Generation Anxiety - by Lauren Cook (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From licensed clinical psychologist and TikTok therapist Dr. Lauren Cook, Generation Anxiety is a practical guide aimed at Millennials and Gen Z for tackling anxiety.

This relatable, honest, and information-packed book incorporates thorough, evidence-backed psychological research and diverse client experiences to help readers gain insight into their own stressors. It also provides easy, actionable steps to help readers ride the waves of anxiety rather than constantly swimming against them.

Millennials and Gen Z-ers are considered two of the most anxious generations in history, and with the many intense generation-specific stressors they've had to face in recent years--including climate change, political polarization, systemic racism, gun violence, and financial instability--it's easy to see why people are being diagnosed with anxiety at alarming rates.

Dr. Lauren Cook, a psychologist and career coach who specializes in treating Millennials and Gen Z patients--and a Millennial who also lives with anxiety--understands the many nuanced reasons why these two groups are struggling in different ways than their predecessors.

Using a feminist and intersectional lens, Dr. Cook shares her own struggles with anxiety and provides a blueprint to help her readers.

Review Quotes

"[A] must-read...An easy recommendation for those who struggle with their own anxiety and may not know where to start in overcoming it. An absolutely worthwhile addition to any library collection as well."

-- "Library Journal"

"A breath of fresh and healing air for a lot of overwhelmed and exhausted people. Dr. Lauren Cook taps into the anxiety that so many are feeling right now and offers practical tips for overcoming it. Not just vague platitudes, but science-based advice that just might help readers feel better and more capable of handling the pressures of modern life."-- "Celeste Headlee, journalist and bestselling author of We Need to Talk and Do Nothing"

"An accessible resource . . . Cook's anxiety-managing practices are wise and lucidly explained, and readers will be emboldened by her message that fear and bravery aren't antithetical. This strikes a skillful balance between compassion and practicality."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Dr. Lauren is my absolute go-to when it comes to working through anxiety. Generation Anxiety is a must-read for anyone who experiences anxiety or wants to support someone who does. Given that so many of us are feeling overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, this book not only belongs on your shelf, [but] it also belongs in your mind!"-- "Jess Ekstrom, author of Chasing the Bright Side"

"Dr. Lauren is the rare psychologist who will take you through the whole portrait of a patient's life, explaining just how the body and mind can work together to heal our individual and collective stressors. Generation Anxiety is a game-changer that we can all benefit from."-- "Dr. Ellen Vora, author of The Anatomy of Anxiety"

"Dr. Lauren's book is a must read for Millennials and Gen-Zers who are feeling overwhelmed with all life is throwing at them and who are seeking a source of hope, empowerment, and a thoughtful action plan to build self-confidence and achieve positive outcomes in their life. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in self-development and healing."-- "Dr. Judy Ho, clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, tenured professor, and author of Stop Self-Sabotage"

"If you're struggling with the physical symptoms of anxiety, Generation Anxiety is a must-read. Dr. Lauren does a beautiful job bringing the brain and the body together to help us understand how to heal holistically. When we can begin to understand how the gut impacts our brain and vice versa, we can change the course of well-being--not just for our own selves, but for generations to come."-- "Patricia Bannan, author of From Burnout to Balance"

"Lauren is touching on something very real and growing among Millennials and Gen Z. Her advice is consistently relatable, actionable, and research-backed."-- "Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis"

"One of the worst things about anxiety is that it robs you of the present moment. With all of the things that compete for our attention today, I'm grateful that there are books like this one to help us navigate anxiety. Thank you, Dr. Cook!"-- "Dr. Kojo, Hollywood Mental Health Expert, Actor, Comedian, & Writer at Late Night w/ Dr. Kojo"

"Powerful! Generation Anxiety is an empathetic and hopeful look at the anxiety that plagues so many of today's youth. Masterfully written and filled with practical steps, readers of all ages will gain a deeper understanding to anxiety and how they can be working towards a joyful and full life today."-- "Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There"

"Practical, inclusive, and relatable . . . This book walks readers through relatable client stories, hands-on activities, and just enough humor to keep us grounded. Generation Anxiety does what psychology-driven self-help books must do for folks who are struggling: deepens connection through storytelling, provides tangible tools for managing symptoms, and reduces stigma by revealing how serious living with anxiety can be."-- "Rachel Havekost, author of Where the River Flows: A Memoir of Loss, Love, and Life with an Eating Disorder"

"Such a vital book for our times, so necessary."
-- "Spectrum News 1"

"The guide we need in a world more anxious than ever. Dr. Lauren Cook has created a book that is both informative and relatable in a way that lets readers know they are no longer alone and [that] change is within their reach. Her words will help and empower so many."-- "Rachel DeAlto, bestselling author of relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even If It Scares You)"

"This book brings relief to an epidemic of anxiety I'm seeing happen everywhere with Millennials and Gen Z. Generation Anxiety opens up the topic in a way that feels so supportive. It's a perfect trifecta of case studies and education, introspective questions, and coaching from a psychology professional that makes this an incredible guide to move from anxiety to connection, in a world that desperately needs it."-- "Tessa White, author of The Unspoken Truths for Career Success"

"With so many people struggling with anxiety, Lauren's book couldn't come at a more perfect time. Anxiety can sometimes feel so overwhelming, and Lauren provides practical ways that you can connect to yourself, cope, and ultimately be well."-- "Yasmine Cheyenne, author of The Sugar Jar"

"Written with love and empathy, Generation Anxiety meets you wherever you are on your mental health journey. Dr Lauren's work is grounded in both the latest research and her own lived experience--a powerful and necessary combination for anyone skeptical of 'the old way' of doing things."-- "Meredith Arthur, author of Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World"

About the Author

Dr. Lauren Cook is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, and career coach. She began her training at UCLA, where she majored in psychology and communication studies. She earned her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Southern California, then completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University. Dr. Cook created the Name Your Story mental health group training curriculum that has been utilized by thousands of collegians around the country. She has been featured in the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, PBS, Shape, Bustle, and many other digital and print publications. She is represented by CAMPUSPEAK and has given more than 500 talks at various companies, universities, and organizations. She lives in Pasadena, California.