Abstract

Ever wondered what happens inside our bodies when we feel angry, nervous, stressed or anxious? This straightforward, illustrated guide explores just that, explaining what happens to the brain and nervous system when that alarm bell in our heads starts ringing. It describes how our bodies can become very sensitive and set off false alarms, and includes tips and activities to help you reduce feelings of anxiety and keep your nervous system healthy.

Designed for ages 9+, the book aims to teach children who suffer from anxiety, stress or anger about the fight, flight or freeze response in their bodies and what can trigger it, and helps them to understand that it is something that everyone experiences. It also includes ways to manage the stress reaction and reduce feelings of shame. It is an invaluable resource for anyone supporting children who are easily triggered into anxiety or anger, including parents and carers, support workers, teachers, and therapists.

This is a delightful and accessible book that allows people, especially young people, to understand their feelings and muddles. Illustrated with cartoon-style pictures it enables the reader to picture and process their confusing experiences and learn the triggers before behaviour gets out of control.
Dr Sue Jennings, Play Therapist and Dramatherapist, Visiting Professor at HELP University, Kuala Lumpur
There are triggers that can set off a panic attack, stress, or serious anxiety... There are ways to switch off the problem, and one of the greatest strengths of this little book is the explanation of how to do this, with lots of coping strategies... The comic black stick figures that are continually found through the book make a great way to help understand the text, and the text itself is clear and unambiguous. Managing to couple humour with serious information is a talent one doesn't often find, but it is here in abundance. Great for any over-anxious kids.
Elizabeth Schlenther
Healthy Books blog
K.L. Aspden's marvelous book is a wonderful contribution to helping people of all ages who are suffering from the continuous sounding of [their] survival alarm. With solid information, good humor, engaging cartoons, and helpful suggestions, this small book speaks volumes for helping young and old to heal from trauma.
from the foreword by Babette Rothschild, author of The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery