Lacey London

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Anxiety Girl

Sadie feels like she has everything she could want in life. A great apartment, a group of friends, and the chance to make a living being an artist. But all of that changes as first one thing, then another begins to fall apart. As she tries to recover from a bad break up, instead of confronting her emotions she begins to bottle them up. And as more and more begins to gather on her shoulders, eventually the pressure becomes too much. Sadie begins a downward spiral into anxiety and depression. It will take all she has to battle her way free.

Unlike most novels I have read about anxiety, this novel shows Sadie’s slow descent into anxiety and depression. Most of the time characters already have anxiety and are learning how to cope, instead, Anxiety Girl gives readers the whole picture. The search for answers, the concerns over mental health, and the stigma that goes along with it. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I found myself understanding Sadie on so many levels. Don’t mistake this for a story about a privileged girl. While Sadie may have a posh apartment, she is down to earth and a character many can connect with.

The problems Sadie faces aren’t unheard of for people in all walks of life. A dysfunctional family, finding out your friends are fake, and losing a job are only a few of the things Sadie must learn to deal with. This is an emotional piece that will show how hard it is for some people to remain stronger for so long. And despite everything that Sadie goes through, Anxiety Girl shows readers that there is hope. There is always hope.

I highly recommend this book to those who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. This would also be a great read if you are interested in knowing more about mental illness. While this is a work of fiction, so much of it is based on what actually happens. A stunning novel, and an author I will make sure to keep my eye out for.… (more)