Despite the fact that anxiety is very treatable, only about 40% of people who struggle with anxiety receive help. While anxiety is a normal human emotion felt by all people at some point or another, anxiety disorders can make certain aspects of life unmanageable, such as social situations or test-taking at school. It’s important for each person to find a daily routine and treatment approach that works for them. Self-help books that target anxiety management can be a very useful part of the treatment journey. The best books for anxiety are written by trained medical and mental health experts and based on scientific research. Also, consider the length and writing style before making your purchase. Here are the best books for anxiety on the market, all written by experts. The book can help you find relief from heightened anxiety or panic attacks quickly by using the reference guide to find options for relief in the moment. Keep in mind, these techniques come with practice. Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $19 As a psychotherapist who had an epiphany during a panic attack of his own, author Dr. Steven Hayes uses acceptance and commitment therapy to help teach psychological flexibility skills to greatly decrease painful symptoms of anxiety and make room for the joyful things that matter most in life. Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $4 Understanding and implementing positive stress management techniques can help teenagers avoid falling into self-destructive stress management patterns.  Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $27

Easy to Understand Language

A self-help book does not help at all if it is too boring to read all the way through. Look for language that you jive with personally and find easy to understand and implement. Books that combine humor and stories with techniques help us better remember the learned concepts. 

Realistic Length

We’re all busy. It’s important to choose a book that fits your current schedule. A lengthy, in-depth book will not help if you are in a chaotic phase of life. A longer, more in-depth book may be helpful if you are carving out time specifically to address your anxiety and wellness. 

Why Trust Verywell Mind? 

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients who struggle with mental health issues, Mary Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey, so having many options to choose from is vitally important in creating a lifestyle that combats mental illness and promotes health and wellbeing.   Reading a book that’s specifically about anxiety can also help. These self-help books help you better understand yourself and your anxiety, including triggers and past experiences that lend to your stress. Additionally, many equip you with methodologies to reduce anxiety, address triggers, and work through complex feelings as they arise. For example, research tells us that first-degree relatives of someone with general anxiety disorder (GAD) are more likely to develop a mood or anxiety disorder. Also, women are twice as likely to experience anxiety disorders, which is why experts recommend routine anxiety screenings for any female over age 13. Stressful situations related to work, school, family, relationships, and other social dynamics can also impact anxiety levels. We understand that not everyone has easy access to in-person therapy and that the cost of therapy may be prohibitive. Online therapy is an alternative for those who don’t have nearby options or can’t travel easily. To reduce the cost, seek low-cost or free therapy at area colleges and universities, contact your local public health department, and look for providers who offer sliding scale payments.