Overcoming, Anxiety, Panic, and Depression: New Ways to Regain Your Confidence

As a businessman doing business in the always hostile Russian Far East, I am constantly put into severe situations of a dangerous and stressful nature. In seeking advice on handling the anxiety and stress that come with such situations, it was such a refreshing change to read a book that is written from a perspective of understanding and compassion. No "down talking" lectures, but straight talking help for everyone dealing with anxiety, depression or stress. Many of the business partners and friends I have in Russia suffer from severe depression due to the heavy use of alcohol and their living environment. Understanding their needs and situation will certainly help in my work and friendships. Having a Medical Doctor affirm the status of gay and lesbians and the depression that often effects our lives is also a great help to us all! Thank You Dr. Gardner!

Dr. Gardner has been my primary care physician for over a year so it was a pleasure to read a book with his distilled insights. The book is an achievement on its own and has already garnered positive reviews, but I'd just like to comment on the doctor behind the book. Dr. Gardner practices what he preaches! I have been the recipient of some of the words of wisdom captured in this book. He is a thorough practitioner who provides holistic care and is a strong patient advocate. He and the people in his practice are exceptional. I have been to many offices where the staff is beleaguered and sloppy, where they can barely remember who you are and the emphasis is on insurance reimbursement rather than patient recovery. James Gardner is a concerned, dedicated, and competent doctor. His staff is equally empathetic and wonderful. Altogether they run an exceptional practice. So if you seek realistic, robust advice and not just rhetoric, this is a must-read book!

A wondefully written book, I must say. The first medical/psychological help book I've read before and it has tickled my interest. Dr. James Gardner helps anyone and everyone who has ever experienced a little bit or a lot of anxiety(which is most of us) and explains in simple language why it is happening and what to do about it. If going the medical method is not your savy, than you have a whole chapter just for herbal remedies, everything from kava kava to ginko biloba. A friend of mine who is currently angoraphobic is reading the book and she rants and raves about how much help the book is giving her. In no way, shape or fom does Gardner force his beliefs down your throat and generalize what is going on with the general population and their experiences. He helps you with a plethora of options which work with different people for different symptoms. As a psychology major I wouldn't be surprised to see this as a required reading for a class of mine. Don't let the fact that this is Gardner's first book, there is no evidence of amateurity. Enjoy!

As a gay male, I was pleased to read the following unequivocal recognition by the authors. "In plain language, homosexualtiy is not a psychological or emotional problem unless the person refuses to accept who he or she is." This accessible, wonderfully written exploration of the myriad causes of anxiety in our society, along with methods for their resolution, is a welcomed step toward facilitating a comprehension and appreciation that everyone is created unique and equal.

After reading several self-help books on anxiety and depression, I finally found one that answers my questions. Suffering from panic attacks myself, and having to deal with friends and family members with severe depression and emotional dysfunction, I felt confused and helpless about where to start on the road to wellness. Rather than narrowly focusing on a simple solution or fad remedy, Dr. Gardner and Dr. Bell tell the whole story, and a fascinating story at that, about where these problems come from, and what has been done from the ancient Greeks to the present to help relieve the pain and suffering that is a normal aspect of the human experience. (Guess what---you're not alone! ) All the modern medical treatments are described clearly and in detail, including the brain chemistry background needed to understand the logic of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs. I was also impressed that equal time was given to alternative treatments that have some proven validity, such as herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, traditional chinese medicine, and homeopathy. In addition, how psychological counseling, behavioral therapy, and biofeedback can help was explained, as well as many useful suggestions on what each person can do themselves to face anxiety and depression with confidence, including letting go of things you can't control, healthy dietary advice, natural, herbal and medical ways to improve sleep architecture so your brain performs better, a simple and easy exercise plan to relieve stress, and recognition of our inner strengths and spiritual powers, if one is so inclined. The most important benefit of "Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Depression" is the encouragement and sense of empowerment the book has given me. Now that I have some idea why I am the way I am, and all my options have been laid out in front of me, I feel I can start to take back control and be responsible in confronting and resolving these problems rather than letting them make my life less than it could be. I recommend this book to you if you are looking for honest, no-hype answers and lasting, real solutions. I came back on-line to write this review, as well as to buy another five copies for some people I know who need to hear the positive message it provides.