Charles H. Elliott - Anxiety For Dummies

Anxiety For Dummies

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com

Copyright 2021 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2020949876

ISBN 978-1-119-76850-0 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-76856-2 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-76853-1 (ebk)

1. Chapter 3
2. Chapter 4
3. Chapter 5
4. Chapter 6
5. Chapter 7
6. Chapter 8
7. Chapter 9
8. Chapter 13
9. Chapter 18
10. Chapter 19
11. Chapter 20

1. Chapter 3

We wrote our first book in the For Dummies series, Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies, shortly after the events of 9-11-2001. People felt rather anxious, especially about terrorism. We wrote the second edition in 2010 as the Great Recession was winding down. At that time, people were feeling particularly anxious about their finances and careers. Today, we present Anxiety For Dummies as the world struggles to cope with a global pandemic, an explosion of civil unrest and racism, climate change, and another potentially massive recession or depression.

So todays world, just like the previous two decades, gives us plenty to worry about. But as we dont want to become victims of a pandemic, financial setback, natural disaster, or violence, we cant let ourselves become victims of anxiety. Anxiety clouds our thinking and weakens our resolve to live life to the fullest. We realize that some anxiety is realistic and inescapable, yet, we can keep it from dominating our lives. Even under duress, we can preserve a degree of serenity; we can hold onto our humanity, vigor, and zest for life. We can love and laugh.

Because we believe in our collective resilience, we take a humorous, and at times irreverent, approach to conquering anxiety. Our message is based on sound, scientifically proven methods. But we dont bore you with the scientific details. Instead, we present a clear, rapid-fire set of strategies for beating back anxiety and winning the war against worry.

We have three goals in writing this book. First, we want you to understand just what anxiety is and some of the different forms it can take. Second, we think that knowing whats good about anxiety and whats bad about it is useful for you. Finally, we cover what youre probably most interested in discovering the latest techniques for overcoming your anxiety and helping someone you care about who has anxiety.

Unlike most books, you dont have to start on page 1 and read straight through. Use the extensive table of contents to pick and choose what you want to read. Dont worry about reading parts in any particular order. For example, if you really dont want much information about the who, what, when, where, and why of anxiety and whether you have it, go ahead and skip , because it contains fascinating facts and information as well as ideas for getting started.

Scattered throughout this book are case examples and stories that illustrate important principles and techniques. Although these examples are based on composites of real people, they do not represent any actual person. Any similarities to actual cases or people are purely coincidental.

Who might pick up this book? We assume, probably foolishly, that you or someone you love suffers from some type of problem with anxiety or worry. But, its also possible that you simply find the topic of anxiety interesting. We imagine that you may be curious about a variety of helpful strategies to choose from that can fit your lifestyle and personality. Finally, you may be a mental health professional whos interested in finding a friendly resource for your clients who suffer from anxiety or worry.

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The Remember icon appears when we want your attention. Please read the text associated with it for critical information.