The Top 10 Recommended Books for Anxiety

Anxiety can feel like a constant companion – nagging at you in quiet moments, making it hard to breathe when you’re overwhelmed, and turning simple tasks into monumental challenges. If you’ve been battling anxiety, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience the same struggle every day, and while there’s no quick fix, there are tools out there that can help you manage it better.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic worry, social anxiety, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts, the right resources can make a big difference. In this list, you can find ten books that range from scientific insights to deeply personal reflections on overcoming anxiety. These aren’t just theoretical guides; they’re packed with real-world advice and strategies that have helped millions of people regain control of their lives. If you’re ready to take a step toward managing your anxiety, starting with one of these titles is a good step.

 ‘The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook’ by Edmund J. Bourne (1990)

A comprehensive guide filled with practical exercises, ‘The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook’ offers step-by-step techniques to reduce anxiety and panic. Covering everything from relaxation techniques to cognitive restructuring, this book is a must for anyone dealing with anxiety disorders or phobias.

‘Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind’ by Judson Brewer (2021)

In ‘Unwinding Anxiety’, Dr. Judson Brewer uses neuroscience to explain how habits of worry and fear develop and offers strategies to break these cycles. Combining mindfulness and behavioural psychology, this book provides readers with a deeper understanding of their anxiety and practical tools to overcome it.

‘Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind: How to Stop the Cycle of Anxiety, Fear, and Worry’ by Jennifer Shannon (2017)

In this book, Jennifer Shannon introduces the idea of the “monkey mind,” a metaphor for the chaotic, anxious thoughts that often take over. By using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, readers can learn to quiet their mind, stop feeding their anxiety, and regain control over their thoughts and emotions.

‘The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven, Step-by-Step Techniques for Overcoming Your Fear’ by Martin M. Antony and Richard P. Swinson (2008)

This workbook provides a structured approach to overcoming social anxiety and shyness. With exercises based on CBT, exposure therapy, and mindfulness, it offers readers strategies to challenge negative thought patterns, face their fears, and build social confidence.

‘Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry’ by Catherine M. Pittman and Elizabeth M. Karle (2015)

This book explores the science of anxiety, focusing on how different parts of the brain contribute to anxious thoughts and behaviours. By understanding the brain’s role, readers can apply specific techniques to “rewire” their response to anxiety and reduce its hold on their life.

‘Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks’ by Barry McDonagh (2015)

‘Dare’ presents a fresh approach to dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. Instead of avoiding or fighting anxiety, Barry McDonagh encourages readers to confront it head-on using a method called the DARE response, which helps reduce fear and regain confidence.

‘Goodbye Anxiety: A Guided Journal for Overcoming Worry’ by Terri Bacow (2022)

Part workbook, part journal, ‘Goodbye Anxiety’ offers prompts and exercises designed to help readers reflect on their anxiety, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies. It’s a practical, hands-on approach for managing worry and building emotional resilience.

‘Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts’ by Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif (2017)

This book tackles a specific aspect of anxiety: unwanted, obsessive thoughts. Using CBT principles, the authors teach readers how to distance themselves from these thoughts and reduce their emotional impact, helping those who struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or generalised anxiety.

‘Notes on a Nervous Planet’ by Matt Haig (2018)

‘Notes on a Nervous Planet’ is a personal, insightful reflection on how modern life contributes to anxiety. Matt Haig explores the pressures of technology, social media, and the fast-paced nature of the world, offering readers thoughtful advice on how to maintain mental well-being in a chaotic society.

‘How to Stop Worrying and Start Living’ by Dale Carnegie (1948)

This timeless classic by Dale Carnegie provides practical advice on reducing worry and living a more fulfilling life. With real-life examples and simple strategies, Carnegie’s book continues to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to manage anxiety and focus on the present.

And that concludes this list. Rather long names for most of these books, but they’re guaranteed to work.

Life can get busy, and sometimes sitting down with a book for hours feels impossible. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on learning the valuable lessons these books have to offer. That’s where Wizdom comes in. This app offers bite-sized summaries and audio versions of thousands of books, including some from this list, so you can absorb their key takeaways while on the go. Whether you’re commuting, doing chores, or just squeezing in some time during a busy day, Wizdom makes it easy to fit more “reading” into your life.