The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression - by Julie Erickson & Neil A Rector (Paperback)

About the Book

For even the fittest, healthiest, and most vibrant among us, the truth is there are inevitable challenges that come from growing older. Major life transitions such as retirement, changes in our physical health, the loss of family or a partner, and changing social roles can lead to feelings of uncertainty, loss of control, and even anxiety and depression. This handbook provides evidence-based skills drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to teach readers the art of flexible thinking, redefine what it means to age, improve mental health, and feel empowered to live life to the fullest--at any age.

Book Synopsis

You don't have to turn back the clock. This powerful workbook will help you redefine the aging process, think flexibly, improve your mental health, and live life to the fullest!

For even the fittest, healthiest, and most vibrant among us, the truth is there are inevitable challenges that come from growing older. Major life transitions such as retirement, the loss of family or a partner, changes in our bodies, and changing social roles in everyday life can lead to feelings of uncertainty, loss of control, and even anxiety and depression. But aging doesn't have to be a negative thing. You can carve out your own path. This book will show you how to live with more vitality and joy--at any age!

The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression offers proven-effective, evidence-based skills drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you learn the art of flexible thinking and feel more empowered and engaged with life. You'll discover strategies for managing anxiety and depression, as well as lifestyle tips to help reduce symptoms in the future. You'll also learn how your brain changes as you age, and find a wealth of strategies for managing these changes and making the most of your life.

If the changes you face as you age leave you feeling anxious, sad, or stressed, let this handbook guide you to take charge of your own aging process--and your mental health. You are worth it!

Review Quotes

"The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression is a lovely resource for older adults who experience anxiety and/or depression, and their providers and families. Educational background material and skills to manage anxiety and depression are clearly described and solidly rooted in scholarly evidence. Case examples and practice exercises integrated throughout the workbook add to its clarity and relevance. An excellent addition to the self-help literature."
--Melinda A. Stanley, PhD, distinguished emeritus professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, board member of the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, and coauthor of Abnormal Psychology--Melinda A. Stanley, PhD

"Aging not only brings physical ailments, but can also come with anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are relatively easy and effective methods to target these problems. Julie Erickson and Neil Rector's TheAging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression describe these methods and guide you through them. I highly recommend this book."
--Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD, Alexander von Humboldt professor at Philipps University of Marburg in Germany--Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD

"If you're an older adult and find you're worried or down much of the time (or you care about an older person who's anxious or down), then you need this wonderful workbook. Depression and anxiety aren't the norm, even when older adults have health problems or other life difficulties. This easy-to-read manual will teach you invaluable skills for improving your mood, getting back into the swing of life, and achieving your goals."
--Judith Beck, PhD, president of The Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and author of books for consumers on using CBT for weight loss and maintenance--Judith Beck, PhD

"This new book by Erickson and Rector is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to learn about using CBT for the management of anxiety and depression in later life. It is easy to read, and the authors have provided excellent case examples, tables, and figures to illustrate concepts that are important to understand in the management of anxiety and depression in later life using CBT."
--Rajesh Tampi, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFAAGP, professor, chairman, and Bhatia Family Endowed Chair in the department of psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine--Rajesh Tampi, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFAAGP

"With their unique insights into the research and life experiences of older adults, Erickson and Rector provide clear, practical, step-by-step instruction on how to use the most effective tools of CBT to overcome anxiety and depression. Their numerous case examples illustrate how to tailor specific CBT strategies to the problems and challenges of aging. The workbook offers a positive, hopeful outlook, becoming an essential resource for any seniors not experiencing the golden years of life."
--David A. Clark, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of New Brunswick; and author of The Anxious Thoughts Workbook, The Negative Thoughts Workbook, and The Anxious Thoughts Workbook for Teens--David A. Clark, PhD

About the Author

Julie Erickson, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, and adjunct faculty member in the department of applied psychology and human development at the University of Toronto. Erickson's research interests focus on optimizing evidence-based psychological treatment for older adults, and reducing barriers to treatment-seeking. She offers workshops, seminars, and clinical supervision on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with older adults. She maintains an active clinical practice focusing on the treatment of adults across the lifespan. Erickson's research has been published in journals such as Aging and Mental Health, Depression and Anxiety, Clinical Psychology Review, and Cognitive and Behavioral Practice.

Neil A. Rector, PhD, is a senior research scientist at the Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI); director of the Mood and Anxiety Research and Treatment Program; and director of research for the Thompson Anxiety Disorder Centre in the department of psychiatry at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. Rector's research interests focus on the study of cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of vulnerability in the development and persistence of anxiety and mood disorders, and their treatment with CBT. In addition to having an active CBT practice, Rector trains and supervises psychology and psychiatry students, runs workshops nationally and internationally, and is founder and director of the Forest Hill Centre for CBT in Toronto. He has published more than 150 scientific publications and book chapters, and is author of seven books.

Foreword writer Robert L. Leahy, PhD, is author or editor of twenty-nine books, including If Only...: Finding Freedom from Regret, The Worry Cure, and The Jealousy Cure. He is director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York, NY, and clinical professor of psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College.