Contents

Getting the Most from This Book

The Anatomy of Anxiety

Three Points about Feelings

Automatic Thoughts

Physical Sensations

Self-Defeating Behaviors

Putting It All Together—Anxiety as a Feedback Loop

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Simple Phobias

Social Phobias

Panic Disorder

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Sources of Anxiety

Our Biology

Life Events

Our Strategies for Coping with Stress

Discovering How You Experience Anxiety

Discovering Anxiety Triggers

Discovering Anxiety-Based Thinking

Discovering Anxiety-Based Physical Sensations

Discovering Anxiety-Based Behaviors

Discovering the Costs of Anxiety—and Your Desire to Change

Getting Help for Anxiety

Knowing When to Get Help

Treating Anxiety with Medication

Treating Anxiety with Psychotherapy

Finding a Therapist

Getting the Most from Therapy

Creating a Self-Help Plan for Anxiety

Challenge Anxiety-Based Thinking

Look for Three Irrational Beliefs

Challenge Those Beliefs

Detach from Anxiety-Based Thinking

Release Anxiety-Based Thinking with Mindfulness

Learn to Relax

Plan What to Do When You Experience Anxiety

Lower Your Overall Stress Level

Set Goals and Plan to Achieve Them

Act “As If”

Use a Journal to Support the Process of Change

Get Professional Treatment for Anxiety That’s Complicated by Addiction

Accept Anxiety

Summary: Your Quick Guide to Anxiety

How to Learn More

Notes