✝️ "Managing Worry and Anxiety" [Non-Fiction] ✝️ (2020) - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Paperback:
224 pages
Publisher:
Revell (January 21, 2020)
Language:
English
ISBN-10:
0800736071
ISBN-13:
978-0800736071
[Click photo to purchase]
[Click photo to purchase]
“Scripture says "be anxious for
nothing," yet most of us find ourselves increasingly worried and
anxious--about our families, our jobs, our finances, our security, and so much
more. We're even worried about our level of anxiety!
Integrating both the psychological and
spiritual aspects of anxiety, therapist Jean Holthaus offers this
research-driven and faith-informed approach to understanding why we experience
anxiety and shows us how to effectively manage it by developing three essential
skills:
- living in the present moment
- suspending judgment
- believing yourself to be competent and
equipped by God
Our world is never going to be a completely safe
and understandable place. But with Holthaus's help, our hearts and minds can
experience greater and lasting peace.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell
Books, for providing a complimentary copy to review. A positive review was NOT
required, and all words are my own.
Believe it or not I got this to gain some
insight into what exactly anxiety is.
While I do have “concerns” or small worries,
anxiety is something I cannot wrap my head around. And, I also wanted to know
if there were ways in here I could help others I care about who struggle with
it. It also reinforced some things I already knew.
This is like an intense therapy session as the
writing combines the science behind worry, anxiety, and depression with some
spiritual references. Due to the scientific/medical aspect, this can be an
overwhelming read for some people who might not understand or know about some
of the terms that the author is using. There are diagrams which might help readers
understand or see where the problem might be. This is done more or less to
examine the cause and understand anxiety as well as to help with managing it.
While this is from the Revell line, which is
known for their spiritual and faith books, this was light on the “God”
talk. There were some scriptures and
references to the bible as to how it would apply in our daily lives, so the
author doesn’t come off preachy. Depending on where people are in their faith
journey, they may appreciate a lighter tone, others may not.
As Holthaus points out, there is no simple
explanation or solution. Thus, this is not going to be a “one & done” read
either. As she explains, part of the
reason for the confusion is how the word has been and is continued to be used.
She examines the healthy anxiety (flight/flight/freeze)
mode, versus the worry zone, such as thinking about future problems.
The book is useful for those who might not
understand what a loved one is going through with anxiety, which is what most
of the book covers. It covers some aspects of OCD, PTSD (post-traumatic stress
disorder), and agoraphobia. She is also careful to examine what might cause each
one with both medical and spiritual aspects being explored.
The author also explores why our childhood is
important to us. One example is that a child whose emotions or concerns were
invalidated might not be able to express themselves as an adult. She also
states that in managing our own emotions we sometimes ignore, minimize, or discount
the feelings of others.
Another key factor was “assuming”. We shouldn’t
assume what others are feeling, but ask.
Holthaus is honest and uses her own experiences
to try to relate to the reader that certain things do happen, and how she was
able to overcome them.
A very interesting part was the word “judgment”
and how it applies to ourselves and how we view others. I was shocked to
discover how many words can apply: opinion, estimation, a belief, an idea,
thoughts about something, or criticism. Whether or not the reader agrees will
be up to them.
The book also provides “tools” to help lessen
the anxiety, not that we won’t have it, but it is the author’s intent that the
tools well help it to not overwhelm.
This is definitely a relevant read, especially
with social media overwhelming our lives.
I particularly enjoyed the author having an
appendix with “feeling” words at the back to help the reader self-assess and
get in touch with their feelings.
A recommendation is difficult for this as it
depends on the reader’s “faith” level, their familiarity of
medical/psychological terms, as well as their personal preferences.
I do feel as though the book was informative,
if overly so. There were enough Christian references to make the author’s
point. I also enjoyed the medical/psychological aspect too.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jean Holthaus, LISW, LMSW, has more than twenty-five years pf experience providing therapy. She
currently works as a clinician and manages two clinics for Pine Rest Christian
Mental Health Services. Her professional experience includes working with
individuals, couples, and families dealing with abuse, anxiety, depression,
marital issues, divorce, spiritual issues, changes of life, parenting, and
more. A member of the National Association of Social Workers and the American
Association of Christian Counselors, Jean lives in Iowa.
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