Review by Frank Plowright
Although a natural human response in diminished quantities, the stress of modern life has increasingly promoted anxiety into a widespread condition, and post-covid the World Health Organisation identifies an increase of 25% in sufferers. As the subtitle indicates, The Anxiety Club is a self-help reference in which the cartoon avatar of psychiatrist Dr. Frédéric Fanget introduces various forms of the condition through individual sufferers, using cinematic references for easy understanding. As seen on the sample page, he encompasses a breadth of conditions under the umbrella of anxiety.
As Dr. Ian Williams points out in his introduction, the classification of anxiety as a psychiatric disorder in this French translation might be contentious, but it’s worth putting any irritation to one side, as via Catherine Meyer’s script, Fanget has pages of sound advice to offer. Some good news delivered early is that anxiety is a condition that can be changed. The first example concerns not being able to sleep if an early rise is important, with Fanget explaining the body process and noting the techniques that can help.
In order to keep focus, there are no flourishes to Pauline Aubry’s cartooning. Everything is simply and lightheartedly delivered, yet never in a way that trivialises the issues. At times the assorted personalities can muddy the illustrations, and sometimes the responses are too exaggerated for effect, but there’s no mistaking what’s important.
Fanget’s solution involves lowering the negative inner voice throwing up obstacles when considering any matter, although notes it’s not something to be abandoned altogether as there’s considerable value in other aspects of life. Other techniques are more spiritual, and while medication is mentioned, it’s always with a cautionary note advising consulting a doctor first.
One take home that might not have occurred to people for whom anxiety isn’t a great issue is the sheer amount of energy required just to cope with normal life. It’s explained on several occasions, especially with regard to a patient named Mona, first when she’s taking a subway trip. A help is imagining how a cool friend or ideal personality would adapt to any situation and taking their lead. It’s only the first stage in dealing with Mona’s issues, though, and while there’s advice about latter stages, it’s stressed they should be carried out in the presence of a therapist. Fanget also notes a certain level of anxiety needs to be accepted.
A compact guide to self-help produced by a professional is surely a no-brainer purchase for any anxiety sufferer, and The Anxiety Club is accessible, wise and understanding, with useful summaries at the end. As everyone knows someone who fits the categories discussed, it’s not only invaluable to sufferers, but a tool in achieving the right balance when helping them.
