Laura L. Smith – författare

5-Minute Devotions for Teens: A Guide to God and Mental Health removes the stigma on mental health and advises Christian teens what they can do when they are depressed and anxious. Scattered throughout the book are tips to help teens maintain good mental health practices such as meditation, disconnecting from social media and technology, saying affirmations, and much more. Each day includes a Scripture verse, short devotional, and a prayer or prompt.This 100-day devotional will help teens 13 to 17 years old:deal with mental health issues, depression, and/or anxiety.re-enter normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic.develop an authentic relationship with God and deepen their faith.5-Minute Devotions for Teens is an affordable resource that can be read again and again.

There are many forms of anxiety disorder, including General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Attacks, Phobias (including social anxiety), Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Acute Stress Disorder. Even in their most mild forms, these disorders can be troubling and exhausting – at worst they can severely disable a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life. Severe anxiety and phobic disorders affect 18% of the UK population. (nopanic.org.uk) Symptoms of anxiety range from the mental and emotional – depression, having difficulty concentrating, losing patience easily – to the physical – excessive thirst, headaches, pins and needles, and more (www.bbc.co.uk) Often the problem is self-feeding – people try to keep things under control whilst simultaneously worrying about being anxious all the time, and the cycle goes on. Psychotherapy, medication and self help are the key treatments for anxiety – however, as many people either don’t have access to, or choose not to take, professional treatment, self help is the key for a majority of sufferers. A Dummies book on the subject will present the facts without the jargon, and help people find the trustworthy guidance they need.

Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK suffer from diagnosable depression (bbc.co.uk) – that’s approximately 12 million people. Depression takes multiple forms, including seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, and postnatal depression. Research by the BBC claims that up to 75% of sufferers are not receiving any form of professional medication or therapy, which strongly suggests that self-help is often a preferred course of action. Overcoming Depression For Dummies outlines practical methods for recognising and managing the symptoms of depression for those readers who might be too scared to go to their GP, who want to know more about the illness before they seek professional medical guidance, or for those who are just curious about depression and what it means.Overcoming Depression For Dummies: Is written by an expert team of clinical psychologists and provides step-by-step guidelines on proven therapeutic exercises and ways to implement positive psychology methodsProvides sound advice on nutrition, relaxation and support, to help make those vital first steps towards a happier lifeGives comprehensive information on the wide variety of prescription medication and complementary therapies available, including their effectiveness and side effectsIs aimed at people suffering from depression looking for straightforward, realistic advice and also loved ones and parents of those suffering from depression wanting to better understand the condition and find out how they can help.

Anxiety and depression affect over 10% of the population.  They can become debilitating conditions if not managed carefully so there are thousands of people looking for advice on how to keep their symptoms under control.  Anxiety & Depression Workbook For Dummies provides readers with practical exercises and worksheets to help them analyse their thinking patterns and overcome the issues that are holding them back.  The workbook format is ideal for those wanting to track their progress and make positive changes to both their mental and physical health. Anxiety & Depression Workbook For Dummies, UK Edition covers:Part I: Recognising and Recording Anxiety and DepressionChapter 1: Spotting the Signs of Anxiety and DepressionChapter 2: Digging Up the Roots of Your WorriesChapter 3: Overcoming Obstacles to ChangeChapter 4: Monitoring Your Moods Part II: Understanding Your Thinking: Cognitive TherapyChapter 5: Viewing Things A Different WayChapter 6: Challenging and Changing ThoughtsChapter 7: Seeing Clearly: Gaining A New PerspectiveChapter 8: Maintaining Awareness and Achieving AcceptancePart III: Taking Action: Behaviour TherapyChapter 9: Facing Feelings: Avoiding AvoidanceChapter 10: Lifting Your Spirits With ExerciseChapter 11: Taking Pleasure from LeisureChapter 12: Just Do It! – Tackling Life’s ProblemsPart IV: Feeling It Where It Hurts: Healing the BodyChapter 13: Taking the Relaxation RouteChapter 14: Making Your Mind Up About MedicationPart V: Revitalising RelationshipsChapter 15: Working on RelationshipsChapter 16: Smoothing Out ConflictPart VI: Life Beyond Anxiety and DepressionChapter 17: Reducing the Risk of RelapseChapter 18: Promoting The PositivePart VII: The Part of TensChapter 19: Ten Helpful ResourcesChapter 20: Ten Terrific Tips

A complete and comprehensive guide to why kids behave and think the way they do-and how to bring out the best in them. In the U.S., more than 10% of children are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, while countless others remain undiagnosed. Defining what is "normal" and what is not is of great concern to anyone who works with, guides, nurtures, teaches, or parents children.With new discoveries in mental disorders that affect children, Child Psychology & Development For Dummies provides an informational guide to cognitive development at every stage of a child's life, as well as how to diagnose, treat, and overcome the cognitive barriers that impede learning and development. How to identify and treat mental disordersCovers behavior disorders, autism, attention deficit disorder, reading disabilities, bipolar disorder, and moreGuidance on helping a child control impulses, develop self esteem, and have good relationshipsAn essential guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers, Child Psychology & Development For Dummies provides a detailed overview of an average child's cognitive development, how to detect abnormalities, and what to do next.

Give up smoking and vaping for goodMost people know that smoking is bad for their health and believe vaping is a better alternative. Now, vaping has become a national epidemic and shows no sign of slowing. Quitting Smoking & Vaping For Dummies delivers facts about the differences between smoking and vaping, the effects on their short-term and long-term health, and how addiction works. Whether you’re a smoker or a vaper, or have a loved one that needs to break the habit, this trusted guidebook walks you through building a personal quitting plan. Offering information on new and effective medication treatments, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and building resilience, it sets you or a family member on the path to recovery. This book breaks down the psychology of your addiction so you can identify the methods that are most useful and effective for becoming smoke free for good. Start your recovery today, and look forward to a long and healthy life.Inside• Determine your quit day• Change thought patterns• Explain the dangers of vaping to children/teens• Avoid or move past relapses• Recognize the risks• Deal with triggers• Help a loved one quit

Get to know the ins and outs of BPD—and make the choice to change!Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an extremely serious—and often seriously neglected—condition. Despite around 4 million diagnoses in the USA, BPD has attracted lower funding and levels of clinical concern than more "popular" conditions such as bipolar disorder. But there's no need to lose hope! Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies, 2nd Edition was written to bridge this gap and help sufferers learn how to break the cycle to lead a full and happy life.BPD impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others and can cause long-term patterns of disruptive relationships and difficulties with self-control. It often results from childhood abuse or neglect, as well as from genetic or brain abnormalities—particularly in areas of the brain that regulate emotion, impulsivity, and aggression. Knowing how it works means we know how to manage it, and Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies—written in a friendly, easy-to-follow style by two leading clinical psychologists—is packed with useful techniques to do just that: from identifying triggers to finding the right care provider. Get a compassionate, actionable understanding of the symptoms and history of BPDAcquire techniques to identify and halt damaging behaviorsEvaluate providers and the latest therapies and treatmentsSet goals and habits to overcome problems step-by-stepBPD should never be allowed to dictate anyone's existence. This reference gives you the tools to take your life back and is a must-have for sufferers and their loved ones alike.

Take control of your anxiety—and start living your lifeFeel like your life is spinning out of control? Not sure how to handle what seems like constant change and chaos? You’re not alone—the world has taken some pretty crazy turns recently—but if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you’re likely suffering far more than you need to. Anxiety is our natural reaction to unfamiliar, stressful, and dangerous situations, but for some of us this reaction can become all-consuming and ultimately debilitating. Anxiety For Dummies has the antidote to this, showing you how to manage feelings of uneasiness, distress, and dread—and take back control of your life.In a straightforward and friendly style, clinical psychologists Charles H. Elliot and Laura L. Smith show you how to pinpoint your triggers, use proven techniques and therapies, improve health and eating habits, and make other practical changes to your lifestyle that will have you feeling better fast. Understand what makes you anxious and learn to let goChange your thinking to “right-size” your worryEvaluate self-help as an adjunct to professional therapyExplore healthy lifestyles and medication optionsIncluding updates to the clinical literature and discussions of the impacts of world events—such as COVID-19—this book has everything you need to manage your worries and put you, not them, in charge of your life.

The good news on beating the blues Do you want the good, the bad, or the best news first? OK, the bad news is that an estimated 264+ million people worldwide suffer from a depressive illness. The good news is that we know how to defeat these illnesses better than ever before using a growing range of highly effective psychotherapies, medications, and other therapeutic methods that are improving all the time. And the best news: because of these advances, the majority  of people no longer need to suffer the debilitating—and sometimes dangerous—effects of long-term depressive illness.The new edition of Depression For Dummies shows how you can make this happen for you by providing the latest and best information on how to banish the noonday demon and bring the sunshine back into your world. In this friendly, cheerful, no-nonsense guide, leading clinical psychologists Laura L. Smith and Charles H. Elliot give you the straight talk on what you face and proven, practical advice on how to punch back and win. Showing you how to know your enemy, they demystify common types of depression, explain its physical effects, and help identify the kind you have. Armed in this way, you can take firmer steps toward the lifestyle changes—as well as therapy or medication—that will put you back in control. Learn about different forms of depression Build simple, daily habits into your life that help banish the blues Understand conventional, alternative, and experimental therapies Move on: avoid relapses and stay happy!  Whatever your level of depression—occasional bouts or long-term—this book gives you the insight, the tools, and the inner strength and persistence to put enjoyment back in your life.

Learn to mitigate your anger and take charge of your life Everyone experiences anger from time to time, but when left unchecked or unbridled, this normal human emotion can become disruptive and damage relationships. If you’re ready to stop letting anger control your life, turn to Anger Management For Dummies. This trusted source gives you tools to identify the source of your anger—whether it’s fear, depression, anxiety, or stress—and offers ways to deal with the “flight or fight” instinct that anger produces, allowing you to release yourself and your life from its grip.Anger Management For Dummies outlines specific anger management methods, skills, and exercises that you can use to take control of your feelings and actions. It provides:  Information on the different kinds of rage, including road, air, and office A look at Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and how to manage aggression Advice on how to deal with angry children and teens Details on how anger is related to the "fight, flight, or freeze" response of the nervous system and prepares you to fight (for good or bad) Overcoming anger issues requires support, mindfulness, and a bit of practice—all of which this book provides. When you’re ready to face your triggers and change your perspective on the emotions of anger or rage, let Anger Management For Dummies give you the helping hand you need.

Tackle anxiety and depression head-on with this practical workbook If you're one of the millions of people affected by—or whose loved ones are affected by—anxiety and depression, you're probably looking for strategies to help subdue or even transcend these debilitating and painful disorders. In that case, Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies is a great place to start. This book is filled with chapters that cut across diagnostic categories, incorporating treatment techniques based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. Use the techniques explored in this book to start making real changes, which can quickly lead to you feeling better. It also includes: Practical and hands-on descriptions of mindfulness-based practices you can implement immediatelyBrand-new updates to reflect modern changes in technology, social media, and the prevalence of lonelinessConsideration of the pros and cons of medications and other biological interventions for depression and anxiety, including exploration of the placebo effectAdditional worksheets online available for downloadPerfect for anyone trying to work through the challenging issues presented by anxiety and depression, for those trying to help a loved one do the same thing, or for those in therapy, this book is an excellent supporting resource that can help contribute to positive changes in the lives of people affected by emotional distress.

Manage OCD and live a better life, thanks to this friendly Dummies guide People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) need skills and tools to manage their symptoms. OCD For Dummies offers help for you or your loved one when it comes to recognizing, diagnosing, treating, and living with this common mental and behavioral disorder. Dummies gives you all the information you need on getting your symptoms under control and working toward remission. This edition updates you with the latest research on OCD, new therapeutic treatments, and all the most up-to-date resources to help you along on your OCD journey. You’re not alone—there are millions of people out there who understand what you’re going through, and OCD For Dummies does, too. Understand obsessive-compulsive disorder and get the help you need with this book.  Discover what causes OCD and learn how identify the symptoms and early warning signs Learn about the latest medications, treatments, and resources available to help manage OCD symptoms Differentiate between OCD and related disorders so you can get the right help Help a loved one who suffers from OCD and get tips on how you can be supportive If you or someone you know has symptoms of OCD or has received a recent diagnosis, this book will gently guide you through building the skills and awareness that will let you live life to its fullest.

Recognize narcissists in your life and set healthy boundaries to start healing today Narcissism For Dummies pulls back the curtain on a growing and misunderstood personality. This book digs into dimensions of narcissism, grandiosity, malignancy, and vulnerability, giving you the knowledge and perspective you need to identify narcissists in your life and set limits on unacceptable behavior. It also takes a look at how society plays a part in fostering narcissism, for example through social media. You'll walk away from Narcissism For Dummies with a clearer sense of the personality trait, as well as necessary coping mechanisms and tools to deal with the narcissists in your life. Deal with narcissistic parents, bosses, coworkers, relatives, romantic partners, and beyondDiscover tactics and exercises for identifying, disarming, and protecting yourself from narcissistsSet limits, establish healthy boundaries, and rebuild your self-confidenceUnderstand narcissistic personality in all its manifestationsAnyone whose life has been touched by narcissism will find this book helpful, whether you're coming to terms with a loved one's diagnosis, dealing with a narcissist in the workplace, or working to move forward after leaving a narcissistic relationship.

Everything You Want to Know About Depression: A Q&A GuideIf you or a loved one is experiencing depression, don't despair. 100 Questions & Answers About Depression For Dummies is your go-to guide for understanding what depression really is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. Learn about the types of depression, symptoms and causes, affordable treatment options, and small daily habits that can really help.Designed to be straightforward, this book features short, easy-to-absorb sections that allow you to quickly find the information you need to support your health and well-being. Whether you prefer to read all the Q&As or jump to specific topics, this guide is structured to expand your knowledge efficiently.Find answers to questions like: What are the early signs of depression?Can depression be caused by a chemical imbalance?How long does it take for antidepressants to work?What role does self-care play in managing depression?100 Questions & Answers About Depression For Dummies is your trustworthy, stigma-free guide to this common mental health concern.

Everything You Want to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder: A Q&A GuideIf you or a loved one are seeking expert advice on borderline personality disorder (BPD), look no further than 100 Questions & Answers About Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies. With this helpful resource, you'll learn about the symptoms of BPD, explore research-based treatments and therapies, and find out how BPD impacts your relationships with others and yourself.Designed to be straightforward, this book features short, easy-to-absorb sections that allow you to quickly find the information you need to support your health and well-being. Whether you prefer to read all the Q&As or jump to specific topics, this guide is structured to expand your knowledge efficiently.Find answers to questions like: Is BPD hereditary?Can medication help with BPD symptoms?How does BPD affect my decision making?What should I tell my partner about my BPD?For anyone coping with BPD or helping someone else with this mental health condition, 100 Questions & Answers About Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies is a dependable and low-pressure starting point.

Everything You Want to Know About Anxiety: A Q&A GuideIf you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, don't worry! 100 Questions & Answers About Anxiety For Dummies is your go-to guide for everything you've been curious about, from what causes anxiety to treatment options and techniques for managing anxiety and challenging anxious thoughts.Designed to be straightforward, this book features short, easy-to-absorb sections that allow you to quickly find the information you need to support your health and well-being. Whether you prefer to read all the Q&As or jump to specific topics, this guide is structured to expand your knowledge efficiently.Find answers to questions like: How can I tell the difference between anxiety and a medical condition?How do hormones and brain chemistry impact anxiety?What role does diet play in managing anxiety?What types of therapy are best for anxiety?For anyone coping with anxiety or helping someone else through it, 100 Questions & Answers About Anxiety For Dummies is a great, low-pressure place to start.

Break free from OCD with practical exercises and evidence-based strategies OCD Workbook For Dummies is your hands-on guide to managing obsessive-compulsive disorder. This easy-to-use workbook gives you the practical exercises, worksheets, and action plans you need to help you identify triggers, challenge distorted thinking, and reclaim your life. Clinical psychologist Laura L. Smith, PhD, shows you effective therapeutic approaches that work in the real world in one accessible format you can start using right away. OCD Workbook For Dummies delivers step-by-step Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) exercises alongside cognitive restructuring worksheets. You'll find self-assessment tools to uncover your OCD patterns, distress tolerance and mindfulness strategies, and sample treatment plans for contamination, checking, and symmetry concerns. It’s also filled with practical guidance for overcoming obstacles, building support, and preventing relapse. You’ll find: Self-assessment questionnaires that help identify your specific OCD triggers and patternsStep-by-step ERP exercises designed to gradually reduce compulsive behaviorsCognitive restructuring worksheets that challenge and reframe distorted thoughtsMindfulness and distress tolerance techniques drawn from ACT and DBT approachesCustomizable treatment plans for contamination fears, checking rituals, symmetry obsessions, and other common OCD presentationsPerfect for people living with OCD who want practical symptom management tools, as well as family members and mental health professionals, OCD Workbook For Dummies combines proven tools from ERP, CBT, ACT, and DBT to help you make real progress today.