One Less Thing to Worry About

April 13, 2009
In this guide for women, author and anxiety specialist Ross (Triumph Over Fear) looks at day-by-day anxieties, the ways people tend to cope, and the ways that they should. Beginning with the idea that "each of us has a different relationship with our anxiety," Ross's goal is to help women improve that relationship so that they can learn from their anxiety while keeping it under control. Initial chapters look at the psychology and physiology of worry, before moving on to profile four types of anxiety relationships: "reflexive-impulsive," "pervasive-adaptive," "primitive-preventative" and "imperative-fugitive." The final third provides the "Ross Prescription" for managing anxiety, a number of solid ideas from focusing on what's doable (rather than what's not) to rating anxiety on a scale, as well as relaxation techniques and where to seek further help. Ross has a talky style and a tendency toward storytelling, but her detailed anecdotes are largely worthwhile, and she stops when needed to supply bulleted lists, charts and self-tests. For those who don't mind the narrative sprawl, Ross's of-the-moment self-help should provide much insight for women anxious over being anxious.