The best anxiety books to buy to tackle your stress head on

A huge portion of your self-care journey with anxiety is learning to let go. To let go of your high expectations for what you thought you were, what you are going to be, what could have been - and to live in the present, day by day. During the many decades of David R. Hawkins' clinical psychiatric practice, his primary aim was to seek the most effective ways to relieve human suffering in all of its many forms.

Review by Closer writer Ruby Barry (June 2023): "Learning to stop trying to predict everything can give you space to take in life one moment at a time, and David R. Hawkins' well-renowned book is your starting point. I truly believe everyone with an anxiety disorder should have this guide on their bookshelf. Hawkins' book gets to the root and trauma of your anxiety, not just the surface-level stuff, which can't just be healed with a face mask (unfortunately). You have to face your demons and learn to change and grow, and I highly recommend Letting Go to anyone who needs help."

Any anxiety-disorder sufferer will tell you that half the problem is panicking about having anxiety. This vicious circle can be tackled, and Joshua Fletcher's fantastic book is a great start. Anxiety Panicking about Panic provides quick, easy-to-access advice and practical strategies, which aim to educate the reader to simplify their world of anxiety in order to successfully tackle it.

Reader review (Jamieson, April 2022): "I cannot thank the author of this book enough, the words in this book were no doubt instrumental in helping me tackle my panic disorder. The author gives a fresh outlook on panic, and his words allowed me to see it in a new, less threatening light. As I began to understand how all of my problems boiled down to anxiety, how what I was experiencing was a normal reaction to stress/worry and that I was not alone I started to calm down and was in a position to manage the panic! The only thing I would add, from my experience, is that CBT can really complement this outlook. So firstly if you have a panic disorder I 100% recommend this book!! And I would also recommend CBT as a method of putting this thinking into practice. Good luck xx"

Written by the famous and hilarious Ruby Wax, a self-sufferer of anxiety, this book shows one how to de-frazzle for good by making simple changes that give us time to breathe, reflect and live in the moment. It's an easy-to-understand introduction to mindfulness, weaved together with Ruby's trademark wit and humour.

Reader review (European Wanderer, January 2021): "Brilliant book - full of wisdom (and humour to alleviate the science). Written by a word artist who conveys compassion, information, love, action and everything else you would want of a generous well-informed friend who puts you at the centre of your problem and shows you kindly but firmly that there is much you can do to take the pressure off and slow down the brain chatter- perhaps after the pharmaceuticals have kicked in or before they're needed. Thank you Ruby Wax - you deserve a very loud round of applause for your honesty, generosity and wisdom."

Bryony Gordon’s No Such Thing As Normal equips its reader with relatable yet informative advice covering subjects like sleep, addiction, worry, medication, self-image, boundary setting, therapy, learned behaviour and mindfulness. Whilst spotlighting the power of walking and talking, this book ensures you feel less alone.

Reader review (Sue D, January 2021): "An actual account of what life is like living with mental illness and for a first some real, practical and manageable advice and coping strategies. Very refreshing to read something real and hopeful and I've read a lot of books on the subject, I've loved every one of Bryony's books and this one is no different, couldn't put it down."

This heart-warming memoir follows Lauren on the journey of untangling the reason behind her anxiety-induced skin-picking. Thoughtful and candid, this unsparing debut explores obsession, forgiveness, stigma and healing.

Reader review (Sian, November 2022): "I am always impressed by books that genuinely make me laugh out loud, and Lauren is masterful at tickling my funny bone with her hilarious turns of phrase and pitch-perfect references. These are sometimes quite dark, but all the more powerful and knowing for that. Formally, too, the book is very interesting as it follows her experience with anxiety, recreating how an anxious mind whizzes, repeats and spirals. I felt like I understood and saw some of my own anxiety through her eyes as she distilled and interrogated things I'd felt about myself but had not been able to articulate or place before. Can't wait to see more of her work!"

Filled with stunning yet soothing illustrations, this collection of thought-provoking poetry celebrates hope whilst inviting you to consider the delightful purpose behind the seemingly mundane everyday.

Reader review (Ramaa, January 2021): "I'm an e-book person but strongly recommend buying a physical copy as the colours and the messages and the lettering deserve to be enjoyed in a more tangible way as you turn the pages. In a world of white pages, this book is a breath of fresh air; and as other reviews indicate, the messages are balm to a bruised heart. Highly recommended and makes a terrific gift too."

Heartfelt and purposeful, this collection of poems narrates grief, heartbreak, feminism, navigating your twenties and loneliness. Allowing the reader to embark on an immersive journey of self-discovery to unlock a less lonely and overwhelming mindset. 

Reader review (Flo, November 2022): "A beautiful collection of poetry. A must-have. Viewing life, emotions and experiences as a colour palette - is very clever and thought-provoking. Would make a lovely Christmas stocking filler! A talented young poet in the making."

This uplifting series of essays offers witty yet wise advice for when you’re faced with life's unavoidable dissatisfactions. 

Reader review (Julie Perelman, June 2019): "- "I feel iterations of myself as if right-now-me crosses paths with past-me or imaginary-me or future-me. 'I miss you when I blink,' says one. 'I'm right here,' says the other, and reaches out a hand." -

I don't care if you're 21, 50, or 100... this book is for you. Mary Laura Philpott's writing has an incredible way of making you feel seen, no matter what stage of life you're in. You'll want to keep this one close by at all times, whether it's for a pick-me-up, a laugh, or a sage piece of advice."

Restorative and dreamy, these calming short tales are sure to induce some well-needed R&R for any frazzled reader.

Reader review (Life_By_Makky, January 2019): "I bought this for my sister’s birthday as part of my contribution to her mindfulness and I’m really glad I did. It came highly recommended in the Stylist magazine because of Lucy M and it’s worth every penny. Great stories for [stressed out] adults indeed."

If distraction is a huge help for your anxiety, then why not sink into a good juicy book like Small Pleasures? Described as bittersweet and escapist, this irresistible novel follows a journalist on an unlikely and moving adventure dappled with friendship, love and a miraculous event, whilst being effortless to read.

Reader review (Sophie Snell, October 2022): "Hard to review without giving too much away - but this book is beautifully written, elegant and subtle in its observations, with an unusual and interesting theme. And the ending is more ambiguous than you think - as it in could go either way - is your glass half full or half empty? Very well crafted, carefully paced, and engagingly plotted. If you are up for a gentle, thoughtful read with a bit of a clever underscore, then I hope you will enjoy this as much as I did"

This enchanting hardback explores a whimsical world of timeless Japanese folk tales, transcending the reader into a captivating timeline that is sure to make the hours fly by whilst you unwind. Feel at peace and calm your heart and head down with these gorgeous tales of wonder.

Reader review (Brena Newnham, November 2022): "As a lover of Fairy Tales, I snatched this up and became immediately immersed in it. The Ungrateful Rat is my favourite! The fairy tales range from lessons to pure enjoyment with this incredible, effortless flow that held my attention even more. The description is simple and delightful, leaving you entranced in these enchanted tales. This is one of my treasured books on my shelf!"