BE YOURSELF

A basic introduction to social anxiety, including its symptoms, coping mechanisms, and treatments.

Mooney uses interviews and excerpts from articles, research papers, and personal essays by experts to look at the basics of social anxiety. She also includes personal accounts from teens and 20-somethings from varied backgrounds to provide real-life examples of social anxiety’s effects and treatments. In discussing the pervasiveness of social anxiety, the author also seeks to define what separates this chronic mental health condition from natural nervousness and introverted tendencies. Through multiple sources, readers will learn about the ways social anxiety interferes with daily life, interrupts personal and professional relationships, and causes significant physical symptoms. In a matter-of-fact tone, the text discusses factors that contribute to social anxiety, including genetics and trauma, along with potential treatment options ranging from medication and lifestyle changes to therapy. The coverage of common medications and their possible side effects is a particularly nice touch. Educators and readers looking for more information may find the suggestions for further reading and obtaining help useful. While many young people may be interested in the personal stories and expert insights, the rest of the text borders on the sterile and repetitive, making it more useful as a resource to dip into than one to read cover to cover. Stock images depict a diverse range of young people.

Concise, useful, and thorough but weakened by dry writing.