behaviour like anxiety, criticized and victimized.
– More interesting, what the right hemisphere develops earlier then left. It's explain negative and restless view on life in the childhood.
– Some people have a "lazy brain". That means, they need something in external environment to stimulate brain do the work. It's maybe a music, video or small talk with the collegues.
– All we need to develop calm and mindfulness is a meditation.

Recommended this book for all, who interested to know more about our brain and reasons, induced us behave one way or another.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazingly informative, and full of fascinating information. As someone who struggles with OCD, depression, anxiety, motivation, and other issues, I found it fascinating to learn about the physical parts of the brain that relate to my stuckness and overwhelm. It is also really nice to have an established medical professional's opinion on various medications and nutritional supplements, which he compiles neatly at the end of each chapter. I was surprised at how fascinating a list of things in audiobook form managed to be, and I feel like I now have the information I need to consider nutritional supplements without assuming they're solely a marketing ploy or a pseudoscience.

This book goes on my "should be required reading" list. I think my high school students would benefit far more from reading this than the months they spend on Hamlet...

[MituButChi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helps me understand my problems, very informative and easy to understand. It's still written in self-help sytle but the amount of scientfic information makes it resourceful.

Some examples are too extreme and unrelatable. Even though they are interesting to read about, they don't help much with my situation.

There is one thing bothering me, which is the detailed prescription of medications at the end of each chapter. Yeah it's supposed to be a book for self-recovery, but supplements should be the most extreme method you take on your own account, not medications. You must always consult a doctor before taking medications for such serious problems.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ожидания от этой книги оказались немного выше, и немного смущало периодическое восхваление себя автором, хотя его заслуги и несомненны. Но в целом это довольно хороший «гид» по психическим расстройствам и способам самостоятельной борьбы с ними.
Однако хочу отметить, что мне очень неприятно было читать постоянные комментарии и пометки переводчика (Новикова М.В.) и научного редактора (А. Карпухина), от которых почему-то прямо веяло какими-то упрёками и словно даже язвительными подмечаниями ошибок (по их личному мнению) в доводах и мыслях автора. Собственно, в основном за перевод и убрала одну звезду в оценке. (Издательство «Э», 2018).

[Heydi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fantastic. While you can see a lot of the same advice from Dr. Daniel Amen's books, you can also see how direct this author is. He explains what to do and how to do it in clear no nonsense directions. He spends a brief amount on why to do things, just enough to give you the initiative to do it, while Dr. Amen focuses more on why we should do something than how to do it. I'm not suggesting either is better, I have loved the delivery of both, I'm only highlighting the difference between the two writing and explaining styles. I will definitely purchase this book and read it often.

[Taha Aijjou · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an easy read. The writer tries to explain how the brain functions, what are the causes of many psychiatric disorders (ADHD, OCD, PTSD), anxiety, depression ...etc, and what actions it should be taken in order to balance the brain.

Many case studies of the author's patients, his daughter included , and how they have healed, are in every chapter of the book. Also, every chapter ends with an action plan summarizing it.

I recommend this book for folks who merely know anything about psychiatry and how the brain works.

[Michelle Nakagawa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful info, though towards the end, the author began to get into specific problems such as ADHD and lost my interest. I really enjoyed the more general talk about mindfulness and remembering to breathe slowly in times of stress. This is what I mostly took away from this book and can put into practice.

[MaryAnne Stear · Rating 5 out of 5]

While his therapist's voice both helps and hurts the audio experience somewhat (calming at times, repetitive at others), I would wholeheartedly suggest this concrete, rational book for anyone with a busy brain. You won't find new agey self help here, but rather actual science-based strategies for long term mental health.

[Darsh Bakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has a lot of cases in which the author talks about his patients. And he says that most of them were cured by doing some steps or activity he recommended. I did not buy in to that black and white picture. But it sure was good in terms of knowing how complicated our brains are and steps we can take to influence it's plasticity. Found it quite useful.

[Raelle Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the interesting take aways from this book for me personally is how the right side of the brain is more negative than the left side of the brain. I have read similar themes in books about trauma or neuroscience before and the more I read about it the more fascinating I find it. I'm starting to develop a theory I have on the subject and how it has shaped my life personally.

[Valeria Kisenkova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Некоторые факты оказались очень любопытными и познавательными. Так же было интересно почитать про различные компульсии, сдвг и прочее. Большой минус за то, что автор регулярно указывал препараты с различной дозировкой и активное продвижение биодобавок, которые в большинстве своём не имеют научной доказанности.

[Lexie Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on ways you can reclaim your brain. A lot of research went into this book but it didn’t read as a textbook, instead thought out chapters with action items to help summarize the takeaways. Overall I enjoyed reading and have a few tips but a lot of the book spoke to medicine needed which I’m not a huge supporter of.

[Rachel Angelucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must acknowledge that this book took me an unusually long time to complete, which is not typical for me. Nevertheless, there were certainly valuable insights to be gained from it. The narratives shared by his patients were indeed captivating, although I personally did not find the book to be a compelling read.

[Kezia Singgih · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives me insight about myself, my past traumas, the cause i'm behaving the way i am right now.
This book comes with some clinical words and analysis, but it's still understandable. It also explain the common psychology illness, and the psychological approach to deal with them.