Starving the Anxiety Gremlin

Synopsis

Children's Choice Winner at the School Library Association's Information Book Awards 2014

The Anxiety Gremlin loves one thing - to feed on your anxiety! But watch out, as the fuller he gets, the more anxious you get! How can you stop him? Starve him of his favourite food - your anxiety - and he'll shrink and shrivel away.

Starving the Anxiety Gremlin is a unique and award-winning resource to help young people understand different types of anxiety and how to manage them, including panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, generalised anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Based on cognitive behavioural principles that link thoughts, feelings and behaviours, the techniques described help young people to understand why they get anxious and how they can 'starve' their anxiety gremlin in order to manage their anxiety.

This engaging workbook uses fun activities and real life stories, and can be used by young people aged 10+ on their own or with a parent or practitioner. It is also an ideal anxiety management resource for those working with young people, including mental health practitioners, social workers, education sector staff and youth workers.

Summary

Chapter 1: Meet Your Anxiety Gremlin

* Introduces the concept of the "Anxiety Gremlin," a mischievous and irrational creature that feeds off fear and anxiety.
* Provides a real-life example of someone struggling with generalized anxiety disorder and how the Anxiety Gremlin amplifies their worries.

Chapter 2: Starving the Anxiety Gremlin

* Explains the core principle of starving the Anxiety Gremlin by refraining from engaging in anxious thoughts and behaviors.
* Gives practical examples of how to challenge anxious thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Chapter 3: Identifying Your Anxiety Triggers

* Discusses the importance of identifying the specific triggers that set off the Anxiety Gremlin.
* Provides a real-life example of someone who realized that their anxiety was triggered by social situations.

Chapter 4: Rewiring Your Anxiety

* Introduces the concept of neuroplasticity and how we can rewire our brains to respond differently to anxiety triggers.
* Gives guided exercises for practicing mindfulness and deep breathing to calm the Anxiety Gremlin.

Chapter 5: Building a Support System

* Emphasizes the importance of seeking support from loved ones, therapists, or support groups.
* Shares a real-life example of someone who benefited from the support of a therapist in overcoming their anxiety.

Chapter 6: Facing Your Fears

* Encourages gradually facing and challenging anxious situations to weaken the Anxiety Gremlin's grip.
* Provides a real-life example of someone who started small by confronting minor fears and gradually worked up to larger ones.

Chapter 7: Maintaining Progress

* Discusses the importance of regular practice and self-reflection to maintain progress in managing anxiety.
* Gives tips for staying accountable and celebrating successes along the way.

Chapter 8: Relapse Prevention

* Acknowledges that setbacks can happen and provides strategies for dealing with them.
* Reminds readers that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for learning and growth.