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The Worry Book - Finding a path to freedom

Reviewed by Stephen Henwood.

Worry is a response to potential threats. It can start in childhood and there may be a genetic element to worry. It may be well managed by some, but for others it becomes all consuming and paralysing, robbing life of its joys and adventure. For more severe worriers, counselling and the support from a General Practitioner have been the conventional means of support. Four common themes of worry are highlighted in this book: relationships, finance, work and health. For the Christian, one may add concerns about their Christian journey.

Reading the book, one is struck with the authors’ belief that it not the situation, but the individual’s own worry pattern which must be addressed. You will not find a step by step process to address different issues, but a range of very helpful suggestions on how to tackle worry patterns and thoughts. The hope expressed in this book is that worries can managed and worked through. Instead of paralysing an individual, they can be conquered and liberation gained. The exercises in the book clearly offer progression and not the false hope of miraculous cure.

The book will help worriers. That includes most people at certain stages in life. It will also be helpful to pastors and counsellors alike who face the challenge of helping people who may be consumed with worry and anxiety.