Self-Help Books, Audio and Resources

How to Pick Self-Help Books and Audio That Actually Help With Anxiety

How to Pick Self-Help Books and Audio That Actually Help With Anxiety

When your mind is running fast, it is easy to grab the first book or audio that says it will calm you down.
When Anxiety Starts Running Your Day: Signs It’s Time to Get Help

When Anxiety Starts Running Your Day: Signs It’s Time to Get Help

Anxiety is a normal alarm.
How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Less Awkward and More Helpful

How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Less Awkward and More Helpful

Walking into a room full of people you don’t know can feel like a lot.
When Worry Starts Running Your Life: Signs It’s Time to Get Professional Help

When Worry Starts Running Your Life: Signs It’s Time to Get Professional Help

Worry is normal.
How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Safe and Useful

How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Safe and Useful

A peer support group can be a simple thing: a few people who meet to talk about worry and stress, listen to each other, and share what helps.
Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine: Make a Plan Before You Need It

Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine: Make a Plan Before You Need It

A fast-acting anxiety pill can feel like a fire extinguisher.
A New Way to Practice Scary Moments Before They Happen

A New Way to Practice Scary Moments Before They Happen

Some scary moments feel impossible to practice for.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Therapist Near You

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Therapist Near You

When you feel anxious, making phone calls can feel like a lot.
How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Who Fits

How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Who Fits

Finding a therapist or doctor near you can feel like a big job.
Managing Medication Side Effects: What to Do When Your Anxiety Medicine Feels Off

Managing Medication Side Effects: What to Do When Your Anxiety Medicine Feels Off

When you start a new medicine for anxiety, or when your dose changes, you might notice your body or mood feels different.
How to Use Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine Without Leaning on It Too Much

How to Use Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine Without Leaning on It Too Much

Fast-acting anxiety medicine can be a helpful tool when your body feels like it is stuck in high gear.
How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Without Getting Stuck

How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Without Getting Stuck

When you decide you want extra help with worry, the next step can feel like a wall.

Quick Tips

How can I find a hobby if I don’t feel excited about anything right now?

It’s completely normal to feel this way when you’re stressed. The key is to start incredibly small and remove all pressure. Don’t look for a huge new passion. Just try a simple, hands-on activity for five minutes. This could be organizing a small shelf, doodling with a pen, listening to one new song, or walking around the block. The goal isn’t to be the best; it’s just to see if you can find a tiny spark of interest or distraction. Often, starting is the hardest part, and a small action can build momentum.

How does L-Theanine make you feel calmer?

L-Theanine works in your brain by helping to increase something called “alpha waves.“ You don’t need to remember the name, just know that these brain waves are linked to a state of “alert calmness.“ It’s the feeling you get when you’re relaxed in a hammock but still fully aware of the birds singing around you. It doesn’t shut your brain off. Instead, it helps quiet the noisy, worried thoughts while letting you stay sharp and present, which is perfect for when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

What if I’m worried about side effects?

It’s completely normal to worry about side effects, so tell your doctor exactly what you’re afraid of. You can say, “I’m really nervous about [gaining weight, feeling dizzy, etc.], are there options with less risk of that?“ Ask how common the side effects are and if they usually go away after a while. Knowing what’s normal and what’s a sign to call them can ease your mind. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons to find a choice you feel good about.

I’m nervous about asking for help. What can I do?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about asking for help! It can feel scary. A good trick is to plan what you want to say beforehand. You could write it down in a note or a text if saying it out loud feels too hard. Remember that the people who care about you want to support you. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows you are taking control of your feelings.

What are the best food sources of probiotics?

You don’t always need a pill to get probiotics; you can find them in delicious foods! Some of the best sources are yogurt with “live and active cultures,“ kefir (a tangy drinkable yogurt), and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Other good options include kombucha (a fizzy fermented tea) and miso (a paste used in soups). When shopping, look for words like “live cultures” or “fermented” on the label. Adding a serving of these foods to your diet each day is a simple way to feed your gut the good guys.