Book Review: Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour, PhD

This is a great primer for non-mental health professionals that have influence in the lives of girls of all ages.  The author explains several cultural shifts that have given rise to an increase in anxiety in girls over the past several years.  She helps us to differentiate between healthy stress, unhealthy stress and anxiety and gives a number of practical tips for parents to support girls in managing stress and anxiety.   Damour’s style is factual, evidence-based and reassuring, giving the sense that parents and caregivers can do a lot to take action.  Our team felt that this book is a great resource for us to recommend to the parents of the girls we see in our practice, reminding them that they can take a deep breath and have hope.