Stopping the Noise in Your Head : the New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because it will help anyone who worries or is anxious at any point along the anxiety spectrum. If you are a good reader and pursue some of the many current books that explain the larger political-economic situation we face, not just as a country, but as a planet, ruled by multinational corporations and their agenda, you will have a good background on why so many people are not only suffering from anxiety. Tragically our rate of suicide is escalating. We live in a world of perpetual war, fought very often for the interests of private profit. Unlike 50 years ago we have a large population living on the streets. We teeter on the brink of ecological crisis. Economic inequality in our time is as pronounced as in the late 1800's and early 1900's before the Great Depression. There is a war on labor unions and most people have seen their pay stagnant and benefits decreasing. We have just impeached a President. We are dealing with malfeasance and corruption at every level, something America knew in the past but ostensibly had moved beyond in this day and age. For example we the taxpayers were required to bail out banks too-big-to-fail to the overall tune of $12 trillion dollars under a President that also began the Middle East wars on some very false premises. Some books that explain the world we are living in that I recommend are-AMERICAN OLIGARCHY BY RON FORMISANO-DARK MONEY BY JANE MAYER-INVISIBLE HANDS BY KIM PHILLIPS-FEIN-OVERRIPE ECONOMY BY ALAN NASSER-DEMOCRACY IN CHAINS BY NANCY MACLEAN-WTF AMERICA BY JOHN ATCHESON-WAR MADE EASY BY NORMAN SOLOMAN-WHEN CORPORATIONS RULE THE WORLD BY DAVID KORTEN-THE WAR AT HOME: THE CORPORATE OFFENSIVE BY JACK RASMUS-REALITY IGNORED BY KENNETH DAVIDSON-CORNERED - A MISSING KEY TO PROSPERITY, OPPORTUNITY, AND DEMOCRACY BY BARRY C. LYNN-THE CORPORATION BY JOEL BAKAN-THE CAPITALISM PAPERS BY JERRY MANDER-AYN RAND NATION BY GARY WEISS-AMERICAN FASCISTS: THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT AND THE WAR ON AMERICA BY CHRIS HEDGES-CORPORATION NATION BY CHARLES DERBER-REQUIEM FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM BY NOAM CHOMSKY-CORPORATE PREDATORS BY RUSSELL MOKHIBER-ON THE RAMPAGE BY RUSSELL MOKHIBER-HOW WEALTH RULES THE WORLD BY BEN G. PRICE-THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DRUG COMPANIES BY MARCIA ANGELL MD-CAPTURED: THE CORPORATE INFILTRATION OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY BY SHELDON WHITEHOUSE-THE PRICE OF INEQUALITY BY JOSEPH STIGLITZ-BEYOND OUTRAGE BY ROBERT REICHAnd it is no wonder that worry and anxiety is reaching epidemic proportions. It may take several forms ... it may be sublimated into OCD "obsessive compulsive disorder" in which people repeat meaningless rituals, have phobias about elevators or germs, or are afraid to leave their homes. Or the worry may just be focused on finances. Modern companies are moving offshore where labor is cheaper, or importing labor from the third-world; they are merging, and they are outsourcing, and many white-collar employers are seeing workers as "too old" at 40 when they have decades of life ahead and children to send through college. The worry and anxiety are understandable and folks like Reid Wilson know exactly what they are doing. For some folks, the anxiety is so severe they will need to take the further step of seeing a therapist; others still have their heads above water enough so that they will be able to use this book and others like it to great benefit. If you worry about someday, after your college and advanced degree, and decades of consuming work for employers, you will end up homeless yourself ... I recommend you read this book or search out the many similar others. I give this one an advantage because Reid's system goes a step beyond the proven exposure and cognitive combination approach to guiding you into a complete change of attitude.

I recently discovered I was living with OCD for the past 16 years or so, starting when I was around 10. It could best be described as intrusive thoughts and pure o mostly centering around existential themes, but I've also had bouts of relationship OCD, harm OCD, etc. I had always managed it, either via compulsions or trying my best to ignore and avoid confronting my thoughts, but eventually it got worse. I mustered up the courage to talk to my friends, family, and a professional when it got bad recently. Although talking to a professional has helped, ultimately treatment is up to each individual personally. This book has been the biggest factor in my OCD recovery. Dr. Wilson incorporates a no nonsense attitude throughout this book. His honesty, humor, and compassion really helps you relate to everything he says, almost like he is there with you to guide you each step of the way. What stands out most to me is how he understands how difficult this process of getting over anxiety can be and never sugar coats it. He relates to the reader via humor and a matter-of-fact way of writing that sounds like you are talking to a good friend. I can't count the number of times the words on the page that illustrated specific doubts, fears, and insecurities were the exact same that were in my head. Dr. Wilson truly understands what it is like to deal with OCD and anxiety, and how stepping forward without knowing what is going to happen, and being completely uncertain about the outcome, can be so difficult for so many of us. However, with his guidance throughout the book, he explains how we can fight through these feelings by having a sense of grit and courage, and not pushing these feelings aside, but WANTING them and welcoming them, facing them head on despite our fear. This book not only will help you deal with anxiety and OCD, but will give you a new perspective on your life and how you may have been dealing with things prior. I'd recommend anyone read this book, even if anxiety or OCD is only a minor concern in your life, as I think it has great value as a guide on how to take back control of your own life regardless of your circumstances.

Really good, full of helpful info for anyone who worries a lot and/or has intrusive thoughts (like in OCD). It was a little heavy on sports metaphors which is not my thing, but I’m sure a lot of people would appreciate that.

My wife found that this book is very helpful for her. Here is her review:My name is Lise from Seattle. I deal with Harm OCD. The best book I have ever read has changed my life on this anxiety disorder. The book is called "Stopping the Noise in your head." -by Reid Wilson. Literally, the book has changed my life and the way I tackle my anxiety disorder. So many great pointers and tips and strategies to use to beat your opponent which is in my case OCD. Reid has a plethora of knowledge in his background to help anxiety sufferers win the game and reach their goals, whether it is becoming stronger, or getting their lives back from anxiety. I take this book wherever I go on trips to keep me on track. I refer to it often. I have given several copies to friends and even have two of my. own. This is a MUST have for anyone who has anxiety, OCD, etc. Yes-it does take an aggressive approach, but it is well worth it. It is well written and easy to understand and to apply. A plethora of tools are in the book to help you win against anxiety. This book is not only a game changer, but a life changer. I don't think there is a better book out there written by such a well known person in the field. Reid's experience working with people with anxiety disorders like OCD is unprecedented. He is highly sought after all over the world and for good reason. Check him out on youtube and anxieties.com. I give this book by Reid Wilson 5 plus stars. The highest rating possible!!! Read it! Apply it! Your life will change!