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Why Am I So Anxious? Powerful Tools for Recognizing Anxiety and Restoring Your Peace
A practical guide from respected therapist and popular YouTube star Dr. Tracey Marks that will help readers recognize the common signs and symptoms of anxiety and anxiety-related mood disorders, and then help them develop coping skills using self-guided solutions or help them decide on other treatment options.
Take control of your anxiety and take back your life!
Anxiety seems to be everywhere in today's world. But how do you know if you're experiencing anxiety, or something else? And what can you do to fix it? Renowned therapist and YouTube star Dr. Tracey Marks is known for her friendly, relatable style that helps followers of her YouTube channel recogize what's bothering them and then guides them to practical solutions that will help them manage their mental health issues. In Why Am I So Anxious?, Dr. Marks' will help you understand many of the most common sources of anxiety, help you identify what type of anxiety you may be experiencing, and give you helpful insight on how you can self-manage your anxiety before deciding if additional treatment options are the best choice. You don't need to let anxiety control your life!
Here's what you'll find inside:
- Detailed explanations for many of the most common anxiety disorders people struggle with in today's times, all written in Dr. Marks' soothing and relatable style
- Tips for managing mild to moderate anxiety, with recommendations that go beyond just therapy and medication and help eader decide what treatment option is best for them
- Helpful guidance for recognizing and preventing situations where anxiety may be triggered
- Simple exercises that will help readers recognize their symptoms and triggers, so they can better manage their anxiety
Take control of your anxiety and take back your life!
Anxiety seems to be everywhere in today's world. But how do you know if you're experiencing anxiety, or something else? And what can you do to fix it? Renowned therapist and YouTube star Dr. Tracey Marks is known for her friendly, relatable style that helps followers of her YouTube channel recogize what's bothering them and then guides them to practical solutions that will help them manage their mental health issues. In Why Am I So Anxious?, Dr. Marks' will help you understand many of the most common sources of anxiety, help you identify what type of anxiety you may be experiencing, and give you helpful insight on how you can self-manage your anxiety before deciding if additional treatment options are the best choice. You don't need to let anxiety control your life!
Here's what you'll find inside:
- Detailed explanations for many of the most common anxiety disorders people struggle with in today's times, all written in Dr. Marks' soothing and relatable style
- Tips for managing mild to moderate anxiety, with recommendations that go beyond just therapy and medication and help eader decide what treatment option is best for them
- Helpful guidance for recognizing and preventing situations where anxiety may be triggered
- Simple exercises that will help readers recognize their symptoms and triggers, so they can better manage their anxiety
336 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
243 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 20, 2022
**Many thanks to BookishFirst, DK, and Dr. Tracey Marks for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 8.16!**
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."-William James
This quick nonfiction read from Dr. Tracey Marks manages to balance science and psychological background AND a toolkit of tips and tricks to help manage anxiety...all in one sitting!
The book itself is split into two parts: the first part dives into the origins and biology of anxiety and more importantly, gives a brief primer on many associated syndromes. Everything from agoraphobia to social anxiety to PTSD is covered here, and whether you are a student of psychology or not, I'd be surprised if you didn't learn something! The OCD section is particularly enlightening, as OCD is often represented in movies and TV as behaviors like chewing food a certain number of times or being a germaphobe, for example, rather than a wide range of behaviors, which include hoarding and trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder). I was very surprised to see how many of these behaviors I recognized in those I know, and those I know to be anxious and how all of this intertwines. Luckily, Marks never gets TOO wordy or scientific, so you don't have to be an aspiring therapist or social worker to keep up!
Part two is probably what is the greater draw of this book: the tools to help you actually COMBAT anxiety. Marks helpfully divides this section a bit further, just so you can pinpoint methods of interest. The first chapter deals with 'alternative' treatments, including acupuncture, hypnotism and the like, but after this she moves into a specific discussion of medications. I thought this was particularly interesting, since she doesn't shy away from discussing side effects, and how severe certain symptoms of anxiety should be (with fairly concrete examples) before considering medication as treatment. Of course, this all precedes specific conversations between you and your care provider, but it's nice to know the ins and outs to help inform those conversations, if it's something you are considering.
The next two treatment sections discuss dealing with the mind tools (meditation, journaling, etc.) body tools (activating the vagus nerve, yoga, and breathing techniques to name a few) and behavioral techniques, such as laughter and graded exposure. Have you heard of some of these techniques and maybe even had experience with them? Probably, especially if you've ever been in counseling or read other similar self-help books, listened to audiobooks or lectures, or watched videos exploring these topics.
So how does this book differ from what is already out there?
Marks' special sauce (so to speak) are some of the specific suggestions she gives that I haven't necessarily seen in other places. For example, she delves into aromatherapy (which isn't always discussed but is CERTAINLY helpful!) and even gives recipes for essential oil blends that you can make at home. Her discussion of resonant breathing was also fascinating and taught me SO much! Will you use every technique you read about? I'm pretty sure you will not (and hopefully would not need to!) but having ALL of these different options, the background, and the pros and cons gives you so many options to choose from and a starting point when the world seems so overwhelming with advice already. There are also some helpful appendices in the back to reference as a 'quick guide' when using different techniques and also spots to keep track of your progress, although I would recommend a notebook for more space to document your journey.
This book is like taking a crash course in anxiety without the 'textbook' feel and for those who might not have access to a therapist, is a fabulous place to start: truly the perfect blend of science and self-help!
4 stars
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."-William James
This quick nonfiction read from Dr. Tracey Marks manages to balance science and psychological background AND a toolkit of tips and tricks to help manage anxiety...all in one sitting!
The book itself is split into two parts: the first part dives into the origins and biology of anxiety and more importantly, gives a brief primer on many associated syndromes. Everything from agoraphobia to social anxiety to PTSD is covered here, and whether you are a student of psychology or not, I'd be surprised if you didn't learn something! The OCD section is particularly enlightening, as OCD is often represented in movies and TV as behaviors like chewing food a certain number of times or being a germaphobe, for example, rather than a wide range of behaviors, which include hoarding and trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder). I was very surprised to see how many of these behaviors I recognized in those I know, and those I know to be anxious and how all of this intertwines. Luckily, Marks never gets TOO wordy or scientific, so you don't have to be an aspiring therapist or social worker to keep up!
Part two is probably what is the greater draw of this book: the tools to help you actually COMBAT anxiety. Marks helpfully divides this section a bit further, just so you can pinpoint methods of interest. The first chapter deals with 'alternative' treatments, including acupuncture, hypnotism and the like, but after this she moves into a specific discussion of medications. I thought this was particularly interesting, since she doesn't shy away from discussing side effects, and how severe certain symptoms of anxiety should be (with fairly concrete examples) before considering medication as treatment. Of course, this all precedes specific conversations between you and your care provider, but it's nice to know the ins and outs to help inform those conversations, if it's something you are considering.
The next two treatment sections discuss dealing with the mind tools (meditation, journaling, etc.) body tools (activating the vagus nerve, yoga, and breathing techniques to name a few) and behavioral techniques, such as laughter and graded exposure. Have you heard of some of these techniques and maybe even had experience with them? Probably, especially if you've ever been in counseling or read other similar self-help books, listened to audiobooks or lectures, or watched videos exploring these topics.
So how does this book differ from what is already out there?
Marks' special sauce (so to speak) are some of the specific suggestions she gives that I haven't necessarily seen in other places. For example, she delves into aromatherapy (which isn't always discussed but is CERTAINLY helpful!) and even gives recipes for essential oil blends that you can make at home. Her discussion of resonant breathing was also fascinating and taught me SO much! Will you use every technique you read about? I'm pretty sure you will not (and hopefully would not need to!) but having ALL of these different options, the background, and the pros and cons gives you so many options to choose from and a starting point when the world seems so overwhelming with advice already. There are also some helpful appendices in the back to reference as a 'quick guide' when using different techniques and also spots to keep track of your progress, although I would recommend a notebook for more space to document your journey.
This book is like taking a crash course in anxiety without the 'textbook' feel and for those who might not have access to a therapist, is a fabulous place to start: truly the perfect blend of science and self-help!
4 stars
August 8, 2022
"Sometimes, anxiety is like the sea: it ebbs and flows, but it's always there."
This book was powerful, it gave me the knowledge of anxiety. Anxiety, the word gives me goosebumps. So many people have it and don't know it.
While reading i recognized my family members and myself somewhere on the pages. It's safe to say that my mother is a hoarder. I learned lots of things through this book.
Me, I'm claustrophobic. I've always felt a fear in an elevator of my space getting smaller or walls closing in. My skin itches when I'm in small places, i cant breathe. I remember once in my childhood, my brother rolled me up in a blanket tightly with just a small opening for my face. I screamed, thrashed. It felt like I was dying. I hated that feeling, of no space and being stuck. It's claustrophobia (enclosed spaces).
I found interesting Mitigating Death Anxiety, Freud's Five Stages of Development.
I appreciate all of the Mind Tools, ideas to help us, everyone with anxiety. Grounding, Journaling, Aromatherapy, Meditation, Yoga, Breathing.
This book was enlightening and I'm happy that Dr.Tracey Marks took the time to write this.
This book was powerful, it gave me the knowledge of anxiety. Anxiety, the word gives me goosebumps. So many people have it and don't know it.
While reading i recognized my family members and myself somewhere on the pages. It's safe to say that my mother is a hoarder. I learned lots of things through this book.
Me, I'm claustrophobic. I've always felt a fear in an elevator of my space getting smaller or walls closing in. My skin itches when I'm in small places, i cant breathe. I remember once in my childhood, my brother rolled me up in a blanket tightly with just a small opening for my face. I screamed, thrashed. It felt like I was dying. I hated that feeling, of no space and being stuck. It's claustrophobia (enclosed spaces).
I found interesting Mitigating Death Anxiety, Freud's Five Stages of Development.
I appreciate all of the Mind Tools, ideas to help us, everyone with anxiety. Grounding, Journaling, Aromatherapy, Meditation, Yoga, Breathing.
This book was enlightening and I'm happy that Dr.Tracey Marks took the time to write this.
August 18, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5. More informational than self-help. A great jumping off point to increase your overall knowledge of anxiety.
Many thanks to DK Alpha and @netgalley for the complimentary advance review copy. All thoughts are my own.
While I don’t have any officially diagnosed conditions, I consider myself to be an anxious person. So when I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to learn more about anxiety and to hopefully gain some new tools.
This is a helpful resource. Marks writing is clear and straightforward. Everything was easy to understand, and nothing felt scholarly or dry. In the first half, Marks defines anxiety and the different types of anxiety disorders. In the second half, Marks discusses treatment options and coping skills including medication, aromatherapy, meditation, and grounding exercises. I found the information to be well-researched and trustworthy.
Reading about the many different anxiety disorders (obsessive compulsive disorder, hoarding, PTSD, various phobias, etc.) made me realize that my anxiety is (thankfully) relatively mild on the spectrum. Consequently, I found the bulk of this discussion to be inapplicable to me, personally. The solutions Marks offers are nothing new, but she does provide a comprehensive list. She seems to be a particular proponent of aromatherapy, and includes recipes to make at home if you are so inclined.
Even thought I didn’t learn anything groundbreaking, I still got a lot out of this book. My two biggest takeaways: First, no matter how relatively mild my predisposition towards anxiety is, it really isn’t good for my health, and I need to prioritize finding out what works for me. Second, I was reminded that anxiety affects a large portion of the population to varying degrees, and that we need to remember to always be kind because you never know what another person is dealing with. One kind gesture can make all the difference.
Many thanks to DK Alpha and @netgalley for the complimentary advance review copy. All thoughts are my own.
While I don’t have any officially diagnosed conditions, I consider myself to be an anxious person. So when I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to learn more about anxiety and to hopefully gain some new tools.
This is a helpful resource. Marks writing is clear and straightforward. Everything was easy to understand, and nothing felt scholarly or dry. In the first half, Marks defines anxiety and the different types of anxiety disorders. In the second half, Marks discusses treatment options and coping skills including medication, aromatherapy, meditation, and grounding exercises. I found the information to be well-researched and trustworthy.
Reading about the many different anxiety disorders (obsessive compulsive disorder, hoarding, PTSD, various phobias, etc.) made me realize that my anxiety is (thankfully) relatively mild on the spectrum. Consequently, I found the bulk of this discussion to be inapplicable to me, personally. The solutions Marks offers are nothing new, but she does provide a comprehensive list. She seems to be a particular proponent of aromatherapy, and includes recipes to make at home if you are so inclined.
Even thought I didn’t learn anything groundbreaking, I still got a lot out of this book. My two biggest takeaways: First, no matter how relatively mild my predisposition towards anxiety is, it really isn’t good for my health, and I need to prioritize finding out what works for me. Second, I was reminded that anxiety affects a large portion of the population to varying degrees, and that we need to remember to always be kind because you never know what another person is dealing with. One kind gesture can make all the difference.
October 7, 2024
HIGHLY recommend if you are curious about the brain and anxiety. How the neurological pathways can be transformed and altered. To see that what you are feeling is normal in regards to anxiety and how to help get out of that cycle with medication and rethinking. Everything she discussed is very practical and broken down into steps. At times it is info dumpy BUT it done in a way that I don’t feel like I’m reading a textbook. I was able to understand things better and just appreciated her approach. She is a psychiatrist so this book is written how she would tell a client to do these things in some way.
June 26, 2025
5⭐️
Truthfully, there was nothing in this book that I didn’t already learn through my college degree, but I still found the author’s explanations and examples to be simple enough and easily applicable.
This is a book for someone who wants to learn more about themselves and their anxious tendencies. While you cannot self diagnose (for obvious reasons) I think this book is beneficial in opening your mind to a wider assortment of anxiety disorders that your doctor may not have tested for.
The first half of the book focused on explaining the many different types of anxiety-related disorders and providing detailed examples of how each one might affect someone in their everyday life. It also dove into the different personality predispositions for anxiety, which allowed for a great expanse of knowledge as well as a moment of self reflection and evaluation.
The second half focuses on explaining all the different kinds of treatment, from medications to home remedies to bodily and behavioral practices.
The best part about this book, however, is that the last 100 pages or so combines and summarizes everything into easy to read tables and bullet lists, allowing for easy reference in the future. It also includes some sample and practice worksheets, an emotion chart, and some recipes for aroma therapies.
Truthfully, there was nothing in this book that I didn’t already learn through my college degree, but I still found the author’s explanations and examples to be simple enough and easily applicable.
This is a book for someone who wants to learn more about themselves and their anxious tendencies. While you cannot self diagnose (for obvious reasons) I think this book is beneficial in opening your mind to a wider assortment of anxiety disorders that your doctor may not have tested for.
The first half of the book focused on explaining the many different types of anxiety-related disorders and providing detailed examples of how each one might affect someone in their everyday life. It also dove into the different personality predispositions for anxiety, which allowed for a great expanse of knowledge as well as a moment of self reflection and evaluation.
The second half focuses on explaining all the different kinds of treatment, from medications to home remedies to bodily and behavioral practices.
The best part about this book, however, is that the last 100 pages or so combines and summarizes everything into easy to read tables and bullet lists, allowing for easy reference in the future. It also includes some sample and practice worksheets, an emotion chart, and some recipes for aroma therapies.
January 31, 2025
An absolute bounty of information. I especially like that Dr. Marks provides just the right amount of explanation of concepts in order to understand.
The goal of this book is not for the reader to become an expert in anxiety, but rather to learn a full scope of what anxiety is, where it comes from, and the wide variety of possibilities in managing anxiety.
The goal of this book is not for the reader to become an expert in anxiety, but rather to learn a full scope of what anxiety is, where it comes from, and the wide variety of possibilities in managing anxiety.
August 17, 2022
Thank you BookishFirst, DK Penguin Random House, and Dr. Tracey Marks for my winning copy of Why Am I So Anxious?
I'm really blown away by this book. It provides so much information that I have yet to come across in my own journey with generalized anxiety disorder. I grew up being an anxious child, but after weaning off medication I had been prescribed for depression, I had my very first panic attack. I thought I was a goner. I spent most of 2020-2021 exploring what caused that panic attack, what was causing my constant fear and why my anxiety was so bad. I went back to therapy and then went back on the medication I was taking. I'm so elated that I won this book! It was a sign that I needed to read this!
I really enjoyed Dr. Tracey Marks's "Understanding the Different Aspects of Anxiety." One thing in particular that caught my attention was "The Role of the Default-Mode Network." "The DMN works like this: When you are not actively thinking about something, your brain's default state is to think about things from the past and present. It's like having a video running in the background that doesn't get your attention but fills your mental space." Reading this was like an "ah-ha!" moment for me. This is definitely something my brain does constantly!
I also really enjoyed Chapter 6 "Complementary and Alternative Treatments." I've read so much information on different supplements that can possibly help anxiety. It was great that Dr. Marks provided such detailed information on supplements and then her actual thoughts on those supplements.
Lastly, I really, really appreciated "Which Tools Help What." Dr. Marks made a chart of problems/situations and what tools she suggest would help in those instances.
I'm so happy I found this book! This book read like a labor of love. Through Dr. Marks's writing style and all the research, you can tell that a lot of time and energy went into writing this book. This book is unlike any other book I've read on Anxiety. I highly, highly recommend reading this if you have anxiety and/or panic attacks.
Thank you BookishFirst, DK Penguin Random House, and Dr. Tracey Marks for my winning copy of Why Am I So Anxious?
I'm really blown away by this book. It provides so much information that I have yet to come across in my own journey with generalized anxiety disorder. I grew up being an anxious child, but after weaning off medication I had been prescribed for depression, I had my very first panic attack. I thought I was a goner. I spent most of 2020-2021 exploring what caused that panic attack, what was causing my constant fear and why my anxiety was so bad. I went back to therapy and then went back on the medication I was taking. I'm so elated that I won this book! It was a sign that I needed to read this!
I really enjoyed Dr. Tracey Marks's "Understanding the Different Aspects of Anxiety." One thing in particular that caught my attention was "The Role of the Default-Mode Network." "The DMN works like this: When you are not actively thinking about something, your brain's default state is to think about things from the past and present. It's like having a video running in the background that doesn't get your attention but fills your mental space." Reading this was like an "ah-ha!" moment for me. This is definitely something my brain does constantly!
I also really enjoyed Chapter 6 "Complementary and Alternative Treatments." I've read so much information on different supplements that can possibly help anxiety. It was great that Dr. Marks provided such detailed information on supplements and then her actual thoughts on those supplements.
Lastly, I really, really appreciated "Which Tools Help What." Dr. Marks made a chart of problems/situations and what tools she suggest would help in those instances.
I'm so happy I found this book! This book read like a labor of love. Through Dr. Marks's writing style and all the research, you can tell that a lot of time and energy went into writing this book. This book is unlike any other book I've read on Anxiety. I highly, highly recommend reading this if you have anxiety and/or panic attacks.
I'm really blown away by this book. It provides so much information that I have yet to come across in my own journey with generalized anxiety disorder. I grew up being an anxious child, but after weaning off medication I had been prescribed for depression, I had my very first panic attack. I thought I was a goner. I spent most of 2020-2021 exploring what caused that panic attack, what was causing my constant fear and why my anxiety was so bad. I went back to therapy and then went back on the medication I was taking. I'm so elated that I won this book! It was a sign that I needed to read this!
I really enjoyed Dr. Tracey Marks's "Understanding the Different Aspects of Anxiety." One thing in particular that caught my attention was "The Role of the Default-Mode Network." "The DMN works like this: When you are not actively thinking about something, your brain's default state is to think about things from the past and present. It's like having a video running in the background that doesn't get your attention but fills your mental space." Reading this was like an "ah-ha!" moment for me. This is definitely something my brain does constantly!
I also really enjoyed Chapter 6 "Complementary and Alternative Treatments." I've read so much information on different supplements that can possibly help anxiety. It was great that Dr. Marks provided such detailed information on supplements and then her actual thoughts on those supplements.
Lastly, I really, really appreciated "Which Tools Help What." Dr. Marks made a chart of problems/situations and what tools she suggest would help in those instances.
I'm so happy I found this book! This book read like a labor of love. Through Dr. Marks's writing style and all the research, you can tell that a lot of time and energy went into writing this book. This book is unlike any other book I've read on Anxiety. I highly, highly recommend reading this if you have anxiety and/or panic attacks.
Thank you BookishFirst, DK Penguin Random House, and Dr. Tracey Marks for my winning copy of Why Am I So Anxious?
I'm really blown away by this book. It provides so much information that I have yet to come across in my own journey with generalized anxiety disorder. I grew up being an anxious child, but after weaning off medication I had been prescribed for depression, I had my very first panic attack. I thought I was a goner. I spent most of 2020-2021 exploring what caused that panic attack, what was causing my constant fear and why my anxiety was so bad. I went back to therapy and then went back on the medication I was taking. I'm so elated that I won this book! It was a sign that I needed to read this!
I really enjoyed Dr. Tracey Marks's "Understanding the Different Aspects of Anxiety." One thing in particular that caught my attention was "The Role of the Default-Mode Network." "The DMN works like this: When you are not actively thinking about something, your brain's default state is to think about things from the past and present. It's like having a video running in the background that doesn't get your attention but fills your mental space." Reading this was like an "ah-ha!" moment for me. This is definitely something my brain does constantly!
I also really enjoyed Chapter 6 "Complementary and Alternative Treatments." I've read so much information on different supplements that can possibly help anxiety. It was great that Dr. Marks provided such detailed information on supplements and then her actual thoughts on those supplements.
Lastly, I really, really appreciated "Which Tools Help What." Dr. Marks made a chart of problems/situations and what tools she suggest would help in those instances.
I'm so happy I found this book! This book read like a labor of love. Through Dr. Marks's writing style and all the research, you can tell that a lot of time and energy went into writing this book. This book is unlike any other book I've read on Anxiety. I highly, highly recommend reading this if you have anxiety and/or panic attacks.
May 27, 2024
5 It is not a good idea to engage in strenuous activity soon after eating; it diverts resources away from your digestive tract.
7 An uncontrolled amygdala and and overactive DMN are two of the biological bases of anxiety… The good news is that your can change your wiring no matter what created it.
35 With GAD and pathological worry, you feel on edge about nothing in particular. You can have nonspecific, free-floating anxiety. With GAD, you have excessive, uncontrollable, and often irrational worry about everyday things. You may not be able to stop thinking about potential problems. For example, when someone you love is late getting home, you’ll worry that they were in an accident and cannot feel settled until you know their whereabouts. You may also try to stop others from doing things you fear will have a bad outcome.
37 For a diagnosis of GAD, you must have at least 6 months’ worth of constant and excessive worry about two or more areas of your life… The median age of onset is 30 years old.
41 I churned that experience over in my head for a while and concluded that I'd had a panic attack. It was hard for me to come to this conclusion because I hadn’t been anxious, and everything I experienced was physical (except for the derealization experience of the room swaying)... I was having a great time, laughing with my friends, happy to be out in public again. So in some ways, untriggered panic hardly feels like panic. Panic implies angst and distress, but I was hardly in any distress. This mismatch of experience and emotion is why many people with panic disorder will believe they have a physical problem, sometimes for years, before seeking help for an anxiety disorder… The term “panic” is sometimes misleading, because it implies that you are aware of your fear. But in this context of panic attacks, it’s your sympathetic system that panics. Your amygdala responds to a threat that doesn’t exist and triggers a false alarm. My panic attack didn’t feel triggered by anxiety; my high-salt meal and strong margarita probably triggered it. Salty food and preservatives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) can increase lactic acid levels in your cells. Alcohol also increases lactic acid. The acidic environment activates a fear response from your amygdala.
63 Referential thinking assumes that all external clues point to you.
137 Magnesium works by blocking NMDA, which blocks glutamate activity… Blocking the NMDA receptors in the amygdala and the rest of your limbic system decreases your fear response and avoidance behavior, which reduces your anxiety.
138 Even if you consume enough magnesium, stress and anxiety increase cortisol, and cortisol depletes your body's magnesium supply. Roasted pumpkin seeds have the highest magnesium concentration, delivering 156mg per ounce. If you take supplements, the recommended amount is 200mg to a maximum of 350mg. Magnesium has a sedative effect, which you can exploit by taking it at bedtime. Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of other things you're taking, such as zinc, some antibiotics, and medications used to treat osteoporosis. If you take any of these medications, you should space your magnesium and other medication 6 hours apart from one another.
141 My Take on Silexan: I think Silexan is the best natural approach for treating general anxiety, given the strength of the research trials. It can either complement traditional medicine or act as a standalone alternative. I haven’t seen any warnings about combining it with other medications.
150 Some essential oils:
- Lavender
- Sandalwood
- Neroli
- Vetiver
- Roman chamomile
- Spikenard
- Patchouli
- Frankincense
- Valerian
- Ylang-Ylang
- Bergamot
7 An uncontrolled amygdala and and overactive DMN are two of the biological bases of anxiety… The good news is that your can change your wiring no matter what created it.
35 With GAD and pathological worry, you feel on edge about nothing in particular. You can have nonspecific, free-floating anxiety. With GAD, you have excessive, uncontrollable, and often irrational worry about everyday things. You may not be able to stop thinking about potential problems. For example, when someone you love is late getting home, you’ll worry that they were in an accident and cannot feel settled until you know their whereabouts. You may also try to stop others from doing things you fear will have a bad outcome.
37 For a diagnosis of GAD, you must have at least 6 months’ worth of constant and excessive worry about two or more areas of your life… The median age of onset is 30 years old.
41 I churned that experience over in my head for a while and concluded that I'd had a panic attack. It was hard for me to come to this conclusion because I hadn’t been anxious, and everything I experienced was physical (except for the derealization experience of the room swaying)... I was having a great time, laughing with my friends, happy to be out in public again. So in some ways, untriggered panic hardly feels like panic. Panic implies angst and distress, but I was hardly in any distress. This mismatch of experience and emotion is why many people with panic disorder will believe they have a physical problem, sometimes for years, before seeking help for an anxiety disorder… The term “panic” is sometimes misleading, because it implies that you are aware of your fear. But in this context of panic attacks, it’s your sympathetic system that panics. Your amygdala responds to a threat that doesn’t exist and triggers a false alarm. My panic attack didn’t feel triggered by anxiety; my high-salt meal and strong margarita probably triggered it. Salty food and preservatives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) can increase lactic acid levels in your cells. Alcohol also increases lactic acid. The acidic environment activates a fear response from your amygdala.
63 Referential thinking assumes that all external clues point to you.
137 Magnesium works by blocking NMDA, which blocks glutamate activity… Blocking the NMDA receptors in the amygdala and the rest of your limbic system decreases your fear response and avoidance behavior, which reduces your anxiety.
138 Even if you consume enough magnesium, stress and anxiety increase cortisol, and cortisol depletes your body's magnesium supply. Roasted pumpkin seeds have the highest magnesium concentration, delivering 156mg per ounce. If you take supplements, the recommended amount is 200mg to a maximum of 350mg. Magnesium has a sedative effect, which you can exploit by taking it at bedtime. Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of other things you're taking, such as zinc, some antibiotics, and medications used to treat osteoporosis. If you take any of these medications, you should space your magnesium and other medication 6 hours apart from one another.
141 My Take on Silexan: I think Silexan is the best natural approach for treating general anxiety, given the strength of the research trials. It can either complement traditional medicine or act as a standalone alternative. I haven’t seen any warnings about combining it with other medications.
150 Some essential oils:
- Lavender
- Sandalwood
- Neroli
- Vetiver
- Roman chamomile
- Spikenard
- Patchouli
- Frankincense
- Valerian
- Ylang-Ylang
- Bergamot
May 24, 2024
Have you ever felt like your worries just won't go away? That's how I felt before I found "Why Do I Feel So Anxious?" This book helped me understand why I feel so anxious all the time, and it gave me ways to feel better.
The author of this book knows a lot about anxiety. They explained everything in a way that was easy for me to understand. They didn't use big words or complicated ideas. Instead, they talked to me like a friend, which made me feel less alone.
One thing I learned from this book is that it's okay to feel anxious sometimes. Sometimes our bodies get worried about things, even if there's nothing to be scared of. But the good news is, there are things we can do to help ourselves feel better.
For example, the book taught me about deep breathing. When I feel anxious, I can take slow breaths in and out to calm down. It might sound simple, but it really works! The book also taught me about other ways to cope with anxiety, like talking to a friend or doing something fun to take my mind off my worries.
I also liked that the book talked about how anxiety can affect different people in different ways. For example, some people might feel anxious because they're shy or because they've had a bad experience in the past. Knowing this made me feel like I wasn't the only one struggling with anxiety.
There were a few parts of the book that I didn't understand at first. Sometimes the author used words that were too fancy for me. But most of the time, they explained things really well, so I didn't get too lost.
One thing I wish the book talked more about is how anxiety can affect kids and teenagers. I'm still young, and sometimes it's hard to know if what I'm feeling is normal. But overall, I still found the book really helpful.
In conclusion, "Why Do I Feel So Anxious?" is a great book for anyone who wants to understand their anxiety better. It helped me realize that I'm not alone in feeling worried, and it gave me practical tips for feeling better. If you're struggling with anxiety, I'd definitely recommend giving this book a try. It might just change your life, like it did mine.
The author of this book knows a lot about anxiety. They explained everything in a way that was easy for me to understand. They didn't use big words or complicated ideas. Instead, they talked to me like a friend, which made me feel less alone.
One thing I learned from this book is that it's okay to feel anxious sometimes. Sometimes our bodies get worried about things, even if there's nothing to be scared of. But the good news is, there are things we can do to help ourselves feel better.
For example, the book taught me about deep breathing. When I feel anxious, I can take slow breaths in and out to calm down. It might sound simple, but it really works! The book also taught me about other ways to cope with anxiety, like talking to a friend or doing something fun to take my mind off my worries.
I also liked that the book talked about how anxiety can affect different people in different ways. For example, some people might feel anxious because they're shy or because they've had a bad experience in the past. Knowing this made me feel like I wasn't the only one struggling with anxiety.
There were a few parts of the book that I didn't understand at first. Sometimes the author used words that were too fancy for me. But most of the time, they explained things really well, so I didn't get too lost.
One thing I wish the book talked more about is how anxiety can affect kids and teenagers. I'm still young, and sometimes it's hard to know if what I'm feeling is normal. But overall, I still found the book really helpful.
In conclusion, "Why Do I Feel So Anxious?" is a great book for anyone who wants to understand their anxiety better. It helped me realize that I'm not alone in feeling worried, and it gave me practical tips for feeling better. If you're struggling with anxiety, I'd definitely recommend giving this book a try. It might just change your life, like it did mine.
September 12, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, this has to be the most comprehensive books on Anxiety I’ve ever read. Dr Tracy Marks explains all of the different types of Anxiety disorders and she has a real ability to explain very complex neuroscience, psychiatry, in such a way that I actually could get and considering I have no medical degree for me I loved this.
Dr Tracy Marks, shares so many stories in her book, along with her own personal stories too, which I felt helped for me to relate to her more and on a really personal and deep meaningful level, by doing so I felt that she definitely helped to normalise anxiety giving me even more confidence to share with others how I truly feel.
I loved how she also shared insights into complimentary lifestyle practices like essential oils and what the research was on this and also her take on a number of complimentary products or therapy. I felt by including that as well as the psychiatric medicine it was a really interesting blend.
There are so many practical tips in this book and I honestly feel that the author went above and beyond.
I really felt that Dr Tracy Marks was so genuinely passionate about educating her readers and in my opinion she excelled in this area.
To Note - disclaimer
I bought Why Am I So Anxious, off my own back as part of my own research as a Mental Health Podcast Host of Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz #spaitgirl podcast (available on any podcast apps and YouTube) after listening to it and learning so much from this book I felt compelled to want to share it on my mental health, self-help book podcast as I truly believe this book does help to explain Anxiety and not just one type of anxiety like Generalised Anxiety Disorder but all of the different types of Anxiety from Social Anxiety, OCD, and the list goes on.
Dr Tracy Marks, shares so many stories in her book, along with her own personal stories too, which I felt helped for me to relate to her more and on a really personal and deep meaningful level, by doing so I felt that she definitely helped to normalise anxiety giving me even more confidence to share with others how I truly feel.
I loved how she also shared insights into complimentary lifestyle practices like essential oils and what the research was on this and also her take on a number of complimentary products or therapy. I felt by including that as well as the psychiatric medicine it was a really interesting blend.
There are so many practical tips in this book and I honestly feel that the author went above and beyond.
I really felt that Dr Tracy Marks was so genuinely passionate about educating her readers and in my opinion she excelled in this area.
To Note - disclaimer
I bought Why Am I So Anxious, off my own back as part of my own research as a Mental Health Podcast Host of Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz #spaitgirl podcast (available on any podcast apps and YouTube) after listening to it and learning so much from this book I felt compelled to want to share it on my mental health, self-help book podcast as I truly believe this book does help to explain Anxiety and not just one type of anxiety like Generalised Anxiety Disorder but all of the different types of Anxiety from Social Anxiety, OCD, and the list goes on.
August 19, 2022
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review. Dr. Tracy Marks does an excellent job of breaking down and explaining the mechanics at work behind Anxiety without talking down to the reader. For anyone who has read books by medical professionals, that is a tough job. (Usually the tone is too clinical and esoteric, or it is broken down so simply that it feels like baby-talk.) But in "Why Am I So Anxious?" Dr. Marks assumes the reader is smart enough to follow along with her explanations and the result is an information-packed, readable exploration of the physical, emotional, psychological, and sociological forces that create anxiety. As someone who has struggled with Anxiety for years, I felt I was pretty knowledgeable about the mechanics and effects of general anxiety and panic disorder. However, this book has taught me more in the first 150 pages than I had learned before.
And this book isn't just for those afflicted with anxiety disorders. This book is a great resource for those who live with someone struggling with anxiety. By explaining what is happening behind the scenes and exploring the causes and effects, readers will walk away with a new understanding and compassion for those with anxiety issues. Also, even for those who don't have a systemic anxiety disorder, but still find themselves worrying and stressing out, Dr. Mark's book is a great way to learn more about what's going on in your own head and ways you can help reduce those overwhelming feelings.
And this book isn't just for those afflicted with anxiety disorders. This book is a great resource for those who live with someone struggling with anxiety. By explaining what is happening behind the scenes and exploring the causes and effects, readers will walk away with a new understanding and compassion for those with anxiety issues. Also, even for those who don't have a systemic anxiety disorder, but still find themselves worrying and stressing out, Dr. Mark's book is a great way to learn more about what's going on in your own head and ways you can help reduce those overwhelming feelings.
August 20, 2022
Why Am I So Anxious? was an excellent read. As a person with GAD and panic disorder (and a great therapist!), I’m always on the lookout for new tools to help me manage my mental health.
This book seems to be designed as more of an overview for those newer to anxiety, or perhaps suffering from temporary anxiety or newly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It would also be a great refresher for anxiety disorder veterans, and I think my husband will find it to be an easy-to-understand handbook, and give him additional tools and knowledge as someone married to an anxious person.
The background section was interesting and easy to read. I enjoyed that the author made brain science relatable. That’s not an easy task! I also really liked that subsequent chapters were easy to follow, had clear structure, were written in a way that you didn’t get bogged down, and each chapter had a specific point.
Regarding interventions—i always love when a new anxiety book comes out that pushes lifestyle changes and CAM therapies in addition to traditional ones. There is an abundance of science showing that lifestyle factors can make an impact on treatment success, and this book made those factors (and related suggested changes) easy to understand.
Read if you: are looking for a relatable book on anxiety and anxiety disorders, want extra credit with your therapist, or love someone with anxiety and don’t know where to start educating yourself.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!
This book seems to be designed as more of an overview for those newer to anxiety, or perhaps suffering from temporary anxiety or newly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It would also be a great refresher for anxiety disorder veterans, and I think my husband will find it to be an easy-to-understand handbook, and give him additional tools and knowledge as someone married to an anxious person.
The background section was interesting and easy to read. I enjoyed that the author made brain science relatable. That’s not an easy task! I also really liked that subsequent chapters were easy to follow, had clear structure, were written in a way that you didn’t get bogged down, and each chapter had a specific point.
Regarding interventions—i always love when a new anxiety book comes out that pushes lifestyle changes and CAM therapies in addition to traditional ones. There is an abundance of science showing that lifestyle factors can make an impact on treatment success, and this book made those factors (and related suggested changes) easy to understand.
Read if you: are looking for a relatable book on anxiety and anxiety disorders, want extra credit with your therapist, or love someone with anxiety and don’t know where to start educating yourself.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!
August 13, 2022
This was a comprehensive look at the causes of various types of anxiety, the physiological processes involved, and possible treatment options. Having suffered from various forms of anxiety throughout my life as well as gastric issues worsened by anxiety, I was interested in Dr. Marks’ explanation of the physical relationship between “brain and gut.” For me, as I imagine for the general anxious person, the critical issue has always been “fine, I’m anxious, now how do I improve things?”
Dr. Marks explains a variety of recognized therapy options such as exposure therapy, as well as vitamin and non-traditional paths such as intermittent fasting, resonant breathing, types of yoga and even aroma therapy. Dr. Marks’ explanation of the evidence for and against various means of treatment as well as the specific form of anxiety each is best for, is the best summation I’ve ever seen.
Since this book is so comprehensive, I would recommend the average (vs professional reader) would be best served by reading it through and then going back to apply treatments (some with a therapist, some not needing one such as meditation) to oneself.
This was an excellent book, an intelligent and “meaty” read requiring close attention to obtain the most benefit for the non-professional anxious person. I received an advance copy to review from #BookishFirst in return for an honest review.
Dr. Marks explains a variety of recognized therapy options such as exposure therapy, as well as vitamin and non-traditional paths such as intermittent fasting, resonant breathing, types of yoga and even aroma therapy. Dr. Marks’ explanation of the evidence for and against various means of treatment as well as the specific form of anxiety each is best for, is the best summation I’ve ever seen.
Since this book is so comprehensive, I would recommend the average (vs professional reader) would be best served by reading it through and then going back to apply treatments (some with a therapist, some not needing one such as meditation) to oneself.
This was an excellent book, an intelligent and “meaty” read requiring close attention to obtain the most benefit for the non-professional anxious person. I received an advance copy to review from #BookishFirst in return for an honest review.
November 27, 2024
This book was an empowering and practical guide to navigating anxiety. It discusses anxiety on both the experiential and neurological levels. It is validating and educating, with information accessile to readers without clinical or academic backgrounds in the field.
The book describes different anxiety disorders and diagnoses, distinguishing them from each other and clarifying diagnostic criteria. It explores a variety of treatments, including different pharmacological medications with basic overviews of how they work in the brain. It also discusses alternative, more holistic treatments, such as supplements and different exercises.
This book explores different kinds of psychotherapies, how they work, and what their standard applications are. It also provides suggestions beyond therapy such as mind, body, and behavioral exercises shown to improve patient conditions.
This book is informative and would be helpful for someone interested in anxiety, regardless of their relationship to the condition. It is clearly written with enough detail to convey an accurate portrayal of the science behind the methods, treatments, and medications described without creating a barrier to access through excessive use of technical jargon.
The book describes different anxiety disorders and diagnoses, distinguishing them from each other and clarifying diagnostic criteria. It explores a variety of treatments, including different pharmacological medications with basic overviews of how they work in the brain. It also discusses alternative, more holistic treatments, such as supplements and different exercises.
This book explores different kinds of psychotherapies, how they work, and what their standard applications are. It also provides suggestions beyond therapy such as mind, body, and behavioral exercises shown to improve patient conditions.
This book is informative and would be helpful for someone interested in anxiety, regardless of their relationship to the condition. It is clearly written with enough detail to convey an accurate portrayal of the science behind the methods, treatments, and medications described without creating a barrier to access through excessive use of technical jargon.
August 23, 2022
I think books such as this can be hit or miss for each person depending on how they view what they read, and for me this was a hit to also keep coming back to!! Even my teenager who has been lost in the times of Tik Tok and prime transition from high school to college found it interesting to pick up, start reading, and say she wants to borrow it!! Learning about the breakdown of anxiety through biology and origin can give insight to anyone on information that can be understood, and how anxiety is associated or linked with so many other things/disorders in life, it was so interesting!! The book then dives into the second part about combating the anxiety. There is so much information to the second half with ways to help work through anxiety and to find an inner peace by finding what works for you personally. I think we all experience anxiety at some point even if it isn't acknowledged and it looks different for each person so there isn't one way that fits all, and this book gave so much insight in an easy way to understand!! Thank you BookishFirst for the great read! I give 4.5 for a rating!
August 14, 2022
This book is written in an easy to understand, conversational style that immediately engaged me. I enjoyed the organization of this book--from understanding different types of disorders to the tools people can use to help them deal with their anxiety and even depression.
Each section gave examples and science-based/medical-based research and although not comprehensive (that's what years of college/practice accomplish), it helped me understand the different types of anxiety, the physical sensations anxiety can bring, the emotional states people may experience, and the differences among the medications prescribed.
I enjoyed reading about the alternative treatments such as mental exercises, physical exercises (like breathing and stretching exercises), and psychotherapies. The book includes a section about what tools help for which level of anxiety, grounding exercises, and even aromatherapy recipes and tips.
This book gives readers a good first look/understanding of mental health and a base to go from to seek more information.
Each section gave examples and science-based/medical-based research and although not comprehensive (that's what years of college/practice accomplish), it helped me understand the different types of anxiety, the physical sensations anxiety can bring, the emotional states people may experience, and the differences among the medications prescribed.
I enjoyed reading about the alternative treatments such as mental exercises, physical exercises (like breathing and stretching exercises), and psychotherapies. The book includes a section about what tools help for which level of anxiety, grounding exercises, and even aromatherapy recipes and tips.
This book gives readers a good first look/understanding of mental health and a base to go from to seek more information.
Read
December 6, 2022Why Am I So Anxious by Tracey Marks is a potentially helpful book for those dealing with frequent anxiety, as well as people who care about them.
I am, admittedly, leery of self-help books written by bloggers (with little professional background in their topic), so I value that the author is a general and forensic psychiatrist.
The first part explains the basis of anxiety, as well as different manifestations of it. Tips on managing anxiety come later in the book (and cover the gamut from prescription treatments to essential oils). The appendix is filled with resources, such as "how to recognize target symptoms," grounding exercises, and an interoceptive exposure worksheet.
This is a broad take written in approachable language for those new to learning about anxiety. I like to think it left me with a better understanding of what some might be going through, as well as different exercises for managing anxiety in daily life.
Thank you to BookishFirst for a free copy of this book, won in a giveaway.
I am, admittedly, leery of self-help books written by bloggers (with little professional background in their topic), so I value that the author is a general and forensic psychiatrist.
The first part explains the basis of anxiety, as well as different manifestations of it. Tips on managing anxiety come later in the book (and cover the gamut from prescription treatments to essential oils). The appendix is filled with resources, such as "how to recognize target symptoms," grounding exercises, and an interoceptive exposure worksheet.
This is a broad take written in approachable language for those new to learning about anxiety. I like to think it left me with a better understanding of what some might be going through, as well as different exercises for managing anxiety in daily life.
Thank you to BookishFirst for a free copy of this book, won in a giveaway.
August 14, 2022
This book was well written, thoughtful and sensitive about the subject/disorder of anxiety. The author does a great job defining what anxiety is and the earliest mention. I did like historical aspect of when anxiety was first mentioned and how it came to be. None of that was dull or boring information. I like learning about the history of disorders.
The second half of the book was mostly easy tips, tools and tricks to lessen anxiety. And the good news? All these are easy to do on your own, which I like and everyone dealing with anxiety needs. There were also some new tips and tools that were new that I have not heard of before and they make sense. Always have one person, not family, that you can talk to about your stresses.
Very much recommended for anxiety as a self-help tool. Not meant as cure or alternative option for professional help.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tracey Marks and DK Alpha for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 8/16/22
The second half of the book was mostly easy tips, tools and tricks to lessen anxiety. And the good news? All these are easy to do on your own, which I like and everyone dealing with anxiety needs. There were also some new tips and tools that were new that I have not heard of before and they make sense. Always have one person, not family, that you can talk to about your stresses.
Very much recommended for anxiety as a self-help tool. Not meant as cure or alternative option for professional help.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tracey Marks and DK Alpha for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 8/16/22
August 15, 2022
The author relates medical facts with personal examples which is helpful. If you are an anxious person, maybe understanding why or how you get anxious could help you work through it. Some of us have nature issues, the way we were born could lead us into being anxious. Others have nuture issues and it could be the way we were raised and the issues of our parents or caretakers helped to make us be anxious.
Some anxiety is normal and can save your life in a situation where you need to listen to what is going on and take action. The fight, flight or freeze mechanism is part of our subconscious and shows the need to do something now or else.
Mostly this book didn't sound helpful to me as I don't have a problem with anxiety, but I do know others, family and friends, who could possibly benefit from reading this book. Sometimes understanding is the first step in tackling a problem to make it less of a problem.
Some anxiety is normal and can save your life in a situation where you need to listen to what is going on and take action. The fight, flight or freeze mechanism is part of our subconscious and shows the need to do something now or else.
Mostly this book didn't sound helpful to me as I don't have a problem with anxiety, but I do know others, family and friends, who could possibly benefit from reading this book. Sometimes understanding is the first step in tackling a problem to make it less of a problem.
August 16, 2022
This book is easy to understand, and the writing quickly engages the reader. It's nicely organized, and it includes sections on the different types of anxiety disorders, as well as useful tools to help with anxiety and depression. There are numerous examples that are based on research that help the reader understand the different types of anxiety and the impact it can have on someone, mentally and physically. Medications are also discussed. I liked the various activities, such as breathing and stretching. I was surprised to find such depth to the options, which also included things like aromatherapy and grounding exercises. If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, this book could be a wonderful go-to resource, especially when you are just starting out. Many people will likely find it helpful, and the exercises are easy enough to fit into a busy schedule.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
August 17, 2022
"Why Am I So Anxious?" is very eye-opening, informative, and arrived into my life with perfect timing! It is not your run-of-the-mill self-help book. It is written by a doctor and broken down into easy-to-read segments with tools, exercises, steps, recipes, etc., that show you how to choose elements that feel comfortable and helpful to your current state of anxiety so you can design a path that leads you to a more peaceful existence. The book will be very helpful for anyone recognizing the need for just a boost to become "unstuck", a feeling of clarity for confirmation, or deeper help as to what is the source/reason for their particular state of being. There is a friendliness and comfort in the writing which makes the medical descriptions of particular details and explanations not intimidating as would very dry clinical language. Do yourself a favor and get a copy for yourself or a dear friend or family member who has reached out for advice. Highly recommended!
August 20, 2022
If you are looking for answers to your anxiety, this is the best book to read. The terminology is explained in details and uses helpful metaphors to relate to certain situations. Whereas many books are considered boring and a waste of time, this book is quick and can be understood by a wide age range. Dr. Tracey Marks lets you know that you aren't alone in your struggles. She really goes in depth about the causes, side effects, and how it affects different people.
It was very interesting to learn about the different kinds of anxiety. It really opens your eyes to see what other people experience compared to yourself. There are so many physical effects that come with anxiety that I was surprised to learn about. I never knew some of these things were caused by anxiety. I hope whoever decides to read this book really reads it through and can get to know themselves better.
It was very interesting to learn about the different kinds of anxiety. It really opens your eyes to see what other people experience compared to yourself. There are so many physical effects that come with anxiety that I was surprised to learn about. I never knew some of these things were caused by anxiety. I hope whoever decides to read this book really reads it through and can get to know themselves better.
September 3, 2022
I think everyone should read this book. Anxiety is running wild in the world today, affecting people of all nations. While a book cannot completely heal an individual of their anxiety, it can improve it and I think that is exactly what this book could do for its readers. First off, I think the cover of this book really grabs attention and shows what anxiety is like. It is feeling like you are barely being held together and might break soon and the picture of the rope on its last thread shows that very well. I thought it was great that the author, Doctor Tracey Marks, began by describing the biology of anxiety. I think in order to be treated for anxiety, one needs to first know how it works. Dr. Marks did this well and in a way that readers who are not doctors or psychologists can also understand. I also liked that Doctor Marks shared possible treatments for anxiety. Overall this is a very good book that I believe could be very helpful to many in our generation.
May 18, 2023
I suffer from general anxiety and social anxiety as well as bipolar disorder. It's very hard for me to stop being anxious once I start, and it would definitely be a great insight if I could pinpoint why I am anxious so that maybe I can help find myself some peace. I'd love to be a calm, present, healthy person but it is not that easy for me to do.
The impression I got from this book is that it is going to help soooo many people. That's what we all need, even just a little bit, right? To heal. To be able to identify what is going on in our minds. This book is a tool for people with a serious mental illness and frankly gets right down to the root of the problem so that you can remedy it instead of just surviving through it. As a woman with anxiety that is exhausted over it, I can confidently say this book is going to be a huge winner. It's absolutely the type of book that I'd read, and the type that I'd recommend to friends as well!
The impression I got from this book is that it is going to help soooo many people. That's what we all need, even just a little bit, right? To heal. To be able to identify what is going on in our minds. This book is a tool for people with a serious mental illness and frankly gets right down to the root of the problem so that you can remedy it instead of just surviving through it. As a woman with anxiety that is exhausted over it, I can confidently say this book is going to be a huge winner. It's absolutely the type of book that I'd read, and the type that I'd recommend to friends as well!
November 7, 2023
This book supported my personal improvement and development.
As a child, I was always the "quiet one". As a teenager, my shyness became anxiety. I am jealous when I hear people talk about the first they had a panic attack because they usually describe being about 30 at the time, and the first time I had a panic attack I was 14. At the worst points of my anxiety, I have fainted when I became overwhelmed.
I share the above to put into perspective that anxiety has been in my life. However, Dr Marks' has significantly supported me to feel in control of my anxiety, and reduce it. Her book has improved my life.
Dr Marks' addresses the topic of anxiety through scientific and practical views. In that way, the book can be challenging to read at times if you are more inclined to one view point over the other. However, the benefit of this is that there are diverse sources of knowledge for the reader to understand their own experiences with anxiety, in a way that best suits them.
As a child, I was always the "quiet one". As a teenager, my shyness became anxiety. I am jealous when I hear people talk about the first they had a panic attack because they usually describe being about 30 at the time, and the first time I had a panic attack I was 14. At the worst points of my anxiety, I have fainted when I became overwhelmed.
I share the above to put into perspective that anxiety has been in my life. However, Dr Marks' has significantly supported me to feel in control of my anxiety, and reduce it. Her book has improved my life.
Dr Marks' addresses the topic of anxiety through scientific and practical views. In that way, the book can be challenging to read at times if you are more inclined to one view point over the other. However, the benefit of this is that there are diverse sources of knowledge for the reader to understand their own experiences with anxiety, in a way that best suits them.
August 15, 2022
What a fantastic and informative read! I went in with a little bit of hesitation realizing i may have more of a textbook style way of explaining anxiety and I was certainly wrong. Very simple, and easy to read, the author has her book laid out in such an organized way it was easy to navigate the paragraphs, see her big points and learn about the general way anxiety takes form in the brain, and strategies on how to improve the struggles surrounding the different forms of anxiety. I appreciated the way she presented information in such a simple and straight forward way but in some of the areas offered her own opinion to the different remedies.
This is such a wonderful book, I would recommend to anyone looking to learn about their anxiety and all the different ways to improve ones‘s own issues. I loved the readability over such a complex heath issue.
This is such a wonderful book, I would recommend to anyone looking to learn about their anxiety and all the different ways to improve ones‘s own issues. I loved the readability over such a complex heath issue.
August 17, 2022
Thank you BookishFirst and DK publishing for the copy of Why Am I So Anxious?.
Overall, this book was very knowledgeable and helpful. It breaks anxiety (it’s types, causes, symptoms, tools to help) very clearly and in easy to understand terms. I really enjoyed how it was broken into sections with short paragraphs and billeted list, made it seem less intimidating. I absolutely love how the appendix have the information condensed and in charts that will be very useful when I want to come back to reference the information.
For specifics, I’ve heard of a few treatments or tools but this book has brought a few new ones to my attention. Most people only suggest medication or therapy but this book details various other tools which I really appreciate. The grounding exercises are my favorite, definitely plan to try some of those next time I feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Overall, this book was very knowledgeable and helpful. It breaks anxiety (it’s types, causes, symptoms, tools to help) very clearly and in easy to understand terms. I really enjoyed how it was broken into sections with short paragraphs and billeted list, made it seem less intimidating. I absolutely love how the appendix have the information condensed and in charts that will be very useful when I want to come back to reference the information.
For specifics, I’ve heard of a few treatments or tools but this book has brought a few new ones to my attention. Most people only suggest medication or therapy but this book details various other tools which I really appreciate. The grounding exercises are my favorite, definitely plan to try some of those next time I feel overwhelmed and anxious.
August 17, 2022
I have recently found out I have anxiety. Even when a doctor told me my sone had anxiety, not ADD, I attributed it to his father, since his father is a nervous type of person. Little did I know, what I was feeling wasn't how everyone feels. I like how the author, Dr. Tracey Marks, writes about not just what anxiety is, but how to recognize it and solutions to "restore your peace." My favourite chapters are: 1) Understanding the Different Aspects of Anxiety, 3) Other Anxious Conditions, 8) Mind Tools. My favourite Appendixes are: A) How to Recognize Target Symptoms, B) Which Tools Help What, C) Aromatherapy Recipes and Tips, D) Emotions Chart, E) Grounding Exercises, F) Interceptive Exposure Worksheet. I love that she believes in essential oils, and that there are exercises that aren't yoga. I really don't like Yoga. And she is on Youtube, so I can access extra information any time!
August 22, 2022
I wish I'd had this book 20 years ago. Dr. Marks introduction to the many types of anxiety and the various ways to treat it is well-organized, easy to read, full of helpful information, and enlightening. I was afraid I'd get bogged down in a lot of medical terminology, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to digest the information. I learned a lot. The case studies and examples were relevant and relatable. Many medications, prescription and over the counter are discussed in full. I plan to try one of the herbal supplements after discussing with my physician. I also liked the chapters with all sorts of tools/self-help. I was not familiar with many of these and will be trying several to help ease my anxiety. Appendix B, which is list of which tools to use in different situations will be very helpful as well. If you or someone you love suffers from anxiety, this book can help!
July 15, 2022
This book is divided in two parts. In the first part, the author talks about the origin of anxiety, how the brain is involved, and states the different disorders and personnalities related to anxiety. In the second part, she talks about what you can do about it, weather it's a precription treatment or complementary or alternative treatments, and gives a lot ot tools to help you cope with anxiety.
I prefered the second part to the first one (which was fairly theoretical, although easy to understand and important in the comprehension of the disorder). I will definitely refer to the different tools when I need them (and I am on my way to make myself a glitter jar right away!).
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and DK, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I prefered the second part to the first one (which was fairly theoretical, although easy to understand and important in the comprehension of the disorder). I will definitely refer to the different tools when I need them (and I am on my way to make myself a glitter jar right away!).
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and DK, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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