What to Do When You’re Scared or Worried: A Guide for Kids by James J. Crist, Ph, D. Epiphany library section 10 D: Youth (gr. 6-8), Character Building/Service. This book discusses fears and worries – where they come from, and how your body and mind work together to make fears worse or better. The author discusses common fears and worries for this age group and says that because adults also suffer from them, the reader is not alone. The author discusses ten things kids can do to feel safer, stronger, and calmer. He discusses phobias, constant worrying, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other problems too big for kids to handle on their own. He explains when and how to get help from caregivers and experts, and explains what happens when kids meet with counselors or psychologists. There is a special note for grown-ups, and a list of resources – books, organizations and web sites – that offer help too.
The primary gist of this book is that ALL people have fears and worries but there are things people can do to control them. There are also people trained to help those who cannot control their fears and worries, and that it is good to go for help rather than suffer silently. As a childhood worry wart, I wish I had had books like this as a kid, to help me understand that what I was going through was absolutely normal for my age group, and to go easier on myself in terms of grades, friendships, and expectations I had for myself. ( )