No Worries: A Guide to Releasing Anxiety and Worry Using CBT

by Sarah Edelman

From the bestselling author of Change Your Thinking comes No Worries - the clear, compassionate and practical guide to understanding and managing anxiety and worry.
Anxiety and worry rob us of the ability to think clearly, enjoy life and function effectively at home, at work and in social situations. One in five Australians have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and many more have periods of debilitating anxiety.

Using proven strategies from a range of psychological approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and metacognitive therapy (MCT), No Worries explains how worry and anxiety operate, and will equip you with the tools you need to release worry and anxiety. With plenty of real-life examples, exercises and experiments, this book will teach you

identify and release unhelpful thinking and safety behaviours that perpetuate worry recognise and let go of worry thoughts effectively deal with the unpleasant physical sensations that can arise from worry and anxiety learn to manage panic attacks
Take back control of your life with these valuable techniques, and free yourself from debilitating worry and anxiety.

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

256 pages, ebook

Published July 1, 2019

Reviews

[Frazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've struggled with anxiety at various points in my life. I've never had any treatment for it and it's not incapacitating like some people's but I still wouldn't wish it on anyone. My doctor suggested CBT might be a good way to address my anxiety so I sought out this book as a first step (and one that didn't cost $$$$).

I'm someone who hasn't shared my anxiety much, so one of this book's benefits for me was its validation of my own experience of anxiety. Edelman made good use of short case studies in which I could identify with certain thought patterns, metacognitive and parasympathetic traits. I felt more or less seen. The book also helped to situate my anxiety within a spectrum. I'm thankful to be towards the mild end, and feel I can empathise better with those who have it worse.

It's a pretty no nonsense read with enough background and padding to make it readable while also offering immediately actionable strategies.

Edelman does a good job of coming across as non-judgemental. In fact you're left with the feeling that she has firsthand experience with anxiety herself. But as a self-help book, offering ways to improve your mental wellbeing, it does rest upon the premise (though tacit) that your mental health is to a certain extent your own responsibility, is within your control. For me and others whose anxiety isn't severe, this may well be a useful approach. But I also know there are some people who would not be helped by hearing that, or feeling it implied. And to give her credit, Edelman is careful to say that this book should not be used as a substitute for professional therapy and/or medication.

I'd encourage anyone who wants to get on top of their anxiety to dip in! (Don't be put off by the slightly cringe title.)

[Ojaswini Bakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book during the COVID lockdown, which granted me time to work on my mental health. This was one book that needed to be read in parts. It requires reflection and thus, more time.

The book starts by explaining the biology of it all (worry and anxiety) in a manner that is easy to comprehend. It helps you recognize thought patterns and suggests practical, logical ways to address them. There is no sense of any bloated positive talks. Rather, it makes one question each thought and its logical sequence. It teaches you pretty simply how to do exactly that.

This book might not suit someone who is already well versed in CBT. It is actually for someone like me who is just starting out and is trying to get their hand on something pragmatic, rather than general self-affirmation and positive thoughts.

[Meysam Naseri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this book was the best book I read in 2019. It is a book written scientifically but yet in a language easy to understand for everyone.

[Bookreviews4writers · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Worries is one of the clearest and most practical books I’ve read about anxiety. Edelman breaks down the messy world of anxious spirals into simple, doable strategies. What I loved most is how clearly she explains cognitive distortions, those mental glitches like catastrophising, mind-reading, and all-or-nothing thinking that can derail an entire day without you noticing. The book teaches you how to challenge these unhelpful thoughts and replace them with calmer, more realistic ones. Sarah doesn’t promise quick fixes, but gives you real skills that actually help. If you struggle with worry or panic attacks, or just want to understand anxiety better, this is one of the best guides I’ve come across. The breathing and relaxation exercises, gradual exposure strategies all feel doable. No Worries helps you to upgrade your brain from an unreliable narrator to a slightly more sensible editor.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

straight-forward and practical guide - outlining the effects of anxiety and worry, and methods to manage their impact and frequency
didn't seem especially heavy on CBT, more writting out scenarios and evaluating them afterwards, meditation etc
some facts and figures are Australia based, but otherwise seems like universal advice

[Ben Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of helpful stuff in here.

[Jen]

A popular book, but I found it a bit dry. Might revisit sections on occasion, instead of reading in one sitting.

[Victor O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on introducing you to the many facets of anxiety and how to manage them

[Ky Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good exercises and advice

Good exercises to use in trying to manage your own worries and thoughts. Good basis in science. 5/5 recommend. Go for it.