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When Obstacles Limit Freedom: Facing the countless immovable obstacles of anxiety and panic attacks.
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PRAISE FOR WHEN OBSTACLES LIMIT FREEDOM “Alex Kirkland shares an intimate version of his lived experience with anxiety. I appreciate the honesty, the down-to earth approach, and the resiliency that he showed to not let anxiety win.” —Dona Dubbs, M.A., LCPC, CCMHC
“When Obstacles Limit Freedom is a poignant, honest, authentic memoir of the author’s continuous struggle with a life riddled with panic attacks. It’s a cogent mix of storytelling, fact-based data and tools, hopes and dreams” —Lee Schutter
“What sets this book apart is its ability to comfort those who struggle with anxiety disorders while also educating those on the outside looking in. Alex’s journey underscores the importance of persistence, even when stumbling through life’s challenges, and highlights the power of resilience and hope.” —Bruce Schutter, author of 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior
“What struck me most was the author, Alex Kirkland’s ability to break down what anxiety *feels* like—the racing thoughts, the physical manifestations, and the pervasive sense of overwhelm. These descriptions are not just relatable but deeply validating for readers who may feel isolated in their experiences." —Deanna Bugalski
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If you need advice from someone who's actually walked through the fire of anxiety and panic, and who's done a fair share of scientific and physiological research to help himself, you've come to the right place. When Obstacles Limit Freedom not only tells a raw story, but offers tips, tricks, and exercises, that can help you take control of your life once again.
This book is a treasure trove of information.
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EVER FELT LIKE ANXIETY AND PANIC ARE OBSTACLES LIMITING YOUR FREEDOM?
Alex Kirkland has. He's dealt with it in more ways than one. Anxiety doesn't fit nicely into a 'one-sized, fit-all' box like some online gurus preach. 'It's all in your mind,' they would say. False. However, there is one being stuck in constant anxiety turmoil with no means nor understanding of how to get out, is brutal.
Even before he knew what it was or had a name for it, Alex was experiencing the clammy hands, the pounded heart, the tightening chest, the pale face, the fear, the worrying. And when he partied in his twenties, as most twenty-something-year-olds do, he was introduced to "hanxiety," which he hid from others for fear of being seen as weak. Instead, he coped with the hangover-altered neurotransmitters and got used to the feeling...sort of.
But when December of 2020 rolled around, circumstances that would never in a million years send him into a panic attack, were indeed sending him into a panic attack. Slam of a door. Panic attack. Dog barking outside. Panic attack. Driving. Panic attack. Almost dropping something. Panic attack. The normal hangover situations that had sent him into "fight-or-flight" before were no longer relevant. A new demon was at his door. He had to face...
When Obstacles Limit Freedom
--
PRAISE FOR WHEN OBSTACLES LIMIT FREEDOM “Alex Kirkland shares an intimate version of his lived experience with anxiety. I appreciate the honesty, the down-to earth approach, and the resiliency that he showed to not let anxiety win.” —Dona Dubbs, M.A., LCPC, CCMHC
“When Obstacles Limit Freedom is a poignant, honest, authentic memoir of the author’s continuous struggle with a life riddled with panic attacks. It’s a cogent mix of storytelling, fact-based data and tools, hopes and dreams” —Lee Schutter
“What sets this book apart is its ability to comfort those who struggle with anxiety disorders while also educating those on the outside looking in. Alex’s journey underscores the importance of persistence, even when stumbling through life’s challenges, and highlights the power of resilience and hope.” —Bruce Schutter, author of 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior
“What struck me most was the author, Alex Kirkland’s ability to break down what anxiety *feels* like—the racing thoughts, the physical manifestations, and the pervasive sense of overwhelm. These descriptions are not just relatable but deeply validating for readers who may feel isolated in their experiences." —Deanna Bugalski
--
If you need advice from someone who's actually walked through the fire of anxiety and panic, and who's done a fair share of scientific and physiological research to help himself, you've come to the right place. When Obstacles Limit Freedom not only tells a raw story, but offers tips, tricks, and exercises, that can help you take control of your life once again.
This book is a treasure trove of information.
--
EVER FELT LIKE ANXIETY AND PANIC ARE OBSTACLES LIMITING YOUR FREEDOM?
Alex Kirkland has. He's dealt with it in more ways than one. Anxiety doesn't fit nicely into a 'one-sized, fit-all' box like some online gurus preach. 'It's all in your mind,' they would say. False. However, there is one being stuck in constant anxiety turmoil with no means nor understanding of how to get out, is brutal.
Even before he knew what it was or had a name for it, Alex was experiencing the clammy hands, the pounded heart, the tightening chest, the pale face, the fear, the worrying. And when he partied in his twenties, as most twenty-something-year-olds do, he was introduced to "hanxiety," which he hid from others for fear of being seen as weak. Instead, he coped with the hangover-altered neurotransmitters and got used to the feeling...sort of.
But when December of 2020 rolled around, circumstances that would never in a million years send him into a panic attack, were indeed sending him into a panic attack. Slam of a door. Panic attack. Dog barking outside. Panic attack. Driving. Panic attack. Almost dropping something. Panic attack. The normal hangover situations that had sent him into "fight-or-flight" before were no longer relevant. A new demon was at his door. He had to face...
When Obstacles Limit Freedom
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
4 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Alexander J. Kirkland
4 books8 followersAlexander J Kirkland is a writer and author based out of Kansas City. He and his debut memoir, Wolves of Hemp Street, were nominated for Best Local Author in The Kansas City Pitch. It has also been featured in Westword Magazine and Canvas Rebel.
Since the release of Wolves, Alex has been very active on the blog and writer platform, Medium. There he writes his day-to-day musings, but also gives advice on mental health, as he has walked through the fire himself. His new project, When Obstacles Limit Freedom, is the first in a two-part mental health memoir series. When Alex isn’t writing he’s watching his Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowls, thanks to Taylor Swift.
IG: @alexanderkirklandauthor
Since the release of Wolves, Alex has been very active on the blog and writer platform, Medium. There he writes his day-to-day musings, but also gives advice on mental health, as he has walked through the fire himself. His new project, When Obstacles Limit Freedom, is the first in a two-part mental health memoir series. When Alex isn’t writing he’s watching his Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowls, thanks to Taylor Swift.
IG: @alexanderkirklandauthor
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 25, 2024
I highly enjoyed this travel memoir that focuses on living with anxiety while chasing your dreams and navigating life. I enjoyed reading about the author's experience in Australia working and meeting new people. I could relate to the worry about running out of money while traveling and wanting to balance time exploring with earning a living. The parties were a great distraction from the anxiety but it's still there.
You really feel with the author when the panic attacks start surfacing and you get to learn more about the different tests that can be done to test for anxiety and other neurological issues.
I loved the road trip vibes of the story and the theme of being the captain of your own ship. This resonated with me.
I'm so glad I read this story !
You really feel with the author when the panic attacks start surfacing and you get to learn more about the different tests that can be done to test for anxiety and other neurological issues.
I loved the road trip vibes of the story and the theme of being the captain of your own ship. This resonated with me.
I'm so glad I read this story !
December 11, 2024
"When Obstacles Limit Freedom” is a poignant, honest, authentic memoir of the author’s continuous struggle with a life riddled with panic attacks. It’s a cogent mix of storytelling, fact-based data and tools, hopes and dreams.
We feel his life packed with emotion and worry for his heart (heart attack, heart anxiety, panic anxiety, “three-peats” of panic attacks). He could have let these be so debilitating that his life would have been sorely limited. But no! Alex lives a storied life with amazing experiences (it’s fun to note they are full of “B’s”: Band, Boarding, Bars, Boats, Birds, Beaches, Brisbane, Brownies).
The book is also replete with quotes and imagery that set the stage for each chapter. My favorite is “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them (Maya Angelou). The book will help others because Alex’ strength and resilience shines through as he lives life this way and does not let his obstacles limit his freedom.
We feel his life packed with emotion and worry for his heart (heart attack, heart anxiety, panic anxiety, “three-peats” of panic attacks). He could have let these be so debilitating that his life would have been sorely limited. But no! Alex lives a storied life with amazing experiences (it’s fun to note they are full of “B’s”: Band, Boarding, Bars, Boats, Birds, Beaches, Brisbane, Brownies).
The book is also replete with quotes and imagery that set the stage for each chapter. My favorite is “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them (Maya Angelou). The book will help others because Alex’ strength and resilience shines through as he lives life this way and does not let his obstacles limit his freedom.
February 28, 2025
When Obstacles Limit Freedom
Facing the countless immovable obstacles of anxiety and panic attacks
Alexander J. Kirland
11/29/2024
The first thing that I will take away from this is – not every solution to handling anxiety is for everyone. This is not a one size fits all journey. Whether you are the individual dealing with anxiety or are a support person looking in, this is 100% true. Among these pages is a wealth of knowledge.
The author invites the reader into his world and his experiences and does not sugarcoat any of what he and others go through. One step forward each day is a success. The young man's quest for answers is powerful and engaging. He openly shares his difficulties in coping with severe panic attacks and anxiety. His story will connect with many people, both young and old, who experience similar struggles, as it speaks for those who suffer quietly. While the reader can sense the pain and confusion in his experiences, the book is still easy to follow and understand.
Facing the countless immovable obstacles of anxiety and panic attacks
Alexander J. Kirland
11/29/2024
The first thing that I will take away from this is – not every solution to handling anxiety is for everyone. This is not a one size fits all journey. Whether you are the individual dealing with anxiety or are a support person looking in, this is 100% true. Among these pages is a wealth of knowledge.
The author invites the reader into his world and his experiences and does not sugarcoat any of what he and others go through. One step forward each day is a success. The young man's quest for answers is powerful and engaging. He openly shares his difficulties in coping with severe panic attacks and anxiety. His story will connect with many people, both young and old, who experience similar struggles, as it speaks for those who suffer quietly. While the reader can sense the pain and confusion in his experiences, the book is still easy to follow and understand.
March 9, 2025
I received a review copy of this book.
I quite enjoyed the way the author wrote the contained tips and things that can help with anxiety whilst also showing the experiences of the author on his journey with anxiety.
I was able to relate to some of the experiences in the book although this did make it hard for me to read at times, which made it less enjoyable, though this was due to no fault of the author. It was, however, nice to know that some of experiences (especially the less talked about) have names and that they aren’t super uncommon.
My most favourite bit of this book was the famous quotes at the end of each chapter that related to the chapter’s events.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading books on other people’s experiences with dealing with anxiety, but would caution those with previous anxiety experience that it may bring up unwanted feelings.
I quite enjoyed the way the author wrote the contained tips and things that can help with anxiety whilst also showing the experiences of the author on his journey with anxiety.
I was able to relate to some of the experiences in the book although this did make it hard for me to read at times, which made it less enjoyable, though this was due to no fault of the author. It was, however, nice to know that some of experiences (especially the less talked about) have names and that they aren’t super uncommon.
My most favourite bit of this book was the famous quotes at the end of each chapter that related to the chapter’s events.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading books on other people’s experiences with dealing with anxiety, but would caution those with previous anxiety experience that it may bring up unwanted feelings.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews