Cover Image: Conquering your Stress and Fears: A Treatment Guide for Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders

Conquering your Stress and Fears: A Treatment Guide for Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders

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Member Reviews

This was great and very helpful. There was a couple of the tips that I was already aware of but I managed to take away a couple more ideas that have helped a lot.

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KINRYS does not delve significantly into the causes of anxiety disorder or trauma related disorders, he gives a general overview of how the hormones and chemicals in our bodies which can develop into anxiety disorder, occur in the first place and gives a brief overview of the symptoms of distress during an anxiety attack or panic attack.

His focus is on nutrient-based remedies, herbal remedies and non-pharmaceutical treatments.
I asked for second opinions on these remedies on some of my social groups, as I have, amongst other things, anxiety disorder and Complex PTSD. I mentioned a nutrient and my groupies came back with their opinions of how these remedies have worked for them as I have never tried any of them myself.

Most people knew about Vitamin B and magnesium but not many people had tried any of the others, such as GABA. The author asserts that few drug studies have been done on these supplements, and also asserts the uncertainty of the arguments that they do, in fact, provide sufferers with medically measurable relief. The author does say that sufferers have reported relief, but it is not a quantified report. In any case none of the supplements can harm the patient in any way and all are on the FDA’s list of nutrients that are generally regarded as safe to take by anybody.

KINRYS spends a bit more time elucidating herbal-based remedies and takes the time to inform the reader of where the plant originates and how long it has been used in the annals of historical medicine. For example, Valerian root has been used since the time of the Greeks, possibly pre-dating them as a sleeping and relaxation remedy.

Herbal remedies have also been the subject of numerous medical studies, although not the subject of the standard double-blind clinical trials. The medical studies report good results on herbal-based remedies, and most people have heard of chamomile tea, green tea, lemon balm and other herbal medicines. To give mother nature if nothing the benefit of the doubt – these medicines have been around since time began and been used just as long. They must have some properties which actively and effectively aid in reducing the symptoms of the malady they are used for. In this case, stress, anxiety and sleep dysfunction.

All in all the author lists sixteen herbal remedies, none of which are new to people to treat their illnesses naturally and they are all known to have positive effects on reducing the symptoms of anxiety and stress and have been used as sleeping aids for thousands of years.

The third part of the book is devoted to non-pharmacological treatments, these treatments include the big six. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, guided imagery and relaxation, meditation, exercise, mindfulness and virtual reality treatment (the new kid on the block next to dialectical behavioural therapy a.k.a. mindfulness).

I rate this book 3 stars, it’s a good read for patients who have stress related or trauma related disorders, who which to supplement their medication. As the good doctor says – never stop taking your prescribed medication without discussing it with a mental health professional, but there’s nothing wrong with supplementing it with tried and tried natural remedies which may bring added relief.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Boston Press Group and Gustavo Kinrys M.D. for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

Like
- Comprehensive overview of the topics discussed with more details for each
- Easy to read and access the information: broken down into small segments with the chapters and a summary chart at the end of each chapter as well
- Herbal remedies to help reduce anxiety - common, generally safe herbs to try such as chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, lavender
- Easy to go back and review information at a later date
- Meditation and mindfulness: different types of each are introduced and discussed

Love: —

Dislike:
- Chamomile is suggested to help with IBS — Not really true. Only if it’s in an oil form, because chamomile tea is high FODMAP which is know to trigger symptoms in many people with IBS

Wish that:
- The information is more well rounded, not mainly focused on more medical based options for anxiety
- More focus on therapy and behavioral techniques to first treat anxiety
- Some of the wording was changed, as it read strangely.

Overall, the book is a good comprehensive overview of many topics. It’s great for learning but you will probably need more information and research before implementing some of the techniques. If you’re looking for more food and herbal remedy based solutions for stress and anxiety, the book will be helpful.

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As a person who has major anxiety and panic attacks, I was extremely offended by this book. I also have PTSD and that even upset me more about this book. You just cannot take a vitamin or do breathing exercises and have it all be okay. Oh don't get me wrong, I will agree with you that some breathing exercises do indeed help but they are not the miracle cure. I have tried everything under the sun.
But you have to remember that for so many the naturalistic way doesn't work for everything or everyone. I don't take pain meds and I do take vitamins. But because of injuries from a violent ex, I am unable to do any form of physical therapy or yoga etc.
So maybe I will just sit here and think about it and it will go away.

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This is a handy, easy to read informative book for those wishing to manage their mild to moderate anxiety without relying on pharmaceuticals.. The layout is very user friendly and the descriptions are educational and easy to understand. Dr. Gustavo Kinrys describes the various reasons for heightened anxiety levels then offers expert advise on how to manage it. The nutrient-based remedies are on-the-money. The practical tips and techniques for relaxation are easy to understand. The mention of cognitive behavioral therapy was much appreciated since I have found it helps so many identify their triggers and subsequently modulate their emotional reactions to them. Five stars!

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