Book of the Week: The Only Anxiety Book for Teens You Will Ever Need by Carla Picolli

This is a comprehensive guide tailored to help teens understand and manage anxiety, blending scientific insights with practical exercises for tackling life’s challenges.

Review

Empowering, Insightful, Supportive.

The rise of anxiety among teens is a growing concern, with modern pressures like social media, academic expectations, and identity struggles taking a toll on mental well-being. Carla Picolli’s The Only Anxiety Book for Teens You Will Ever Need is a timely and valuable resource, offering practical advice grounded in psychology. For many teens, understanding their anxious thoughts can be overwhelming. Picolli’s work shines as a supportive guide, helping young readers decode their experiences while presenting actionable strategies to regain balance.

The book looks into the science behind anxiety, explaining concepts like the role of the amygdala and how hormones during puberty amplify stress responses. It also connects these scientific explanations to relatable scenarios, such as managing academic pressures and dealing with social media-induced FOMO. Picolli provides a range of tools, from breathing techniques to journaling exercises, designed to help teens understand their triggers and build resilience. Her narrative is empathetic and non-judgmental, creating a safe space for readers to explore their feelings without shame. The worksheets embedded throughout add a hands-on dimension, encouraging teens to take an active role in their mental health journey.

My favorite parts include the section on “The Anxious Teen Brain,” where Picolli simplifies the complexities of neurobiology, making it accessible and relevant. The book’s focus on the power of self-reflection and the importance of building a supportive network of friends and family are also standout elements. Picolli’s anecdotes, like the story of Alex, a teen grappling with anxiety about fitting in, make the information feel personal and relatable, reminding readers they are not alone in their struggles.

Those looking for a deeply philosophical or literary exploration of anxiety may find this book too practical in its approach, and it might not resonate with adults seeking advanced discussions on mental health. However, teens grappling with anxiety, parents looking for ways to support their children, and educators wanting to foster a more empathetic environment will find this book invaluable. Its practical nature and direct focus on real-life application set it apart from other works in the field, reminiscent of books like Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety by Christopher Willard.

The Only Anxiety Book for Teens You Will Ever Need is like a warm guidebook that lights the path toward self-acceptance and resilience, offering teens the tools to turn their fear into a journey of self-discovery. It weaves together knowledge, empathy, and actionable steps, making it a must-read for those seeking to go through the stormy seas of adolescence with confidence and hope.

You can buy the book through major retailers including Amazon.

Book of the Week Award

This book is a winner of the Books for Humanity Global’s Book of the Week Award. The book meets the criteria through its emphasis on empowerment, inclusivity, and accessibility. It offers valuable mental health resources without complex jargon, making it approachable for young readers. It prioritizes practical well-being strategies, fostering a sense of unity and resilience among teens facing similar struggles. The use of engaging stories, evidence-based techniques, and an emphasis on the importance of diversity in experiences makes this book a standout in promoting humanity, understanding, and mental health awareness.

About the Book of the Week Award

Discover our carefully chosen Book of the Week—a compelling read that offers fresh perspectives and enriches the human experience. Here, we highlight a unique book that captures the essence of storytelling, whether through gripping narratives, thought-provoking themes, or inspiring characters. Get into our selection and explore why it’s a must-read for book lovers across the globe. Don’t miss out on our picks that celebrate the power of literature to connect, uplift, and transform.

To nominate a book for the award, visit our Awards page.