In exchange for my review I was given a copy of “On Edge: A Journey through Anxiety” by Andrea Peterson by Blogging For Books. The opinions I express are my own and were in no way influenced.
There are several people in my inner circle from relatives to friends who have some form of anxiety and so when Andrea Petersen became available to review I chose her book “On Edge: A Journey through Anxiety”. I was hoping if I dived deeper into what anxiety is, how it is treated, and the multi-faceted complications perhaps I can offer more compassion than my normal “I’m Sorry”.
Peterson dives into the rich history of anxiety and how it has been treated. According to the National Institute of Mental Health “Anxiety is the anticipation of pain. It could be physical pain or emotional pain.” Peterson also explains the history of the different types of treatments from electric shock treatments to medications, to cognitive therapy and a therapy called CBT and what I gather of its definition that is when you immerse yourself in the thing that is giving you the anxiety. I only knew about the medications, because I have several people in my life who are on different types and who are in different parts of their anxiety.
Here is what I have learned about anxiety:
- Everyone experiences it differently and therefore the treatment for their anxiety is going to be catered to them.
- There is a lot of different types of research going on with medications and different types of therapy to see what will help alleviated their anxiety
- It is hard for medications to go through the FDA because some of the meds work for some people and then they don’t. From what I read, this can be frustrating for those who suffer.
- Support is key in living well with anxiety.
I have two sisters, a nephew, and my best friend who suffer from anxiety ranging from PTSD, Panic Attacks, and OCD. They each handle it differently. All of them are on different types of medications and treatment. And one of them self-medicates themselves. Being the person on the outside watching someone you love suffer is painful. Especially, when you realize there is nothing you can to do to alleviate their suffering. Nothing you can say, nothing you can do, and no magic pill that makes it go away. It’s frustrating for the patient and for those who love them. I’m glad that Peterson was courageous enough to share her story and share the research and what is available out there. I am sure it helps being able to speak honestly and authentically about the struggles with anxiety than to hide and believe that no one will accept you.
This book is a valuable asset to anyone who suffers or who knows someone who suffers from anxiety. It gives a lot of information and Peterson shares her story well.
Here is where you can purchase this book and information about Andrea Peterson:
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