Learning all you can about anxiety or OCD can make a significant difference in your recovery. By reading self-help books, you can increase your understanding of how OCD works, feel less alone, and learn helpful strategies to deal with OCD.
We've curated a list of some of our favorite books that have been incredibly helpful for many on their journey with anxiety or OCD.
These recommendations range from treatment strategies to memoirs that include various approaches and offer practical strategies to help you manage anxiety or OCD more effectively.
These are not affiliate links, just ones we think are great.
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The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris
Worrying is Optional
Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks by Barry McDonagh
The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety: How to Live Life to the Fullest...Because You're Not Dead (Yet) by Dr. Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier
The Emetophobia Manual: Free Yourself from the Fear of Vomit and Reclaim Your Life by Ken Goodman
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Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Jonathan Grayson, PhD
The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD by Jon Hershfield, MFT
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Sally Winston, PsyD
ACT Workbook for OCD by Marisa Mazza, PsyD
The Imp of the Mind: Exploring the Silent Epidemic of Obsessive Bad Thoughts by Lee Baer
Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Chrissie Hodges
Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obssesive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships by Sheva Rajaee, MFT
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What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner, PhD
Be sure to check out her other books!
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook
Outsmarting Worry (An Older Kid's Guide to Managing Anxiety) by Dawn Huebner
What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming OCD by Dawn Huebner
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When a Family Member Has OCD: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Skills to Help Families Affected by OCD by Jon Hershfield
The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD by Jonathan Abramowitz
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli Lebowitz
When A Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment by Alec Pollard, PhD
Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons
Whether you're dealing with OCD yourself, supporting a loved one, or helping children and teens navigate their anxiety, these books offer practical tools to help you or your loved ones manage OCD and anxiety more effectively.
Remember, the journey through OCD and anxiety can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, it gets easier. Don't give up!
Written by Jenny Matthews, LMFT, LADC
Jenny is a therapist that specializes in helping over-thinkers and worriers get relief from anxiety so they can be more productive + do what matters + be present with their loved ones.
