Book Description.

Prevention and treatment of toxic stress using self-diagnosis and over 100 techniques, strategies and tips to create a personal plan for recovery.

About the Author

Dr. Marilyn J. Varcoe is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Naples, Florida, and on staff at Naples Community Hospital. She has more than twenty-five years experience in the field. Dr. Varcoe is a frequent presenter of seminars and lectures on toxic stress and personal development, and has shared her expertise with television and radio audiences many times. She is also the author of Golf Smart: 7 Secrets to Master the Mind Game of Golf.

Patricia Burnett is a former California newspaper editor now living in Naples, Florida.

Our opinion

This is a great self-help book that explains why stress -- the really bad kind of stress -- is a major threat to your physical and mental health. It's shocking how many diseases and symptoms are linked to stress. Prostate cancer, even. Breast cancer. Lupus. Plus all the cardio and gastric complications we've known about for years.

This is an easy book to read. It's even entertaining, because the authors tell the stories of real-life patients whose lives were turned upside down by toxic stress that came from divorce, finanical ruin, angry bosses, whatever.

The self-tests are very revealing. And the tips on what to do to overcome toxic stress are excellent.

The authors describe toxic stress as a difficult life situation complicated by three additional factors: some kind of physical illness or damage (usually caused by the stress), depression and anxiety, such as panic attacks.

If you need to get control of your life, this is extremely helpful.