Fighting Invisible Tigers (secondary age)
Quick Overview
Fighting Invisible Tigers uses the metaphor of a tiger to explain what stress is and the effects that it can have. It is aimed at young people and covers common stressful situations that they have to deal with, and includes tips and strategies to help manage these. Strategies include healthy eating, exercise, self-care, relaxation exercises, healthy relationships, time management, goal setting, assertiveness skills, positive self-talk and decision making. The valuable information in this book is conveyed using language that is straight forward, simple and easy to understand. Additionally, quotes from teenagers about their own struggles and successes are included, making it more relatable for young readers.
Health Professional Review
Health Professional Review
Health Professional Reviewer: Mary Cunningham
Book Title: Fighting Invisible Tigers: Stress Management for Teens
Author: Earl Hipp
Publication Date: Originally published 1985 – revised and updated edition 2008
Problem Addressed: Stress
Suitable for: Adolescents age 12-17
Book Summary
Fighting Invisible Tigers uses the metaphor of a tiger to explain what stress is and the effects that it can have. The book is aimed at young people and common stressful situations that they have to deal with, and includes tips and strategies to help manage these. These strategies include heathy eating, exercise, self-care, relaxation exercises, healthy relationships, time management, goal setting, assertiveness skills, positive self-talk and decision making.
Strengths
Fighting Invisible Tigers has a lot of valuable information about stress and tips and helpful strategies to manage this. The language is straight forward, simple and easy to understand. The book includes quotes from teenagers about their own struggles and successes which makes it more relatable for young readers.
Weaknesses
This edition, which is the most recent, was published a decade ago and therefore is not up-to-date in all areas. The book does not talk about stress caused by social media and cyber-bullying which is a source of stress and pressure for many young people. This could mean that teenagers could struggle to relate to the content. The pictures and layout is perhaps a little out-dated.
Recommendation
I would recommend this to young people who are struggling with stressful situations. It may be helpful to have supportive people who are able to be alongside them to help implement strategies.
It is not recommended for young people who are experiencing more complex difficulties or severe mental health problems.
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