22 Popular Books about Anxiety

If you're looking for information on anxiety, you've come to the right place. This list of 22 books about anxiety offers a wide range of perspectives on the condition.

Whether you're interested in learning more about the causes of anxiety, effective treatments, or personal stories, there's a book on this list for you.

Books about Anxiety

1. When Panic Attacks: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Therapy That Can Change Your Life

When Panic Attacks

Written by: Dr. David Burns

Published: 2007

Pages: 464

If you suffer from anxiety, you're not alone. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million adults in the United States are affected by anxiety disorders. While there are many treatments available for anxiety, some people may not be able to tolerate or respond to traditional therapies. Dr. David Burns is known to be the foremost psychiatrist dealing with anxiety clients.

Now, a new, drug-free therapy is helping people overcome their anxiety. This therapy is known to help people reduce anxiety very quickly and is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

In this book, Burns will give you background information, plans, and charts to help track when anxiety happens and how to deal with it so you can help you overcome your anxiety and resume your life. This workbook will help you change your life and give you relief.

2. Reasons to Stay Alive

Reasons to Stay Alive

Written by: Matt Haig

Published: 2015

Pages: 266

Reasons to Stay Alive is a book that offers hope, help, and insight to anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thought. Haig candidly opens up about his own experience with mental illness and suicide in this moving and personal account. His story is one of courage, strength, and ultimately hope; it provides readers with an important message that they are not alone in their battle.

This book is a must-read if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or anxiety. It offers invaluably practical advice on how to stay alive and how to keep fighting when everything feels hopeless. Reasons to Stay Alive is more than just a memoir; it's a lifeline for anyone who needs it.

3. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

The Body Keeps the Score

Written by: Bessel van der Kolk

Published: 2014

Pages: 464

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk provides a comprehensive look at how anxiety and trauma affect the brain and body. He draws on cutting-edge research and his own clinical experience to show how trauma disrupts our stress response system, leading to long-term physical and mental health problems.

The good this is that in this book, he also offers hope, showing that with proper treatment, even people who have experienced severe trauma can heal and lead fulfilling lives.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true impact of anxiety, trauma, and its aftermath. Dr. van der Kolk has been at the forefront of research on mental health for over 30 years and is one of the most respected people in his field.

4. Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Written by: Dr. Daniel G. Amen

Published: 1999

Pages: 337

In this book, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses how to do just that. According to Dr. Amen, the health of your brain determines the quality of your life. He has identified several important factors for a healthy brain: diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, mood/emotions, and cognitive stimulation.

By making simple changes in these areas, you can improve your overall well-being and even cure conditions such as depression and anxiety. This book will give you specific plans on lowering your stress, and it can also work with depression, relationships, and other mental health issues.

5. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

Written by: Edmund J. Burke

Published: 2000

Pages: 432

If you're looking for a comprehensive and engaging guide to managing anxiety and phobias, look no further than The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. This book offers readers a wealth of information and practical tools for overcoming their fear and anxiety. It was initially published in 1990 and updated since then and is still considered an incredible information resource.

With its step-by-step approach, readers will be able to identify their specific anxieties and develop a plan to address them head-on. This workbook is an invaluable resource whether you're struggling with everyday worries or more debilitating phobias.

6. Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks Fast

Dare

Written by: Barry McDonagh

Published: 2015

Pages: 244

There is a new way to end anxiety and stop panic attacks fast. It's called DARE, and Barry McDonagh created it. This approach is different from anything else because it focuses on addressing the underlying cause of anxiety instead of just treating the symptoms.

One of the things we love is that this book also comes with an app and audiobooks to help you immediately. If you're looking for a way to get your anxiety under control finally, this may be the solution you've been searching for.

Dare has already helped thousands of people find relief from their anxiety, and it could help you too. So don't wait any longer - check out Dare today!

7. Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Furiously Happy

Written by: Jenny Lawson

Published: 2015

Pages: 329

In her hilariously irreverent and candid new book, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things, Jenny Lawson explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. From the onset of childhood trauma and depression to more recent struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, Jenny offers readers a relatable and often comedic look at what it's like to live with mental illness.

In addition to chronicling her journey, Jenny shares the stories of other "fabulously floundering" people who have managed to find happiness despite their challenges. Through her trademark wit and honesty, she reveals that it is possible to lead a joyful life even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

8. The Fear of Doing Nothing: Notes of a Young Therapist

The Fear of Doing Nothing

Written by: Valery Hazanov

Published: 2019

Pages: 224

The Fear of Doing Nothing: Notes of a Young Therapist is a book about the therapeutic process from the perspective of a young therapist. We like it because it gives you a perspective from the other side of the chair and what a therapist has to deal with also. Valery Hazanov provides an insightful and honest account of his experiences in therapy sessions with clients.

This book is relevant for anyone interested in learning more about the therapeutic process or who wants to understand better what goes on behind closed doors in a therapist's office.

9. The Yoga-CBT Workbook for Anxiety: Total Relief for Mind and Body

The Yoga-CBT Workbook for Anxiety

Written by: Julie Greiner-Ferris & Manjit Khalsa

Published: 2017

Pages: 176

As you would guess, this book merges the practices of yoga and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to provide an all-encompassing approach to managing anxiety. The workbook is designed for those looking for an integrative treatment plan and those who want to learn how better to incorporate yoga and CBT into their self-care routine.

Written by two mental health professionals, the book contains a variety of activities, worksheets, and guided meditations that will help you understand your anxiety, change your thoughts and behaviors, and reduce your symptoms. This is a comprehensive guide to overcoming anxiety if you're looking for a whole body and mind; this book is worth checking out!

10. Anxiety

Anxiety

Written by: Danny Winter

Published: 2019

Pages: 502

Unlike the rest of the books in this list, this book is done in prose and poetry. It starts as Danny notices his life is beginning to fall apart, and he has horrible anxiety. Instead of just going with the usual therapist, Winter examines what has helped him the most. He gives you ways out of stress and builds on your strengths using fifteen essays.

As neither of us is a big fan of poetry, we still found this book very useful since it is very original. We highly suggest it so you can see the world through Danny's eyes and words, which are incredibly meaningful and worded perfectly.

11. The Anxious Truth: A Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Panic, Anxiety, and Agoraphobia

The Anxious Truth

Written by: Drew Linsalata

Published: 384

Pages: 2020

If you've ever experienced a panic attack, you know how frightening and disabling it can be. You may feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're going crazy. If you suffer from panic attacks, you may feel like there's no hope for getting better. This book is a step-by-step guide to understanding and overcoming panic attacks.

Written by an anxiety expert with more than 20 years of experience, this book offers strategies and techniques that have helped thousands of people achieve freedom from panic. A great addition to using this book is checking out Drew Linsalata’s podcast.

12. First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety

First, We Make the Beast Beautiful

Written by: Sarah Wilson

Published: 2018

Pages: 320

When most people think of anxiety, they imagine a constantly worried person and unable to enjoy life. While this can be the case for some people, anxiety can also manifest differently. We love that she shares her journey with anxiety and offers guidance on managing it.

Wilson's approach is unique in that she doesn't try to mask or ignore her anxiety; instead, she makes peace with it and learns to live with it. An example is when you wake up to start by making your bed and taking pride in doing that since you can then show yourself that you are capable and ready to face the world.

13. Unf#ck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers with science (5-Minute Therapy)

Unf#ck Your Brain

Written by: Faith Harper Ph.D.

Published: 2017

Pages: 192

Anxiety, depression, and freak-outs can be so frustrating and embarrassing. They make us feel like we're not in control of our lives. But what if I told you that you could take back control? In this book, Dr. Faith Harper gives a step-by-step guide to overcoming these problems using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. She also uses a lot of humor to let you relax and realize that you can overcome this issue.

With this guide, you can learn to deal with your thoughts and emotions healthily and get your life back on track. So, if you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or freak-outs, don't give up! Use this guide to help you unf#ck your brain.

14. Fallible: A Memoir of a Young Physician’s Struggle with Mental Illness

Fallible

Written by: Kyle Bradford Jones

Published: 2020

Pages: 347

A young physician's struggle with mental illness is at the center of this incredibly touching autobiography. The book is a candid account of his experience struggling with depression and anxiety while working as a doctor.

Bradford offers readers an inside look at the challenges and victories of living with mental illness and advice for others who may be facing similar challenges. Fallible is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand better the reality of mental illness and how it can affect even medical professionals and overwhelm them.

15. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

The Power of Now

Written by: Eckhart Tolle

Published: 1999

Pages: 193

Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of your own thoughts? Like no matter what you do, you can't seem to find peace or escape the endless chatter in your head? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that make it difficult to find inner peace.

But there is hope! In his book The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, Eckhart Tolle provides practical advice for living in the present moment and achieving a state of enlightenment.

Through simple techniques like mindfulness and meditation, Tolle offers readers a path to finding true happiness and inner peace. Even if you don't believe in the spiritual, this book is still a fantastic read as it is helpful to anyone.

16. Body Positive Power: How to stop dieting, make peace with your body and live

Body Positive Power

Written by: Megan Jayne Crabbe

Published: 2017

Pages: 280

This may seem like a strange book on a webpage about anxiety, but how we view our bodies can cause extreme anxiety and stress. So, are you ready to make peace with your body and end the dieting cycle for good?

With her clear and actionable advice, you'll learn how to appreciate your body just as it is, love the skin you're in, and finally break free from years of dieting and negative self-talk. This book is for you if you're ready to start feeling good about yourself and your beautiful body again.

17. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness

Full Catastrophe Living

Written by: Jon Kabat-Zinn

Published: 2009

Pages: 467

MBSR, or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, is a practice developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. The program has been found to help reduce stress and anxiety for people who suffer from chronic pain, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.

He draws on his own experience as a scientist and meditator as well as case studies from his work at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center's Stress Reduction Clinic to show how mindfulness can help us live more fully present lives.

This book was originally published in 1990.

18. Anxiety: Panicking about Panic: A powerful, self-help guide for those suffering from an Anxiety or Panic Disorder

Anxiety: Panicking about Panic

Written by: Joshua Fletcher

Published: 2014

Pages: 140

This is an excellent book if you are dealing with anxiety because it is a relatively quick read at just under 150 pages. The author used to suffer from anxiety and then learned how to deal with it as he became a counselor for others.

Something we like about this book is that it does help you figure out the "panic before the panic" and stop it early. Fletcher has numerous ways of dealing with your anxiety, including worksheets that will help you get a grip on your anxiety and stop it even before it starts.

19. Anxiety is Really Strange

Anxiety is Really Strange

Written by: Steve Haines with illustrations by Sophie Standing

Published: 2018

Pages: 40

Interestingly, sometimes the brain can't tell the difference between anxiety and excitement, which can cause issues. This graphic novel that we've seen dealing with anxiety truly helps to "see" the drawings to explain the connection between the mind and body.

Using gorgeous illustrations, this book shows how you can also break some of these habits by noticing what is happening at the moment. Being able to tell the difference between your body reacting, your mind, or both is a great way to relieve your anxiety.

20. Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind

Unwinding Anxiety

Written by: Judson Brewer

Published: 2021

Pages: 304

Anxiety can be a normal and even healthy emotion, but it can become overwhelming for some people. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, but all the books on this list share one common goal: break the worry cycle. New science is emerging that is beginning to unravel the mystery of anxiety.

In this book, Dr. Brewer explores the latest research on anxiety and provides actionable tips on making worry work for you instead of against you. Being that Brewer has worked with anyone, ranging from everyday people to Olympic athletes, you know that this book can help almost anyone.

21. On Edge: A Journey through Anxiety

On Edge: A Journey through Anxiety

Written by: Andrea Peterson

Published: 2017

Pages: 320

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-third of thirteen- to eighteen-year-olds have an anxiety disorder. Despite how common anxiety is, it remains deeply misunderstood. In On Edge, Andrea Petersen set out to learn everything she could about anxiety, its causes, and treatments.

The result is a brave and urgent book that should be read by anyone who wants to understand this vital but often taboo topic. Petersen's experience with anxiety is both personal and professional; she has suffered from the condition since she was a child, and her reporting on the topic has won multiple awards.

22. Animal Madness: How Anxious Dogs, Compulsive Parrots, and Elephants in Recovery Help Us Understand Ourselves

Animal Madness

Written by: Laurel Braitman

Published: 2014

Pages: 384

In her book Animal Madness, Laurel Braitman explores the psychological lives of animals and how they suffer from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. It may sound strange to have a book about animals with mental health issues, but it makes a lot of sense.

While we may not always be able to understand what our pets are thinking or feeling, Masson's expert analysis sheds new light on how we are often thinking the same as they are. By better understanding the mental health of animals, we can provide them with better care and improve the quality of our lives at the same time.