Find Your Fierce: How to Put Social Anxiety in Its Place

Gr 6 Up–Inevitably, adolescence is a time of anxiety and confusion. For teenagers who suffer from anxiety disorders, however, the middle school/high school years can seem unbearable. In the best of times, teens in modern society have to handle a barrage of cultural and emotional stimuli like never before. With the recent pandemic, the mental health landscape is even more precarious. In this work, clinical psychologist Sperling outlines a practical plan to help anxiety sufferers combat their fears. Addressing well-meaning but often unhelpful advice, e.g., “just breathe,” she offers a more detailed approach to tackling specific situations. With graphics and suggestions for simple progress charts, the author explains why anxiety arises and how teens can train their brains to handle overwhelming encounters. At the end of each chapter, she provides a brief summary of the most important points. Sperling takes the commonly known talking points about anxiety and uses them as stepping stones for a more comprehensive action plan both for teens who live with debilitating anxiety disorders and those who occasionally experience anxiety-causing scenarios. She walks readers through each suggested exercise with clear, engaging writing. Her tone is accepting and gentle, inviting teens to acknowledge their shortcomings and helping them see that it is only human to experience stress and anxiety.