Review: Stress, Anxiety and Panic Attack Relief for Teens and Adults by Kris Knack Noeldner

Detailing the causes of and potential treatments for mental health struggles in our modern age, Stress, Anxiety, and Panic Attack Relief for Teens & Adults: 13 Proven Holistic & Conventional Techniques for a Happier Life in a Stressful World by Kris Knack Noeldner is a quick and clear-eyed read with valuable advice relevant to most everyone.

In the face of a growing generational crisis of anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders among teenagers and adults, this book offers both an explanation of symptoms and a healthy guide for management and treatment. Based around thirteen different strategies for relieving stress and anxiety, the structure of the book is easy to follow, and while much of the compiled content could be found elsewhere, Noeldner’s curation is succinct and neatly edited, presenting the key facts and data people need to know, without superfluous filler.

As Noeldner outlines, being “stressed out” is often dismissed or normalized as a symptom of our fast-paced modern life, but when left untreated, stress and anxiety can metastasize in disabling forms, including panic attacks or overwhelming phobias. Unlike other books that address the mental health of populations in a more general way, this book identifies contemporary causes of anxiety, particularly in young people, from the fear of future pandemics and climate collapse to the looming threat of school shootings and financial uncertainty, which can have long-term repercussions.

Identifying the psychological, behavioral, environmental, and dietary triggers of anxiety can help people stay on top of their symptoms, restructure their thought patterns, and proactively improve their ability to navigate life. Whether it’s the mind-clearing nature of martial arts, the cathartic value of laughter, self-regulating tapping techniques, boosted levels of mindfulness, or the elimination of negative self-talk, the author approaches each subject with curiosity and clarity that readers of all ages will appreciate. Noeldner is transparent about the variable nature of these strategies, showing how improvements to mental health may be intangible, and highlighting that each person requires a customized plan for stress management.

The entirety of the text feels relatable and authentic, boosted by a multitude of research-supported arguments and powerful anecdotes throughout the book, such as the clear-headed Marine who used a breathing technique to save his own life. The author’s personality is also present in the writing, and she occasionally brings her own life experiences into the storytelling, but this is by no means a self-help memoir – it is a wise, honest, and strategy-packed revelation. Each chapter closes with a handful of research study summaries validating many of the points and suggestions that were just presented. This balance of engaging storytelling and academic support earns the engagement and trust of readers from the start.

There are a few stumbles on technical details, such as spelling out acronyms in parentheses multiple times, inconsistencies in subheading formatting, and the tendency to abruptly shift focus or subject, leaving some sections feeling cut short. There is also an overuse of capitalization to add impact, and certain words are repeated too often, while the tone sometimes becomes too informal for the subject.

Aside from these small critiques, this book is a comprehensive and compassionate look at the nuances of mental health, the limitations of traditional approaches, and the value of synthesizing holistic wisdom with scientific rigor, which is highly recommended for anyone regularly managing chronic stress and anxiety.