Sociologist Martha Beck unpicks why so many of us find ourselves stuck in an 'anxiety cycle,' and investigates the transformative ways that engaging with creativity can free us.

In 2017, Forbes Health reported that over 284 million people worldwide had been diagnosed with some sort of anxiety disorder. In 2020, this grew to 374 million.

In 2023, Forbes' global survey reported that 50% of adults aged 18–24 report severe symptoms of anxiety. In short, anxiety has become a global pandemic. So how do we get out of it?

In her 2025 book, Beyond Anxiety, life coach and sociologist Martha Beck offers a fundamental new response, stating that anxiety cannot be simply reduced; it must be replaced.

Using scientific studies and biological assessments, Beck shows us that, in order to beat our anxiety, we need to learn to unlock our creativity.