When Panic Happens: Short-Circuit Anxiety and Fear in the Moment Using Neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory

by Charles Schaeffer

Powerful, fast-acting relief to help you put an end to panic—anytime, anywhere.

If you struggle with panic attacks, it can feel as if the world is closing in on you. Your heart races, your hands or feet may go numb, and you might even have trouble speaking. Even if you know it’s all in your head, you can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. That’s why you need quick, in-the-moment strategies to help you feel better fast.

Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and polyvagal theory, When Panic Happens provides quick and lasting relief from panic attacks, just when you need it the most. With this accessible guide, you’ll learn proven-effective emotion regulation skills and body-based practices to rewire your nervous system for calm, stop panic attacks in the moment, and even prevent them from happening again.

The tools in this valuable little book will have you covered before, during, and after panic sets in. You’ll discover essential coping skills to quickly decrease the intensity of your symptoms, soothe your system, and “reboot” your brain to its optimal state.

If you’re ready to stop panic in its tracks, pick up this book and get started today!

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ive read that explains how anxiety works and what you can do to stop it in its tracks

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE should not only read this book but also should PROACTIVELY PREPARE by going through different scenarios hopefully when not in crises.

Mix, match, Mish, mash...
Choose what works best for YOU.

Whether the PANIC is caused by EXTERNAL or INTERNAL forces or BOTH, the CORE PROCEDURE that You PERSONALLY develop should be used to solve the problem.

Get it NOW and PROACTIVELY PREPARE so you are ready BEFORE instead of WHEN you PANIC!!

[icanread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.57
I like his examples made it much more easier to listen to and not getting very overwhelmed. May reread soon<3

[Cal R]

Impressively basic.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nurse who frequently works with patients dealing with anxiety (and a person who deals with anxiety myself), this book is a game changer. Dr. Schaeffer explains so clearly and simply what is happening in the mind and body during episodes of panic and provides easy tricks to help guide yourself through it. Even if you don’t think you have anxiety, everyone can relate to having moments of overwhelming stress where they need to reset. All the strategies detailed in this book are amazing tools to have in your back pocket when you start to feel overwhelmed. I will definitely be referencing this book when my patients feel anxious and when I feel overwhelmed as well.

[Genna Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a terrific read for managing anxiety and panic attacks. Dr. Schaeffer clearly explains the body’s stress responses and offers very helpful tools including breathing exercises and grounding techniques to stop your fear in the moment.

This book really stands out in its balance of actionable advice and scientific insight, all delivered clearly and with empathy at the forefront. A perfect read for anyone seeking immediate strategies backed by research!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a remarkable success: clear, practical, and highly accessible. I’ve added it to my consulting room library and will recommend it to patients as a valuable complement to their psychodynamic therapy. While we address the roots of their pain, your book offers effective tools for managing daily panic and paralysis.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When Panic Happens" is a genuinely helpful and accessible book. I love how easy it is to read and how straightforward the tools are to apply in real life. I learned so much about my nervous system and how to support myself when panic feels inevitable. It breaks down neuroscience and polyvagal theory in a way that actually makes sense. A really good read—highly recommend.

[Isabelle Kwasney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good physiological techniques that could be used. A lot of the reference stories are from the marvel universe which, while a lot of people watch these, a lot of people are also really opposed to watching these. It could be helpful or it could take away from the overall understanding.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a game changer of a book! I’ve tried a lot of these polyvagal books and this one actually worked. Not sure what’s up with all the 3 star reviews but it seems some of those folks didn’t read or buy the book? Anyway- believe the hype. Panic gone without drugs.

[aimilina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine - the author is sweet and knowledgeable. It should have just been a bit more realistic rather than making up success stories for each chapter that were very 'thin' and not believable. Fine read but probably wouldn't buy it as a gift for someone.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is good for isolated panic attacks in your home or office. But, for panic attacks that happen while driving, while walking, or somewhere where you can't lie down or take a break it's not helpful.

[Madeline Bataille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful resources

[Barbara Rahll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is now required reading for my whole family!

[Debi]

Brief.
Shows how ordinary it is to panic.
Provides myriad techniques to try.

[Aaron Pietsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very digestible and lots of exercises to try for different situations and flavors of panic.

[Laura Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some good practices to keep or start doing in this book. Short and easy read! However, after reading it, it’s hard to remember some of the strategies mentioned since so much focus was on the polyvagal theory.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When Panic Happens" is a game changer. The way Dr. Chuck breaks down complex concepts into relatable analogies is completely different than anything I’ve ever read. Each chapter is filled with insightful anecdotes that resonate deeply. I particularly appreciated the actionable exercises that encourage self-reflection and personal growth.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic easy to use guide to most helpful DBT and ACT practices - after years of struggling this actually helped me follow through on homework between sessions. Highly recommend for anyone currently in therapy for anxiety or panic. 10/10