Peace from Nervous Suffering

by Claire Weekes

This classic anxiety-relief guide from the author of Hope and Help for your Nerves has brought solace to over a quarter million readers coping with panic attacks and agoraphobia. 
 
Dr Claire Weekes offers clear, concise advice to anyone suffering from
 
DO NOT RUN
DO NOT FIGHT
FLOAT DO NOT LISTEN IN
LET TIME DO NOT BE IMPATIENT WITH TIME
 
It may look much too simple, but if you can truly master these four important principles, you are already on your way to rapid recovery. Written in response to great demand from both the medical and psychological communities, as well as from her own devoted readers, Dr. Weekes’s revolutionary approach to treating nervous tension is sympathetic, medically sound, and quite possibly one of the most successful step-by-step guides to mental health available.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Dr Hazel Claire Weekes MBE was an Australian general practitioner and health writer. She also had an early career as a research scientist working in the field of comparative reproduction. She is considered by some as the pioneer of modern anxiety treatment via Cognitive Therapy. She continues to be noted for her books on dealing with anxiety disorders. Many of today's anxiety self-help books continue to cite her work.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Weekes is totally funny and helpful and encouraging in her treatment of what's now called panic disorder. This book is pretty old (written in the 50s, I think) so a lot of the language it uses is outdated. It doesn't say "panic disorder" or "anxiety" or anything like that, but it was sort of nice not to be bombarded with that same language which has now started to feel really medical to me.

I guess, like with all behavioral treatments of anxiety, it was a relief to read about people's recovery stories, and it still was tiring to read about how the only concrete solution is repetitive and patient practice. Not that I'm lazy, but, you know... being anxious all the time is pretty tiring in and of itself. She talks a lot about the idea of riding out anxiety - noting and accepting its presence, and then just letting it happen without trying to stop it - which is so counter-intuitive for me, but smart and effective. Also I liked that this addresses agoraphobia as a consequence/big part of panic disorder, and how you can still be suffering without having had an actual panic attack in months or years.

SO although the language and some of stuff about women's participation in the public sphere seems pretty anachronistic in 2012, it was still a good and helpful read--probably one of the best anxiety self-help books I've ever read. People are forever recommending "Hope & help for your Nerves"(her other book) to me as well, but I've yet to check it out...

[Jaye Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was suffering with anxiety, agoraphobia, and panic attacks, facing an inability to travel, to finish my degree, couldn't drive on highways, cross bridges or even visit my mother 30 minutes away. I walked out of a class, had terrifying thoughts in my head, and afraid I was not going to be able to work. This was in the 1980s, when nobody talked about these issues. I was offered meds, but I wanted to fix this, not become more dependent. I found Claire Weekes, and she saved my life. I gave up caffeine and sugar, I carried her book everywhere, and I read it over and over, marked the pages I needed most, and I kept a spare copy. I am now 69, and I have managed my anxiety with her lessons, no meds, and added Yoga and deep breathing. My life is normal. I travel, I drive, I am not afraid, I finished my degree, and I am happy.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, perhaps, with its frequent references to the "nervous housewife," but full of helpful information that is still totally relevant today for those of us suffering with "nervous illness." Next time you feel yourself about to have a "turn" (i.e. a panic attack), remember that you really have nothing to fear but fear itself.

[Jen namurit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frequent out of the blue panic attacks? I hope the late Dr. Claire Weekes can help you too.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth its weight in gold; worth much more than the $8 I paid for it. It’s everything I needed and more. I’m just now at the beginning of my journey to recovery, but I feel I can now “glimpse it.” Claire’s words give me so much hope and comfort, and I never thought I’d find that. Ever. She has a way of explaining every sensation and symptom I’ve ever experienced in a way I not only understand, but also in a way that leaves me feeling reassured that it is all okay. It’s as if she knows me as well as I know myself. What I would give to have met this woman, sit down with her and discuss my own struggles, but also to wholeheartedly thank her. Because of her, my battles with panic and anxiety attacks may not be far from over after nearly fourteen years.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the myriad books this reader has gone through on this topic, none come close to this one.
Her writing style is unlike so many other authors who tend to use psychological jargon or treat panic attacks and severe anxiety as such that it can be tackled simply by following their guidelines. Not necessarily so. This book is also my top pick because it is original, unlike many on this topic which border on plain plagiarism. Claire Weeks makes no pretense of possessing simple cures and/or short-cuts. She just says it like it is. Completely lucid. Highly recommended reading.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books saved my life. Back in the day, before internet, no one knew much about panic attacks. I thought I was losing my mind after a medical event and then I found Dr Weeks’ books. Even to this day, it is the singular best help for panic. I have recommended them more than I can count and I cannot rate this high enough

[Rebecca Edgecombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifesaver.

[Kimberly Stovall · Rating 5 out of 5]

God bless Dr. Claire Weekes. Her books literally saved my life. The terminology may be outdated but her method works.

[Annamarie Cima · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Chloe Madden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but repetitive. Got harder to read the longer it went on. Has some good tips for the anxious mind!

[Emilio · Rating 5 out of 5]

muy buenos los libros de weekes claire los recomiendo a todos