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Soothe Your Nerves

The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fears

About The Book

Do you or someone you love suffer from "bad nerves"?

•Denise is constantly on edge. She's convinced something bad is going to happen.
•Ruth will drive an hour out of her way to avoid driving over a bridge. When she has to do it, her chest thumps, her heart starts racing, and she breaks out in a sweat. She's beginning to think she shouldn't leave her house.
•Bernice hasn't slept in two months for fear that the witch is going to ride her again.


What do these women have in common? They are struggling with crippling anxiety disorders.
Thousands of Black women suffer from anxiety. What's worse is that many of us have been raised to believe we are Strong Black Women and that seeking help shows weakness. So we often turn to dangerous quick fixes that only exacerbate the problem -- like overeating and drug and alcohol abuse -- or we deny that we have problems at all.
In Soothe Your Nerves, Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett explains which factors can contribute to anxiety, panic, and fear in Black women and offers a range of healing methods that will help you or a loved one reclaim your life.
Here finally is a blueprint for understanding and overcoming anxiety from a psychological, spiritual, and Black perspective.

About The Author

Photo Credit: Gary Harwood

Product Details

  • Publisher: Touchstone (September 2, 2003)
  • Length: 224 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780743225380

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Raves and Reviews

"Soothe Your Nerves is a practical, common sense guide to getting what every Black woman needs and deserves—peace of mind. The message, and the methods that Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett details in this book should not be ignored."—Meri Nana-Ama DAnquah, author of Willow Weep For Me: A Black Woman's Journey Through Depression

"As a Community Activist, primarily in the African-American community, I witness many women who unfortunately carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. In Soothe Your Nerves, Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett provides us with the key that will unlock the shackles of pressure. By defining our anxieties, we can realize we no longer have to buy the bacon and fry it up in a pan. We are free at last!"—Yvonee Pointer-Triplett, author of Behind the Death of a Child

"Sooth Your Nerves addresses the major 'invisible' health issue for women of color; anxiety, panic, and fear! Dr. Barnett provides a compregensive explanation, in laymen's terms and interesting case histories, of the causes and predisposing factors of these emotional conditions and their destructive effects on black women. As well, she offers self-help exercises and common sense workable solutions that range from conventional medicine to holistic and spiritual treatments. A must read for women, men and treatment professionals, Soothe Your Nerves offers hope and healing, which will invariably result in the empowerment of black women in all aspects of their lives."—Dr. Jeff Gardere, television and radio host, author of Love Prescription

"Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett uncovers a much ignored problem and identifies strategies for healing the effects of anxiety on women's lives. This is a book for everyone. There are a few psychologists who can tell the stories of those who have suffered from anxiety disorders. Dr. Neal-Barnett speaks for others as no one else can. Let the healing begin."—Gail Elizabeth Wyatt, Ph.D., author of Stolen Women: REclaiming Our Sexuality, Taking Back Our Lives and coauthor of No More Clueless Sex: Ten Sexual Secrets that can Work for Both of You

"Soothe Your Nerves by Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a MUST READ for all women of color. The information is extremely valuable and presented in a manner that allows Dr. Neal-Barnett's message to hit home. Even if you don't suffer from "nerves," you need to read this book and become better informed about the conditions that may affect the well-being of the women in your lives." —Anita Bunkley, author of Mirrored Life

"Soothe Your Nerves is the one book that's long been missing from our survival toolbox as Black women. Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett's wisdom, direction and practical techniques for addressing and managing anxiety, panic and fear is right on time for a nation of Black women who are sick and tired of being sick, tired and afraid. Soothe Your Nerves will be a must-have on my clients' resource reading guide. I want to thank Dr. Neal-Barnett for recognizing and addressing a topic in our community that's often been a big taboo... our fears. Dr. Neal-Barnett helps to shatter the old myths of what it means to be a strong Black woman while giving us encouraging wisdom on being today's healthy Black woman." —Julia A. Boyd, psychotherapist and author of Can I Get a Witness?

"The sing and shame is not in suffering from an anxiety disorder. The sin and shame is in failing to call it what it is and in not getting the help we need and deserve as African American women. Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett helps us face our disorders and shows us where and how to get the help that we need."—Renita J. Weems, Ph.D., author of Showing Mary and Just a Sister Away

"I never knew how crucial anxiety and panic was among sisters until I interviewed Angela on Heart and Soul TV. And then a collosal door of understanding and clarity opened. Soothe Your Nerves provides a blueprint not only for understanding, but gives next steps for how to deal. It is a much needed resource which lights the path for sisters who must find their way out of the darkness."—Dr. Ro, author of 10 Secrets to Livin' Healthy and former Host of "Heart and Soul," Black Entertainment Television

"Intriguing. Her writing is clear and intellectual, and her advice is practical."—Pam Lilley, Cleveland Plain Dealer

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