Abigail Shrier Book order (chronological)

From the author of Irreversible Damage comes an investigation into a mental health industry that is harming American children. Gen Z’s mental health is significantly worse than previous generations, with rising youth suicide rates, common antidepressant prescriptions for children, and a growing number of mental health diagnoses failing to alleviate feelings of loneliness, sadness, and fear among kids. The issue, according to bestselling investigative journalist Abigail Shrier, lies not with the children but with the mental health experts. Through hundreds of interviews with psychologists, parents, teachers, and young people, Shrier examines how the mental health industry has altered the ways we teach, treat, and communicate with children. She uncovers that many therapeutic approaches have serious side effects and limited benefits. Her alarming findings include: talk therapy can lead to rumination, trapping children in anxiety and depression; social-emotional learning may hinder vulnerable children; and "gentle parenting" can provoke emotional turbulence and violence as children seek adult guidance. While mental health care can be lifesaving for those with severe needs, it can be detrimental for the average child. This work is essential for anyone questioning why efforts to support America’s youth have backfired and what parents can do to instigate change.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF 2021 BY THE TIMES AND THE SUNDAY TIMES. Until recently, gender dysphoria was extremely rare, affecting less than .01 percent of the population and primarily males. Today, however, groups of female friends in schools are coming out as transgender, often after hearing stories from speakers or engaging with online trans influencers. Many parents are shocked to find their daughters captivated by trendy trans YouTube stars and gender-affirming educators who advocate for drastic interventions, including unnecessary surgeries and puberty blockers that can lead to permanent infertility. Abigail Shrier, a Wall Street Journal writer, explores this phenomenon by speaking with affected girls, their distressed parents, and the medical professionals facilitating these transitions, as well as detransitioners who regret their decisions. Shrier reveals that coming out as transgender can enhance social status for these girls, but reversing the transition is challenging. She provides crucial guidance for parents on how to protect their daughters from this trend. A generation of girls is at risk, and Shrier's essential work aims to clarify the trans craze and offer strategies for parents to safeguard their children or help those who have begun down this perilous path.