15 Best Books to Help Soothe Anxiety, According to Psychologists and Readers
Discover reads that guide you through worry with empathy and practical strategies.
Whether you’re looking for practical exercises, relatable memoirs, or science-backed cognitive techniques, these books are handpicked by mental health professionals and readers alike for their power to support, calm, and empower those struggling with anxiety.
Why Turn to Books for Anxiety?
For many, anxiety can feel all-consuming, leading to cycles of worry and overwhelm that are hard to break. Yet, literature can provide both practical advice and the comforting realization that you’re not alone. Books about anxiety offer coping strategies, break down complex psychological concepts, and share stories of hope and resilience. Reading can foster self-acceptance, educate on mental health, and even supply a momentary escape from anxious thoughts.
- Expert Advice: Books penned by psychologists and therapists often include proven exercises and actionable tools.
- Relatable Narratives: Memoirs and novels can validate the reader’s experience and illustrate paths through adversity.
- Evidence-Based Tools: Many self-help books are grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and positive psychology.
How These Books Were Chosen
Our list combines recommendations from licensed psychologists, input from readers, and reviews that highlight both scientific credibility and genuine, transformative impact. These books address everything from everyday stress to panic attacks, perfectionism, and negative thinking—ensuring a selection that speaks to a wide range of experiences and preferences.
- Selected by and referenced by mental health experts.
- Inclusive of user reviews praising practical utility, readability, and reassurance.
- Spanning genres, including workbooks, personal essays, and fiction.
15 Must-Read Books for Managing Anxiety
Below is a curated selection of books, each offering unique strategies or stories for coping with anxiety.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne
A perennial favorite among therapists, this comprehensive workbook provides up-to-date cognitive and behavioral strategies for tackling anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks. Its practical exercises empower readers to incrementally challenge anxious patterns and reclaim a sense of control.
- Workbook format encourages active participation and progressive change.
- Exercises include self-assessment tools, exposure therapy, relaxation training, and lifestyle tips.
- Praised for its easy-to-follow language and actionable steps.
Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover the Life You’ve Always Wanted by Andrea Bonior, Ph.D.
This guide helps readers recognize negative self-talk and teaches acceptance and workable responses to anxious thoughts, rather than fighting them. Recommended by psychologists for its enjoyable tone and practical tools derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Provides practical techniques to disrupt cycles of negative thinking.
- Accessible without being overly technical.
- Focuses on acceptance and progress, not perfection.
The Worry Trick: How Your Brain Tricks You Into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do About It by David A. Carbonell, Ph.D.
Understanding why your mind worries is half the battle. This book demystifies how the anxious brain works and why people seek control through worrying. Dr. Carbonell provides research-supported strategies for lessening anxiety’s hold on everyday life.
- Presents scientific concepts in easy-to-understand language.
- Equips readers to “live and enjoy” rather than chase unattainable perfect control.
The Anxiety Toolkit by Alice Boyes, Ph.D.
Ideal for overthinkers and those prone to imagining catastrophic outcomes, this toolkit blends basic but powerful strategies—like mindfulness and cognitive reframing—with gentle encouragement. The author, a clinical psychologist, delivers empowering, jargon-free advice.
- Strategies rooted in proven psychological interventions.
- Offers strategies for self-doubt, avoidance, and overanalysis.
- Language praised for being gentle and uplifting.
Mindfulness Workbook for Panic Attacks: Healing Strategies to Reduce Anxiety, Manage Panic and Live in the Moment by Mayra Diaz Maher
With a focus on young adults facing a surge in anxiety since the pandemic, this workbook demystifies panic attacks and teaches readers to approach their symptoms with compassion instead of judgment. It incorporates holistic tools for long-term healing.
- Holistic approach combines mindfulness, self-awareness, and psychoeducation.
- Accessible to people who are new to mental health work.
When Panic Attacks: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Therapy That Can Change Your Life by David D. Burns, M.D.
Filled with over 40 simple exercises, Dr. Burns’s book debunks the myths that drive chronic anxiety and teaches readers evidence-backed strategies for tackling their fears. Known for his approachable tone and effective CBT-based interventions, readers have found humor and hope in his writing.
- Offers variety, ensuring there’s an exercise for everyone.
- Accessible for people with all levels of anxiety.
Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love by Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D.
Perfectionism often fuels anxiety. Dr. Lombardo’s book reframes perfectionist thinking, urging readers to embrace their strengths without succumbing to self-judgment or constant striving. Find balance and learn to “live a better-than-perfect life.”
- Practical tips for letting go of harsh self-criticism.
- Encourages a more compassionate mindset toward personal growth.
How to Feel Better by Cathy Rentzenbrink
With warmth and wisdom, Rentzenbrink offers “safety instructions” for the overwhelmed mind, reminding readers that even the darkest moments will eventually pass. Her simple, nurturing guidance is perfect for those who feel too anxious to know where to start.
- Uplifting and easily digestible prose.
- Encouragement to take small, manageable steps toward healing.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
This powerful novel follows Adunni, a young Nigerian girl fighting for her autonomy and future. Despite harrowing circumstances, her courage and hope make the impossible achievable. Readers find that it shifts their own anxieties into perspective and inspires gratitude and belief in change.
- Rich story of resilience and empowerment.
- Demonstrates the potential for personal transformation despite fear.
The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford
Set in pre-war England, this classic blends humor and heartache, focusing on Linda Radlett as she navigates romance and family chaos against a backdrop of anxiety, both personal and political. Readers are comforted by the sense that living well is possible even amidst uncertainty.
- Combines wit with an honest portrayal of life’s unpredictability.
- Encourages embracing joy despite anxious circumstances.
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
This engaging novel invites readers into the journey of Rachel as she seeks recovery from addiction—a journey fueled by anxiety and low self-esteem. Keyes’s relatable voice reminds us to forgive ourselves and rediscover self-love, even after making mistakes.
- Explores the link between addiction and anxiety.
- Speaks to self-forgiveness and the power of personal growth.
Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion by Dr. Wendy Suzuki
Neuroscientist Dr. Suzuki reclaims anxiety as a potential source of creativity and productivity. Drawing from cutting-edge research, she illustrates how, when understood and harnessed, anxiety can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Transform anxiety from weakness into strength.
- Emphasizes that everyone feels anxiety—it’s not a flaw.
- Practical toolbox for using anxiety as a “superpower.”
The Stress-Proof Brain by Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D.
This science-based workbook arms readers with skills for rewiring the brain’s response to stress and anxiety. Using mindfulness, positive psychology, and neuroscience, Dr. Greenberg provides exercises for replacing anxious patterns with healthier, more adaptive responses.
- Step-by-step activities for stress management.
- Explains how to build resilience on a neural level.
Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weekes, M.D.
This classic, originally published decades ago, remains a reader favorite for its compassionate and pragmatic approach to “nervous illness.” Dr. Weekes explains that understanding and accepting your anxiety is far more effective than trying to fight it, and she offers clear, straightforward steps toward healing.
- Written in a reassuring, empathetic tone.
- Focuses on acceptance and gentle self-coaching.
The Big Activity Book for Anxious People by Jordan Reid and Erin Williams
Sometimes, a serious approach isn’t what you need. This activity book injects humor and levity into managing anxiety, offering coloring pages, puzzles, and fill-in-the-blank exercises to provide a momentary break from stress. Fun, creative, and validating, it’s a reminder that play matters too.
- Perfect as a “palate cleanser” between heavier reads or therapies.
- Encourages relaxation through creativity.
What others are reading
Quick Comparison Table: Book Features at a Glance
| Book Title | Author(s) | Type | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook | Edmund J. Bourne | Workbook | Comprehensive tools for anxiety & phobias |
| Detox Your Thoughts | Andrea Bonior, Ph.D. | Self-help | Challenging negative thinking patterns |
| The Worry Trick | David A. Carbonell, Ph.D. | Self-help | Understanding & overcoming worry |
| The Anxiety Toolkit | Alice Boyes, Ph.D. | Self-help | Practical strategies for overthinkers |
| Mindfulness Workbook for Panic Attacks | Mayra Diaz Maher | Workbook | Mindfulness for panic management |
| When Panic Attacks | David D. Burns, M.D. | Self-help | CBT-based anxiety relief exercises |
| Better Than Perfect | Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D. | Self-help | Addressing perfectionism-driven anxiety |
| How to Feel Better | Cathy Rentzenbrink | Memoir/Easy Guide | Comfort and acceptance for hard times |
| The Girl with the Louding Voice | Abi Daré | Fiction | Finding resilience amidst adversity |
| The Pursuit of Love | Nancy Mitford | Fiction | Finding joy in anxious times |
| Rachel’s Holiday | Marian Keyes | Fiction | Self-discovery and recovery |
| Good Anxiety | Dr. Wendy Suzuki | Self-help | Harness anxiety for positive growth |
| The Stress-Proof Brain | Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D. | Workbook | Mindfulness & neuroscience for stress |
| Hope and Help for Your Nerves | Claire Weekes, M.D. | Self-help | Acceptance-based recovery |
| The Big Activity Book for Anxious People | Jordan Reid & Erin Williams | Activity/Craft | Creative relief and humor |
Tips for Choosing the Right Anxiety Book
- Identify your needs: Decide if you want step-by-step exercises, personal stories, or immediate relief through humor and creativity.
- Ask for professional guidance: If you’re in therapy, your mental health provider can recommend books aligned with your coping style.
- Sample before buying: Read a few pages or reviews to ensure the book’s style suits your preferences and current state of mind.
- Remember: Not every book fits every reader. It’s okay to set one aside and try another if one doesn’t resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are anxiety books a substitute for therapy?
No. While self-help books can be empowering and provide valuable strategies, severe or persistent anxiety may require professional help. Books can complement therapy but should not replace consulting with a licensed mental health professional when needed.
What if I feel overwhelmed by reading self-help books?
It’s common for some readers with anxiety to feel overwhelmed by advice or strategies. In such cases, choose books with a gentle, compassionate tone, such as memoirs or activity-based books, and take breaks as needed. Remember, progress can be gradual.
Can fiction really help with anxiety?
Yes. Fiction can act as a mirror, helping people process their feelings indirectly, offer hope through character journeys, and give a temporary escape from stressful thoughts. Many readers find solace in seeing characters overcome adversity and discover resilience.
Are activity books effective for managing anxiety?
For some, yes. Creative activities can promote mindfulness, distract from excessive worry, and inject moments of levity into challenging days. Activity books aren’t a “cure,” but they can be valuable tools as part of a broader coping strategy.
Final Thoughts
Managing anxiety is a personal journey, and the right book can provide not only actionable tools but also hope and connection. Whether you prefer evidence-based exercises, empathetic storytelling, or creative outlets, these books can help light the way through difficult times. If anxiety becomes unmanageable or disrupts your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for further support.
References
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/editors-choice-book-reviews/a63630047/books-anxious/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g27170259/anxiety-books/
- https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Good-Anxiety/Wendy-Suzuki/9781982170745
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/editors-choice-book-reviews/a31423976/best-books-for-anxiety/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/editors-choice-book-reviews/a61453336/books-that-can-heal/
- https://pocketmags.com/us/good-housekeeping-magazine/mar-25/articles/when-you-feel-anxious
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