Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Depression: New Ways to Regain your Confidence (Paperback)

by Arthur H. Bell, James Gardner (Author) "Before we introduce ourselves, let us make a few guesses about you..." (more)
Key Phrases: neurotransmitter material, reuptake pump, midbrain raphe, United States, Herbert Benson, New York (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Career Press (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564144356
• ISBN-13: 978-1564144355
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,199 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All I needed to know, February 13, 2000

By A Customer

After reading several self-help books on anxiety and depression, I finally found one that answers my questions. Suffering from panic attacks myself, and having to deal with friends and family members with severe depression and emotional dysfunction, I felt confused and helpless about where to start on the road to wellness. Rather than narrowly focusing on a simple solution or fad remedy, Dr. Gardner and Dr. Bell tell the whole story, and a fascinating story at that, about where these problems come from, and what has been done from the ancient Greeks to the present to help relieve the pain and suffering that is a normal aspect of the human experience. (Guess what---you're not alone! ) All the modern medical treatments are described clearly and in detail, including the brain chemistry background needed to understand the logic of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs. I was also impressed that equal time was given to alternative treatments that have some proven validity, such as herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, traditional chinese medicine, and homeopathy. In addition, how psychological counseling, behavioral therapy, and biofeedback can help was explained, as well as many useful suggestions on what each person can do themselves to face anxiety and depression with confidence, including letting go of things you can't control, healthy dietary advice, natural, herbal and medical ways to improve sleep architecture so your brain performs better, a simple and easy exercise plan to relieve stress, and recognition of our inner strengths and spiritual powers, if one is so inclined. The most important benefit of "Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Depression" is the encouragement and sense of empowerment the book has given me. Now that I have some idea why I am the way I am, and all my options have been laid out in front of me, I feel I can start to take back control and be responsible in confronting and resolving these problems rather than letting them make my life less than it could be. I recommend this book to you if you are looking for honest, no-hype answers and lasting, real solutions. I came back on-line to write this review, as well as to buy another five copies for some people I know who need to hear the positive message it provides.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Require this book for psychology majors!, February 25, 2000

By	David Khalili (Where in the world are you?) - See all my reviews

A wondefully written book, I must say. The first medical/psychological help book I've read before and it has tickled my interest. Dr. James Gardner helps anyone and everyone who has ever experienced a little bit or a lot of anxiety(which is most of us) and explains in simple language why it is happening and what to do about it. If going the medical method is not your savy, than you have a whole chapter just for herbal remedies, everything from kava kava to ginko biloba. A friend of mine who is currently angoraphobic is reading the book and she rants and raves about how much help the book is giving her. In no way, shape or fom does Gardner force his beliefs down your throat and generalize what is going on with the general population and their experiences. He helps you with a plethora of options which work with different people for different symptoms. As a psychology major I wouldn't be surprised to see this as a required reading for a class of mine. Don't let the fact that this is Gardner's first book, there is no evidence of amateurity. Enjoy!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review from a "Bipole", March 21, 2004

By	Doris Jean E. SANDELL "doughjean" (New Brunswick, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a fabulous resource. I've had depression, mania and anxiety (as well as panic attacks) for the past at least four years, and I've read A LOT of books that aim to help you understand your diagnosis, symptoms, and struggles, and many have been very helpful. This one takes the cake. While not all of the information was new to me, a lot of it was, and the format was perfect for truly helping me understand. The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of 5 is because I wish there were a newer edition that could update some of the information on medications.