Birds have anxiety

A new acquisition in our therapy room that I rent from cornerstone has been the book All birds have anxiety by Kathy Hoopmann. This anxiety book is there for clients to browse at. All birds have anxiety is aimed at children but I feel it is an useful and fun read for anyone experiencing anxiety or wanting to find out what anxiety is all about. It is written in an easy to understand language with just the right empathy and even with some humour.

If your child is suffering from anxiety, its important to start a conversation with your child about stress and anxiety. A great way to start this is through a book. Birds have anxiety so why can’t we?

The book clearly is a guide to help children understand what it means to have anxiety. Sometimes anxiety is good if it helps us achieve our goals but when anxiety stops us doing things on a day to day basis, we need to find coping strateiges to try to help control the anxiety. The anxiety coping techniques touches upon some useful CBT techniques but in a friendly approachable way – cuddling a pet, eating well and exercise.

As you can see from the picture of on the right each page is full of bright and beautiful pictures of bird. These natural birds are photographed in what can appear as an anxious state to help illustrate what it feels like when we’re anxious.

The author, Katty, then cleverly uses captions of words to go alongside these pictures. It is a book that can encourage a child to talk about anxiety and to help them understand any of their friends who experience anxiety too.

 


Heres some feedback from clients and friends children:

It helps me understand that I am not alone, one client recently commented to me, and helps me reflect when my anxiety is a problem to stopping me doing things.’

I was struck by the pictures and related phrases to certain birds. The owl says anxiety is not my fault and it will not rule me. The bird with spikey hairs says it isn’t the end of the world if i make mistakes’

A humouous way to explain anxiety. I need a pet to hug!

Other books which can help children overcome anxiety are:

For Young children

What to do when you worry too much – A kids guide to overcome anxiety
Cool cats, calm kids by Mary Williams
Wilma Jean the worry machine by Juilia cook

And a helpful video for young children

For teenagers
Stress 101
Anxiety sucks
Anxiety survival guide for teenagers
A still quiet place for teens

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