Christian self-help books are my go-to. Reading is therapeutic for many people (myself included). Self-help books for people with anxiety work to internalize the things we learn in therapy. Add Christianity to the book and it helps your spiritual health as well as your mental health.
Christian self help books
Keep reading for a list of my 5 favorite Christian self-help books for people with anxiety and depression.
1. "Anxious for Nothing" by Max Lucado
First up on my reading list for people with anxiety is "Anxious for Nothing" by Max Lucado. His book is full of facts, personal experiences, Scripture, and tips. “Anxious for Nothing” is a Christian self-help book specifically for people with anxiety. Max provides a Christian perspective on overcoming anxiety and finding peace in the middle of panic. He draws on biblical wisdom and personal anecdotes to provide practical advice on how to manage anxious thoughts and emotions. There is a ton of emphasis on the importance of cultivating a grateful attitude and trusting in God's plan for one's life. This self-help book contains practical tools and exercises for readers to adopt as coping skills. Similar to the other books on this list, this book encourages you to seek community and support on your journey towards mental wellness.
2. "Get Out Of Your Head" by Jennie Allen
"Get Out Of Your Head" by Jennie Allen is a Christian self-help book that focuses on overcoming negative thought patterns and learning to control one's thoughts. This book is the PERFECT Christian self-help book for people with anxiety. Allen shares her own personal struggles with anxiety and provides practical advice on how to break free from the cycle of negative thinking. She emphasizes the importance of developing a healthy mindset and learning to identify and challenge negative thoughts. The book provides practical tools and exercises for readers to practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Additionally, she encourages readers to seek community and support in their journey towards mental wellness. Overall, "Get Out Of Your Head" is an empowering read that instructs people with anxiety on how to take control of their thoughts.
3. "It's Not Supposed to Be This Way" by Lysa Terkeurst
I will argue with anyone and everyone that this is Lysa’s best book. “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa Terkeurst is a Christian self-help book that is full of personal stories that make you laugh and cry. Lysa’s explanation of “wrestling well” and “living between the gardens” puts mental illness and grief into perspective. Especially for those people who do not quite understand it. This book’s narration is deep and honest. Anyone who reads it will walk away from it with a better understanding of the Bible, their struggle, and how to get through it.
4. "Present Over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist
"Present Over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist is a Christian self-help book that encourages readers in their pursuit of mental and emotional well-being. Shauna challenges her audience to prioritize self-improvement and spiritual growth over the pursuit of perfection. In the book, Niequist shares her own personal struggles with perfectionism and how she overcame them by focusing on being present in the moment and embracing imperfection. She provides practical advice on how to simplify your life, set boundaries, and learn to say "no" to commitments that don't align with your values. Niequist also emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships and finding joy in the simple things in life.
5. "What Will They Think?" by Grace Valentine
"What Will They Think?" by Grace Valentine is a Christian self-help book that focuses on breaking free from the pressure of people-pleasing. The book teaches us how to live a godly life that is true to oneself. Grace shares her own personal struggles with social anxiety and perfectionism to relate and engage her reader. She provides advice on how to overcome these challenges by sharing the stories of 9 women in the Bible: Esther, Deborah, Mary, Sarah, Hagar, the Woman at the Well, Mary Magdalene, Tabitha, and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak. She emphasizes the importance of developing a healthy self-image and surrounding oneself with good friends. Grace also encourages readers to let go of the need for external validation so that they can grow in their faith, confidence, and maturity. This self-help book is one of my favorites because it is both relatable and empowering.
Bonus: "Uninvited" by Lysa Terkeurst
“Uninvited” by Lysa Terkeurst is the first self-help book I read. My mom got it for me at age 14. Teenage me was not flattered. I took offense at the gesture. 2 years later, I opened the book. This self-help book explores Lysa's personal experiences with rejection. The best part? Lysa writes about how she overcame these hurtful experiences. She shares her struggles with feelings of rejection and inadequacy. There is nothing more validating than knowing someone else gets it. Lysa gets it.
Now you have over 5 Christian self-help books for people with anxiety to choose from. By the way: these books are perfect summer reads!
All the Peace,
AK.