✝️ "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]

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

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html


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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