Anxiety Support Resources
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenge, affecting millions of people. Fortunately it is also one of the most treatable.
We have gathered some resources to help you better understand and manage your own anxiety, and provide guidance on supporting a loved one dealing with anxiety and related disorders.
Podcasts
The Anxious Truth
The Anxious Truth is a leading source of anxiety support and education. This long-running self-help podcast is grounded in a combination of clinical expertise and everyday experience. The host, Drew Linsalata, is a self-described “former sufferer” of panic disorder, agoraphobia and depression.
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
with Paul Gilmartin
“Terrible, Thanks For Asking” is a show by author Nora McInerny that lets real people get real honest about how they're really doing. It makes space for how it really feels to go through the hard things in life, and a community of people who get it.
The Happiness Lab
with Dr. Laurie Santos
Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale — the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history — The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
Anxiety Slayer
with Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer
A leading resource for anyone who suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and PTSD. Their mission is to help you calm your mind and feel more peace and tranquility in your life with their podcasts and relaxing meditation episodes.
The Calmer You
with Chloe Brotheridge
Chloe Brotheridge is a hypnotherapist, anxiety coach, and author who offers suggestions on how to tackle everyday anxiety and stresses. The podcast offers guidance based on her own personal work and training on learning how to overcome her own anxiety and panic disorder.
Videos
Breaking free of Anxiety -
a Journey through SPACE
A teenage girl coping with anxiety, and her mother's determination to help her overcome it. SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions and is a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems.
Learn more about SPACE program here.
Online Resources
Child Mind Institute
Website: https://childmind.org
This nonprofit organization offers extensive resources on child mental health, including articles and guides on managing childhood anxiety and depression in children and teens. It also provides tools to help parents support their children’s emotional well-being.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Website: https://www.nami.org
NAMI offers resources and support for parents of children and teens with depression. The site provides educational material on childhood depression, along with access to support groups and guidance on navigating treatment options.
Greater Mental Health of New York
Website: https://greatermentalhealth.org/
Greater Mental Health of New York has promoted the mental and emotional well-being of individuals throughout the Hudson Valley for nearly 80 years. Their wide array of mental health and substance use treatment services support people of all ages as they navigate their unique journeys, with the goal of providing the care that is right for each individual and their goals.
Anxiety Canada
Website: https://www.anxietycanada.com
Anxiety Canada has resources dedicated to managing anxiety, including self-help tools and information specifically for children and teens. The website also offers tips for parents on helping their children cope with anxiety.
HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Website: https://www.healthychildren.org
This website, run by the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides helpful information for parents on depression in children. It includes advice on symptoms, coping strategies, and how to find mental health resources.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov
NIMH provides authoritative information on mental health conditions, including childhood anxiety. Their resources for parents offer insights on recognizing symptoms, understanding treatment options, and supporting anxious children.
WorryWiseKids
Website: http://worrywisekids.org
WorryWiseKids offers a range of articles and advice for parents dealing with anxious children. It helps parents understand anxiety disorders in kids and provides coping tools and information on therapy options.
YoungMinds (UK)
Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds focuses on mental health support for children and adolescents. The site has a section for parents that provides guidance on how to support a child struggling with anxiety or other emotional issues.
KidsHealth
Website: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety-disorders.html
KidsHealth offers clear, straightforward information on childhood anxiety and other challenges, including practical advice for parents on how to recognize symptoms, reduce stress, and seek professional help for their child.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
Website: https://www.abct.org
ABCT provides resources related to cognitive-behavioral therapy, including information for parents on managing anxiety in children. The site offers guidance on finding therapists and using evidence-based treatments for anxiety.
Parenting Anxious Kids (Australia)
Website: https://www.parentinganxiouskids.com.au
This website offers advice, tips, and tools specifically designed for parents of anxious children. It covers common parenting challenges and provides strategies to help kids manage their anxiety.
The Calm Clinic
Website: https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/children
Calm Clinic focuses on understanding and managing anxiety, with a dedicated section on anxiety in children. It offers tips for recognizing symptoms, reducing anxiety, and supporting a child's emotional well-being.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Website: https://adaa.org
ADAA offers information on both anxiety and depression in children and teens, with specific resources for parents. Their site includes expert advice on recognizing depression and guidance on finding professional help and treatment options.
Books
Anxiety - Charles Elliott: A clear, straightforward explanation of anxiety and how to manage it effectively.
The Anxiety Antidote – Kamran Bedi: A guide to breaking free from anxiety using a blend of mindfulness and neurolinguistic tools.
Breathe in Calm – Domonik Wegesin: A calming, breath-centered approach to reducing stress and fostering inner peace.
Unwinding Anxiety – Judson Brewer: A science-backed guide to understanding the habits behind anxiety and how to break the cycle.
Overcoming Anxiety in Children and Teens – Jed Baker: A practical handbook for helping young people manage and move through anxiety.
More Than Stress: Understanding Anxiety Disorders – Cherry Pedrick: A deeper look at anxiety disorders and how they differ from everyday stress.
A Cure for Darkness – Alex Riley: A deeply researched exploration of the science, history, and personal stories behind depression.
Profiles in Mental Health Courage – Patrick Kennedy: Inspiring stories of individuals who have bravely confronted mental health challenges.
I'm Not Okay & That's Okay – Steff DuBois: A raw and validating reminder that it's okay to struggle—and healing takes time.
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents - Eli Lebowitz: A scientifically proven program for parents to learn how to alleviate their children's anxiety by changing the way they themselves respond to their children's symptoms.
Books for Adults
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety - Dawn Huebner
A child-friendly, interactive self-help guide that teaches kids how to manage anxiety through engaging activities and coping techniques.When My Worries Get Too Big! A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with Anxiety - Kari Dunn Buron
This book uses simple language and illustrations to help children with anxiety recognize and manage their feelings of worry and stress.The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings - Anna Llenas
This visually engaging book helps young children understand and label their emotions through the adventures of a monster who experiences different feelings.The Huge Bag of Worries - Virginia Ironside
This is a helpful story for children who feel overwhelmed by worry, teaching them how to talk about and let go of their anxious thoughts.Wilma Jean the Worry Machine - Julia Cook
This book teaches kids how to identify and deal with anxiety in a positive, playful way, offering practical strategies for managing worry.The Invisible String - Patrice Karst
A comforting book that helps children dealing with separation anxiety or loss, reassuring them that love connects us all, even when we're apart.Ruby Finds a Worry - Tom Percival
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Ruby, a little girl who finds a worry that grows bigger each day. The story teaches children that talking about their worries can help them feel better.Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere - Kira Willey
A practical guide that introduces mindfulness and breathing exercises to help children manage stress and anxiety. Each exercise is written in a way that’s easy for young kids to follow."I’m Worried" - Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi
In this humorous and heartfelt book, children learn that it’s okay to have worries but that worrying doesn’t have to take over their lives. It’s a great tool for helping young readers understand their anxious feelings.Guts: A Graphic Novel - Raina Telgemeier
Guts is a graphic memoir based on the author’s childhood. It is a warm, frank portrayal of a young girl's anxiety, tummy troubles, friend issues and more.
Books for Children
Books for Adolescents
It’s Kind of a Funny Story - Ned Vizzini
A novel that tackles depression and the pressures of adolescence, based on the author’s personal experience with mental health challenges.The Rest of Us Just Live Herd - Patrick Ness
A novel that focuses on anxiety and existential fears, it explores the idea that not every teen has to be a hero, and it’s okay to just live your life.Turtles All the Way Down - John Green
This novel offers an intimate look at living with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, giving readers an honest portrayal of mental health struggles.The Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens: CBT Skills to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Panic - Jennifer Shannon
A practical guide that teaches adolescents cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anxiety and build resilience.Every Last Word - Tamara Ireland Stone
This novel tells the story of a teenage girl with OCD who learns to navigate her mental health challenges while finding solace in poetry. It’s a powerful depiction of the struggles and breakthroughs of living with mental illness.