ReviewHi, Anxiety is a funny and brave account of living with mental illness
Kat Kinsman suffers from generalised anxiety disorder, which prevents her from functioning fully – and this book is her way of dealing with this debilitating condition
by Kat Kinsman (read by the author)
HarperAudio (audiobook)
Kat Kinsman’s generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is apparently the most frequently diagnosed mental illness in the United States, affecting 18 per cent of adults, and interfering with daily functioning. A few phobias specific to the author include a fear of getting her hair cut and speaking on the phone. For people like Kinsman, panic attacks can resemble heart attacks, and the mere thought of leaving the house can cause palpitations. Away from clinical matters, Hi, Anxiety is surprisingly entertaining and more about Kinsman explaining why she bails on social events than an exercise in “woe is me”. Indeed, writing the book was her way of dealing with GAD, even though, she says, it felt like scraping off her skin with a butter knife. Kinsman’s honesty should appeal to other Nervous Nellies, and open the hearts of people who care about them.