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Anxious for Answers: The surprising truth about anxiety, and how you can master it for good!
MYTH: Anxiety is a “disorder”– some “dysfunction” within just YOU.
FACT: Anxiety is a complex, largely misunderstood and interconnected phenomenon (i.e., you’re one small part).Anxiety is a serious challenge for many—perhaps you.
But, sadly, the misconceptions about anxiety, i.e., it’s a “sickness” within an individual — only exacerbates a tough ongoing challenge for those who wrestle with it. But, a refreshing new understanding of anxiety offers the possibility of profound and positive changes for those willing to invest the time. "
Anxious for Answers", by psychotherapist “Dr. Ilene” S. Cohen, focuses on chronic anxiety (i.e., when you’re constantly anxious for no obvious reason). Cohen’s years of clinical practice with countless people revealed the importance of putting anxiety in its context. When you see anxiety as a “disorder,” it’s out of context.
It’s something within just you that needs to be fixed. When you see anxiety in context, you realize it’s the result of interconnected forces, of which the individual is only one small part.
The best news?
YOU can actually make real changes in the duration and intensity of your anxiety. "Anxious for Answers" is grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory, which, when internalized, allows people to view their anxiety through a different lens, and in turn, master it.
Cohen’s witnessed firsthand the many possibilities this “radical” approach offers:
• Learn to “self-soothe”— finding the serenity within you.
• Preserve your inner calm in the face of life’s chaos.
• Lead a less anxious, more conscious and more intentional life.
• Build better relationships and make better life decisions.
• Train yourself to stop reacting to old childhood “programming.”
Anxiety may be a fact in your life, but with "Anxious for Answers" as your guide, you’ll learn to better manage it while opening the door to a calmer, richer and more fulfilling life.
FACT: Anxiety is a complex, largely misunderstood and interconnected phenomenon (i.e., you’re one small part).Anxiety is a serious challenge for many—perhaps you.
But, sadly, the misconceptions about anxiety, i.e., it’s a “sickness” within an individual — only exacerbates a tough ongoing challenge for those who wrestle with it. But, a refreshing new understanding of anxiety offers the possibility of profound and positive changes for those willing to invest the time. "
Anxious for Answers", by psychotherapist “Dr. Ilene” S. Cohen, focuses on chronic anxiety (i.e., when you’re constantly anxious for no obvious reason). Cohen’s years of clinical practice with countless people revealed the importance of putting anxiety in its context. When you see anxiety as a “disorder,” it’s out of context.
It’s something within just you that needs to be fixed. When you see anxiety in context, you realize it’s the result of interconnected forces, of which the individual is only one small part.
The best news?
YOU can actually make real changes in the duration and intensity of your anxiety. "Anxious for Answers" is grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory, which, when internalized, allows people to view their anxiety through a different lens, and in turn, master it.
Cohen’s witnessed firsthand the many possibilities this “radical” approach offers:
• Learn to “self-soothe”— finding the serenity within you.
• Preserve your inner calm in the face of life’s chaos.
• Lead a less anxious, more conscious and more intentional life.
• Build better relationships and make better life decisions.
• Train yourself to stop reacting to old childhood “programming.”
Anxiety may be a fact in your life, but with "Anxious for Answers" as your guide, you’ll learn to better manage it while opening the door to a calmer, richer and more fulfilling life.
202 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2020
23 people are currently reading
4250 people want to read
About the author
Ilene S. Cohen
11 books69 followersDr. Ilene S. Cohen, PhD, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and mother of two young girls. She is one of the most respected voices in the psychology of people-pleasing and navigating the difficulty of living an intentional life while trying to maintain fulfilling relationships. She is the author of 5 books, all of which have received awards and 5-star ratings from her readers. These include her most famous book, When It's Never About You, and her latest book, Anxious for Answers.
She's a regular contributor to Psychology Today, with dedicated readers in the millions. Her books and therapy practice are fueled by a passion for helping people achieve their goals, build a strong sense of self, and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. As president of her family's foundation, Dr. Ilene oversees various initiatives geared toward creating better opportunities for those in need.
Link to Indiereader.com book reviews:
https://indiereader.com/2018/01/when-...
https://indiereader.com/book_review/a...
https://indiereader.com/book_review/i...
She's a regular contributor to Psychology Today, with dedicated readers in the millions. Her books and therapy practice are fueled by a passion for helping people achieve their goals, build a strong sense of self, and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. As president of her family's foundation, Dr. Ilene oversees various initiatives geared toward creating better opportunities for those in need.
Link to Indiereader.com book reviews:
https://indiereader.com/2018/01/when-...
https://indiereader.com/book_review/a...
https://indiereader.com/book_review/i...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 10, 2020
These days are scary and unprecedented. A lot of people who might normally live mostly care-free lives are now experiencing their first bouts of real anxiety. Some of us, however, have lived with anxiety for a long, long time. For me, it set in back in 2008 in the form of a panic attack while on a job. Luckily there was a nurse present and was able to determine I was all right physically. But that introduced me to the world of anxiety. I myself have a General Anxiety Disorder diagnosis, and over the years I’ve unfortunately adapted to the increasingly greater levels of anxiety, something this book touches on.
This book is a godsend for people struggling to manage their condition, and can be informative for those who have a loved on that suffers from it. Doctor Ilene Cohen goes into detail on how to identify and manage anxiety symptoms at their core: quieting one’s heart and mind and contending with the things you are anxious about. The advice provided is practical and based on real-world studies and examples, so you can be sure the techniques work (even though, as an anxiety sufferer, we may be worried that they won’t work “for us”).
Anxiety sufferers are often analytical, and this book does a great job of approaching the condition from that point of view, making it instantly relatable. If you suffer from chronic (or even mild) anxiety, this book offers all the tools you need to take your life back.
This book is a godsend for people struggling to manage their condition, and can be informative for those who have a loved on that suffers from it. Doctor Ilene Cohen goes into detail on how to identify and manage anxiety symptoms at their core: quieting one’s heart and mind and contending with the things you are anxious about. The advice provided is practical and based on real-world studies and examples, so you can be sure the techniques work (even though, as an anxiety sufferer, we may be worried that they won’t work “for us”).
Anxiety sufferers are often analytical, and this book does a great job of approaching the condition from that point of view, making it instantly relatable. If you suffer from chronic (or even mild) anxiety, this book offers all the tools you need to take your life back.
July 27, 2020
If you have anxiety, have someone in your life with anxiety, or just more curious about what it's like to suffer from anxiety, this is an amazing read! It's such a thoughtful look at anxiety from a professional and anecdotal perspective, with so much practical and easily appliable advice for anyone suffering through anxiety. As someone with lifelong anxiety, there were plenty of takeaways, and I thought I had read all there was to read on the subject. Not only is this book extremely helpful, but it's an easy, interesting read that didn't feel hokey or preachy like some "self-help" type books do. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to look at anxiety from a different angle.
May 11, 2024
This book assumes too much and offers too little. Lost me at ‘I assume your family is basically decent’
Would have swallowed it a bit better with less assertive assumptions.
Would have swallowed it a bit better with less assertive assumptions.
January 25, 2021
Slow start but strong finish
I was a little skeptical about this book when I picked it up, and I’ll admit that the first two chapters did nothing to quiet my doubts. However a little further into the book and things definitely started looking up. The author provides really great insights into some causes of anxiety you may not have considered before. And by considering where it’s coming from, maybe you can start to reduce your anxiety. I appreciated that this book offered practical exercises for both identifying triggers and dealing with them head on. Would recommend anyone who struggles with anxiety to give this book a read.
I was a little skeptical about this book when I picked it up, and I’ll admit that the first two chapters did nothing to quiet my doubts. However a little further into the book and things definitely started looking up. The author provides really great insights into some causes of anxiety you may not have considered before. And by considering where it’s coming from, maybe you can start to reduce your anxiety. I appreciated that this book offered practical exercises for both identifying triggers and dealing with them head on. Would recommend anyone who struggles with anxiety to give this book a read.
April 29, 2020
Honestly, exactly the read for (plague) times like these. The author, Ilene S. Cohen, Ph.D., shares her real-world experience with anxiety as it personally affects her as well as the clinical knowledge she's amassed as a psychotherapist.
Filled with vulnerability on Cohen's part and practical and accessible activities at the end of each chapter, this book not only affirms but also holds and soothes the anxious mind. A well--rounded approach to the condition, giving people the tools they need to realize their own strength and potential in the face of such a relentless symptom of being alive (anxiety). She covers every aspect, even the things you never thought mattered or were connected--in effect, giving those suffering from anxiety the right to stand up against it and teat it (and subsequently themselves) with compassion rather than stigma and ignorance.
A very important and relatable read for anyone looking to learn more about anxiety, more about themselves and how they can have the fulfilling life they deserve. Practical tips for people of all ages and walks of life.
Filled with vulnerability on Cohen's part and practical and accessible activities at the end of each chapter, this book not only affirms but also holds and soothes the anxious mind. A well--rounded approach to the condition, giving people the tools they need to realize their own strength and potential in the face of such a relentless symptom of being alive (anxiety). She covers every aspect, even the things you never thought mattered or were connected--in effect, giving those suffering from anxiety the right to stand up against it and teat it (and subsequently themselves) with compassion rather than stigma and ignorance.
A very important and relatable read for anyone looking to learn more about anxiety, more about themselves and how they can have the fulfilling life they deserve. Practical tips for people of all ages and walks of life.
May 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Dr Cohen presents a lot of interesting theories about where anxiety originates from, and presents a thought provoking and insightful approach to tacking your anxiety issues and mastering getting in control of them. As someone who has struggled with anxiety for most of my life I found the ideas she presented interesting and really made me think differently about a few of the core issues. As with any therapy approach this book will make you think and dig deeper to the route of what is happening and I would not recommend this for anyone who is not prepared to really tackle the issues. But for those who are willing to put in the work Dr Cohen has done a great job providing smart solutions and insight into what can be a debilitating issue.
August 8, 2020
Overall Rating = 4.75
Storyline & Concept = 4.75
Writing & Delivery = 4.75
Editorial = 4.75
Anxious for Answers by Ilene S. Cohen provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety and how to manage chronic anxiety. Cohen’s narrative is relatable and knowledgeable as it walks the reader step-by-step through ingrained systems of anxious behaviors. She teaches the reader to observe and recognize patterns using the Bowen Family Systems Theory, as well as through her own personal experiences or applicable scenarios that illustrate modern anxieties. She provides simple and well-rounded approaches to the complexity of the subject with an organized flow throughout the book. The summaries and activities provided at the end of each chapter build on the concepts and make them more meaningful and applicable for the reader. Additionally, she provides techniques for managing anxiety naturally through behavioral changes, essential oils, and nutritional recommendations.
Cohen’s authenticity and passion for the subject shine through in her work and makes it stand apart from the typical dry or repetitive self-help books. She provides the tools to understand yourself, to understand the connectivity of the relationships around us, and to be able to make changes and grow with this knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone since it is informative, yet light, easy to read, and relatable in many aspects.
Sublime Line: “A highly informative, unique, and easy-to-read look at anxiety and how to understand and manage it with the proper tools and techniques.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.75
Writing & Delivery = 4.75
Editorial = 4.75
Anxious for Answers by Ilene S. Cohen provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety and how to manage chronic anxiety. Cohen’s narrative is relatable and knowledgeable as it walks the reader step-by-step through ingrained systems of anxious behaviors. She teaches the reader to observe and recognize patterns using the Bowen Family Systems Theory, as well as through her own personal experiences or applicable scenarios that illustrate modern anxieties. She provides simple and well-rounded approaches to the complexity of the subject with an organized flow throughout the book. The summaries and activities provided at the end of each chapter build on the concepts and make them more meaningful and applicable for the reader. Additionally, she provides techniques for managing anxiety naturally through behavioral changes, essential oils, and nutritional recommendations.
Cohen’s authenticity and passion for the subject shine through in her work and makes it stand apart from the typical dry or repetitive self-help books. She provides the tools to understand yourself, to understand the connectivity of the relationships around us, and to be able to make changes and grow with this knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone since it is informative, yet light, easy to read, and relatable in many aspects.
Sublime Line: “A highly informative, unique, and easy-to-read look at anxiety and how to understand and manage it with the proper tools and techniques.”
July 5, 2020
Anxious for Answers is a very fitting and informative book for the troubled times we live in. Psychotherapist Dr. Ilene Cohen offers a new way for readers to rethink anxiety. Rather than viewing anxiety as an illness or disorder, it's presented as something that can be managed once one learns to be well-differentiated, or having the ability to think as an individual, while still remaining connected to others. Using a combination of her personal experiences and clinical examples, Cohen offers tools to help readers develop a greater sense of self-awareness when it comes to their emotions and ultimately how to take back control of their lives. Straightforward and practical, Anxious for Answers is a great read for anxiety sufferers and non anxiety readers alike, who wish to have a deeper understanding of this condition.
June 30, 2020
As a person who suffers from anxiety, I couldn't wait to read this book. And this couldn't have been more timely with the pandemic no less. The author shares her personal experiences along with clinical ones. And at the end of the chapters there are activities, offering a complete approach where you are not only reading but practicing the tools to help manage anxiety. But one of the things I love the most about this book is that it is written in a way that non-anxiety sufferers can understand what it's like to live with anxiety, so it's a great book to share with your family members if you suffer from anxiety. And honestly, these days, its a great book to share for those who just have anxiety because of what is going around. I would also recommend it for high school juniors, seniors, and those who are just entering college as anxiety can be super stressful with acceptance, new ways of learning, etc.
July 5, 2020
Dr. Illene Cohen’s Anxious for Answers is an easy-to-understand guide to understanding and managing anxiety. The psychotherapist’s guide mentions factors that contribute to our chronic anxiety and how we can choose different behaviors to create meaningful change.
I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with anxiety or anyone who wants to better understand anxiety.
I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with anxiety or anyone who wants to better understand anxiety.
June 24, 2020
I'm not currently licensed as a therapist but I trained to be one and I still provide professional counseling support in various milieus. I mention it only to explain that it's this perspective from which I read the book, and not as a person who was seeking to ameliorate her own anxiety.
The short version of my review is: I will be recommending this book to clients with anxiety.
The longer version is that I'm really impressed with the way the author is able to present topics that can often seem heavy or complex in a way that is easily readable and not intimidating. There's a degree of personal responsibility in learning to manage one's anxiety and that idea sometimes turns people off. But I feel the information is presented in such a non-threatening way that people who are good at self-directed growth could make as much progress with this book as they would working with a therapist.
It's solution-focused, with activities at the end of each chapter and discussion about both natural and pharmaceutical interventions, should those prove necessary if behavioral and thought-process changes don't seem to be adequate.
Overall, if you have anxiety and you want to understand it and have a good chance of learning how to break free from its grip on your life, this is an excellent book to read.
The short version of my review is: I will be recommending this book to clients with anxiety.
The longer version is that I'm really impressed with the way the author is able to present topics that can often seem heavy or complex in a way that is easily readable and not intimidating. There's a degree of personal responsibility in learning to manage one's anxiety and that idea sometimes turns people off. But I feel the information is presented in such a non-threatening way that people who are good at self-directed growth could make as much progress with this book as they would working with a therapist.
It's solution-focused, with activities at the end of each chapter and discussion about both natural and pharmaceutical interventions, should those prove necessary if behavioral and thought-process changes don't seem to be adequate.
Overall, if you have anxiety and you want to understand it and have a good chance of learning how to break free from its grip on your life, this is an excellent book to read.
July 13, 2020
The best thing about ANXIOUS FOR ANSWERS is that the author Ilene S. Cohen is a PH.D, psychotherapist and professor, who knows from personal experience how crippling anxiety disorders can be. She does a reassuring job destigmatizing chronic anxiety.
Her study of anxiety is formulated from the Bowen family systems theory, which studies problems by viewing them in the context of the family. Surprisingly, she states that we can even be affected by family trauma that we didn’t personally experience, such as if we had family members in the Holocaust. She’s not a big advocate for anxiety medications though she doesn’t totally reject them either.
There are thoughtful activities provided at the end of each chapter although it would have been clearer if the objectives of each chapter were more obviously stated.
ANXIOUS FOR ANSWERS still fits in successfully near the top of the anxiety books oeuvre in helping readers help themselves.
Her study of anxiety is formulated from the Bowen family systems theory, which studies problems by viewing them in the context of the family. Surprisingly, she states that we can even be affected by family trauma that we didn’t personally experience, such as if we had family members in the Holocaust. She’s not a big advocate for anxiety medications though she doesn’t totally reject them either.
There are thoughtful activities provided at the end of each chapter although it would have been clearer if the objectives of each chapter were more obviously stated.
ANXIOUS FOR ANSWERS still fits in successfully near the top of the anxiety books oeuvre in helping readers help themselves.
June 21, 2020
A straight forward and easy to understand guide to managing anxiety. The advice is practical and offers anyone who suffers from anxiety ways to rethink it and heal. I have to say, the author provides the tools to learn how to handle anxiety that is so prevalent in today's society based on her own life experiences with it, and that is an invaluable gift for readers for those who suffer anxiety or for those who know someone who does. I believe this is a must-read for anyone wrestling with this problem or has family or friends that deal with this on a daily basis. If you (or your loved ones) want to be happy and anxiety free -- then purchase this book. It is chock full of different types of experiences and offers answers to the problem and how to keep it in check. Thank you, Dr. Ilene, for sharing your knowledge and your story.
June 24, 2020
This book comes at a perfect time—what an anxious world we are living in. From acute anxiety (which can be good, and makes us slow down when driving in bad weather) to chronic anxiety—the fear of what “might” happen, this book shines a light on recognizable fears. The anxiety triggers in family units hit close to home. Some behaviors are positive—and make us want to help each other, but others can be destructive, especially if we have different opinions and goals. The epigenetics theory—biologic memory of trauma from ancestors, was also very intriguing. The book’s mission—to help teach us that we can manage our feelings to get closer to the truth, is very positive—as is the idea that we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Definitely passing this book on to my kids!
July 2, 2020
An absolute life-changer...
I was curious about this book even before I started reading it. The blurb made a lot of promises, and, if I'm completely honest, I doubted the book would deliver on all of them.
But I was wrong. Anxious for Answers helps its readers realise, step by step, that they all have the power to change their lives for the better.
The author's conversational and friendly style helps keep the reader engaged, and the reassurance of 'we have all been there, done that' ensures that people shift their focus.
I think this book has the potential of changing many people's lives, regardless of the level of anxiety they are living with right now. I'm certainly going to pass this opportunity on to others who need it, and I guess deep down we all do.
I was curious about this book even before I started reading it. The blurb made a lot of promises, and, if I'm completely honest, I doubted the book would deliver on all of them.
But I was wrong. Anxious for Answers helps its readers realise, step by step, that they all have the power to change their lives for the better.
The author's conversational and friendly style helps keep the reader engaged, and the reassurance of 'we have all been there, done that' ensures that people shift their focus.
I think this book has the potential of changing many people's lives, regardless of the level of anxiety they are living with right now. I'm certainly going to pass this opportunity on to others who need it, and I guess deep down we all do.
May 20, 2020
This book is an informative and practical look at the Bowen Family Systems Theory of managing and treating anxiety. The author does a great job of blending theories and research about anxiety, anecdotal stories, and practical steps readers can take. It's easy to read and well researched, and organized in such a way that readers can either read it straight through or focus on sections that are most pertinent to them.
November 11, 2020
So much more than just another ‘self-help’ book, Dr. Ilene S. Cohen’s ‘Anxious for Answers: The surprising truth about anxiety, and how you can master it for good!’ is an educational, inspirational ‘how-to’ guide that seeks to separate the ‘fact’ from the ‘myth’ when it comes to debilitating chronic anxiety.
Utilizing the Bowen Family Systems Theory as a foundation for her work, Dr. Cohen offers readers a series of realistically applicable solutions to many of the issues sufferers of chronic anxiety deal with on a daily basis. The author relays a variety of invaluable information with a clear yet conversational tone, dispensing tomes of wisdom and insight with a remarkably comforting, non-judgemental tone.
Over the course of the novel’s ten chapters, Dr. Cohen routinely challenges misconceptions and preconceptions alike. Cohen defines ‘anxiety,’ explains its historical role and function in our life, and then frames it within a real-world context, providing not only an education but also a path forward. Additionally, sections are bookended with thought-provoking exercises and candid reflections on the current state of psychiatric medicine, discussing the ‘pros & cons’ of various approaches and medicines.
For anyone struggling with anxiety—given the year we've all had, how could you not?—and looking to break out of that daily routine of anxiety-induced despair, for a fraction of the cost of your typical co-pay, ‘Anxious for Answers’ is a wonderful utility that I could not recommend more.
Utilizing the Bowen Family Systems Theory as a foundation for her work, Dr. Cohen offers readers a series of realistically applicable solutions to many of the issues sufferers of chronic anxiety deal with on a daily basis. The author relays a variety of invaluable information with a clear yet conversational tone, dispensing tomes of wisdom and insight with a remarkably comforting, non-judgemental tone.
Over the course of the novel’s ten chapters, Dr. Cohen routinely challenges misconceptions and preconceptions alike. Cohen defines ‘anxiety,’ explains its historical role and function in our life, and then frames it within a real-world context, providing not only an education but also a path forward. Additionally, sections are bookended with thought-provoking exercises and candid reflections on the current state of psychiatric medicine, discussing the ‘pros & cons’ of various approaches and medicines.
For anyone struggling with anxiety—given the year we've all had, how could you not?—and looking to break out of that daily routine of anxiety-induced despair, for a fraction of the cost of your typical co-pay, ‘Anxious for Answers’ is a wonderful utility that I could not recommend more.
December 1, 2020
Reading Anxious for Answers is an eye-opening and life-changing experience.
I cannot begin to explain the value I found in this book. But I'll try.
Like many self-help books, Dr. Ilene S. Cohen explains how anxiety is a natural function every person faces. People who have issues dealing with their anxiety are not alone. This book taught me to think of anxiety more like a ball we continually pass from one person to another. It's ever-moving and affects everyone near you. And this anxiety sometimes causes us to turn to negative coping mechanisms. Think of alcoholism and addiction, but also blame and even cutting people from our lives.
The more you understand how anxiety moves through you, the more you understand you have power over your anxiety - not the other way around. By creating a more confident, strong sense of self and being true to ourselves, we can manage the anxiety we feel from others and better deal with stressful situations. It all comes down to remaining calm and centered. The book's end is full of actionable tips to build your sense of self and maintain your health. Both options together allow you to figure out how to better deal with anxiety.
If you struggle with anxiety or want to manage your life relationships better, read this book immediately. It's not just for people who are diagnosed with anxiety, though. Everyone should read Anxious for Answers!
I cannot begin to explain the value I found in this book. But I'll try.
Like many self-help books, Dr. Ilene S. Cohen explains how anxiety is a natural function every person faces. People who have issues dealing with their anxiety are not alone. This book taught me to think of anxiety more like a ball we continually pass from one person to another. It's ever-moving and affects everyone near you. And this anxiety sometimes causes us to turn to negative coping mechanisms. Think of alcoholism and addiction, but also blame and even cutting people from our lives.
The more you understand how anxiety moves through you, the more you understand you have power over your anxiety - not the other way around. By creating a more confident, strong sense of self and being true to ourselves, we can manage the anxiety we feel from others and better deal with stressful situations. It all comes down to remaining calm and centered. The book's end is full of actionable tips to build your sense of self and maintain your health. Both options together allow you to figure out how to better deal with anxiety.
If you struggle with anxiety or want to manage your life relationships better, read this book immediately. It's not just for people who are diagnosed with anxiety, though. Everyone should read Anxious for Answers!
December 13, 2020
I admit, I don’t know much about anxiety. I’ve never had panic attacks, so I can’t speak to how helpful Dr. Cohen’s suggestions are if you are further down the road than having average amounts of anxiety.
Dr. Cohen notes that we all have certain amounts of anxiety and interestingly, we kind of inherit it from our families who inherited it from their families and so on back through your family tree. I have to say, I noticed my mom doing some of the very same things my grandma used to do, but I never made the connection to how that may or may not affect me.
I like that she encourages readers to take action to help alleviate your anxiety (determine the cause) instead of just medicating the symptoms. Her natural methods to help you control your anxiety are easy enough that anyone can do them. I shouldn’t say “easy”, because it’s challenging to look within yourself and seriously examine what you find. But the supporting natural methods include things like making healthier food choices. That’s a fairly easy first step, I think, for most of us.
Even if you don’t think you struggle with anxiety, know that it's there. It may not come out in the ways you think and the ideas in this book can still help you be aware, learn and grow.
Dr. Cohen notes that we all have certain amounts of anxiety and interestingly, we kind of inherit it from our families who inherited it from their families and so on back through your family tree. I have to say, I noticed my mom doing some of the very same things my grandma used to do, but I never made the connection to how that may or may not affect me.
I like that she encourages readers to take action to help alleviate your anxiety (determine the cause) instead of just medicating the symptoms. Her natural methods to help you control your anxiety are easy enough that anyone can do them. I shouldn’t say “easy”, because it’s challenging to look within yourself and seriously examine what you find. But the supporting natural methods include things like making healthier food choices. That’s a fairly easy first step, I think, for most of us.
Even if you don’t think you struggle with anxiety, know that it's there. It may not come out in the ways you think and the ideas in this book can still help you be aware, learn and grow.
December 2, 2020
This book is a very useful tool to help individuals overcome chronic anxiety and includes practical exercises at the end of each chapter to really help make a difference. Written in a very accessible and compassionate style, Cohen draws on her own lived experiences suffering from anxiety as well as many examples from her work as a psychotherapist.
She helpfully points out common signs of anxiety and how useful anxiety is as a signal to address issues in good time; the importance of engaging deeply with the root causes of our anxieties. Cohen reminds us that there are no quick fixes and that dealing with anxiety is a journey and the importance of self-awareness, self-reliance and objectivity.
It is full of empowering wisdom that will help those struggling with relationships and those needing to break free from damaging cycles of inherited behaviour. Even those who don’t suffer from chronic anxiety will find some useful tools to improve key relationships and an everyday sense of calm. With 50 million prescriptions of Xanax (or similar) in the US a year, this book offers sensible and effective alternative solutions to taking better care of ourselves.
She helpfully points out common signs of anxiety and how useful anxiety is as a signal to address issues in good time; the importance of engaging deeply with the root causes of our anxieties. Cohen reminds us that there are no quick fixes and that dealing with anxiety is a journey and the importance of self-awareness, self-reliance and objectivity.
It is full of empowering wisdom that will help those struggling with relationships and those needing to break free from damaging cycles of inherited behaviour. Even those who don’t suffer from chronic anxiety will find some useful tools to improve key relationships and an everyday sense of calm. With 50 million prescriptions of Xanax (or similar) in the US a year, this book offers sensible and effective alternative solutions to taking better care of ourselves.
November 19, 2020
Anxious for Answers is an extremely helpful book for those that suffer from anxiety and a helpful guide for those trying to understand other people's behavior. While I didn’t feel I suffer much from anxiety myself, several people around me do, and I found this book a helpful roadmap for understanding the behaviors I see. I also found several things to work on about myself to help reduce the anxiety I didn’t know I have.
This book helped me understand where anxiety comes from and why it affects us. It talks about anxiety in the workplace, the family situation, personal life, and more. It shows you how it can spread from person to person, affecting countless things in your daily activities. It also helped me to learn about triggers I can avoid reducing the anxiety level of those around me, and I enjoyed the activities at the end of each chapter. I found them helpful for understanding more about myself and how anxiety affects me.
It’s a great book I recommend to everyone because reading it can improve your life and the lives of those around you.
This book helped me understand where anxiety comes from and why it affects us. It talks about anxiety in the workplace, the family situation, personal life, and more. It shows you how it can spread from person to person, affecting countless things in your daily activities. It also helped me to learn about triggers I can avoid reducing the anxiety level of those around me, and I enjoyed the activities at the end of each chapter. I found them helpful for understanding more about myself and how anxiety affects me.
It’s a great book I recommend to everyone because reading it can improve your life and the lives of those around you.
November 30, 2020
Insightful
A really good book for understanding anxiety. If you're like me and enjoy looking at the behind the scenes of emotional responses in order to understand them, this is a great pick. Cohen does a great job of showing the building blocks that create anxiety. She also does a really good job of avoiding gendering her reader and promoting connections while acknowledging not everyone has a family they can simply live with.
Almost all actionable advice is in the last few chapters. You sort of develop your understanding until then and then get what you can actually do. If you're reading and are feeling you're being told a lot and not being given anything to do, there's a reason. This is your first lesson in not getting instant gratification.
A really good book for understanding anxiety. If you're like me and enjoy looking at the behind the scenes of emotional responses in order to understand them, this is a great pick. Cohen does a great job of showing the building blocks that create anxiety. She also does a really good job of avoiding gendering her reader and promoting connections while acknowledging not everyone has a family they can simply live with.
Almost all actionable advice is in the last few chapters. You sort of develop your understanding until then and then get what you can actually do. If you're reading and are feeling you're being told a lot and not being given anything to do, there's a reason. This is your first lesson in not getting instant gratification.
November 18, 2020
My first reading of this book has been a little bit rushed, but I am certain I will return to it and reflect on it more fully. It struck me as extremely insightful into self and how our self-uderstanding can help us massively in managing our anxiety. The tone of the book is super, conversational but not patrnozing and very down to earth. There is also a good mix of theory and practical common sense. The use of anectdotes and willingness of the author to put her own issues out there is brave, honest and makes the reader inclined to believe what she is saying. All in all it is excellent. I haven't yet had time to complete any of the suggested activities at the end of each chapter, but I truly do believe that to work through this text properly could be life changing.
Read
December 3, 2020I read this book because I have anxiety, and I'm always interested in learning more about it. There are a lot of books on anxiety and how to deal, but I liked this one because it took a different approach and brought some new information that I didn't know before. I also like that at the end of each chapter, there are assignments to do in order to help the information in each chapter sink in. There was a lot of good information that I enjoyed learning. The only downside is that it can get dry at times with a lot of info being presented, but overall I enjoyed this book because the author made anxiety more presentable and palatable than some of the other books I've read.
December 11, 2020
As someone who only recently discovered that I have anxiety, I was excited to read this book. Seeing a therapist regularly has helped, but I've noticed I've become more anxious now, especially because of the pandemic. This book is filled with research and advice. It not only helps you understand your anxiety, but also helps you manage your anxiety so that it doesn't control your life. There are activities at the end of each chapter that I really liked. I also enjoyed this book because it was written by someone who also suffers from anxiety. I found this book very helpful and feel like it will something I will go back to every now and again for a refresher.
December 3, 2020
A Great and Insightful Read
‘Anxious for Answers’ provides a terrific insight into the reality of anxiety in people’s lives and Cohen dives deep into her own personal relationship with the mental illness. The book is well structured and informative.
If I were forced to voice any complaint I might say there’s a bit of waffle here and there but the overall facts, helpful advice and concise summaries more than make up for it.
If you’re struggling with anxiety at all I couldn’t recommend this book enough.
‘Anxious for Answers’ provides a terrific insight into the reality of anxiety in people’s lives and Cohen dives deep into her own personal relationship with the mental illness. The book is well structured and informative.
If I were forced to voice any complaint I might say there’s a bit of waffle here and there but the overall facts, helpful advice and concise summaries more than make up for it.
If you’re struggling with anxiety at all I couldn’t recommend this book enough.
December 12, 2020
[I received a Kindle copy via Goodreads giveaway!]
Great little helpful guide for those suffering from chronic anxiety - really liked the chapters that gave examples of foods and practices that may help alleviate anxiety as well as a breakdown of good and bad habits when it comes to either alleviating or masking it. The book does a great job of giving examples of behaviors commonly associated with individuals who suffer from anxiety as well as how to help them cope better for caregivers - recommended for both those who are experiencing anxiety as well as those trying to help a loved one.
Great little helpful guide for those suffering from chronic anxiety - really liked the chapters that gave examples of foods and practices that may help alleviate anxiety as well as a breakdown of good and bad habits when it comes to either alleviating or masking it. The book does a great job of giving examples of behaviors commonly associated with individuals who suffer from anxiety as well as how to help them cope better for caregivers - recommended for both those who are experiencing anxiety as well as those trying to help a loved one.
March 4, 2025
Interesting but repetitive
There are some good ideas in this book- but several senarios are repeated throughout the book as examples, and several ideas/key points are repeated too much for a 200 page book. The anti- medicine bias that leaks through was also off-putting. The ideas were clear and the theories explained well, but practical application was missing. Overall, it is an okay place to start for those suffering with anxiety, but it would not be my only source on how to deal with it.
There are some good ideas in this book- but several senarios are repeated throughout the book as examples, and several ideas/key points are repeated too much for a 200 page book. The anti- medicine bias that leaks through was also off-putting. The ideas were clear and the theories explained well, but practical application was missing. Overall, it is an okay place to start for those suffering with anxiety, but it would not be my only source on how to deal with it.
did-not-finish
October 6, 2020DNF 10% Couldn't get into it
I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
December 31, 2020
Generally good, and does offer food for thought for a broad audience, but at times I felt the author's understanding of anxiety a little incomplete.
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