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How I Learned to Live with Panic: An Honest and Intimate Exploration on How to Cope with Panic Attacks
Brought to you by Penguin.
Award-winning blogger and author Claire Eastham is an expert on panic. She's not a doctor or an academic, but over a seven-year period, she has experienced 371 panic attacks (and counting), and learnt a thing or two along the way.
Part memoir, part guide, How I Learned to Live with Panic is an intimate, honest and ultimately uplifting exploration into panic attacks. In practical thematic chapters Claire covers the crisis points where panic can hit and interviews a host of people—scientists, professors, dieticians, psychologists and people who struggle with panic—to anatomise how it can be managed.
Frank, funny and blazing, Claire's story will speak to all those seeking to reclaim their lives.
Previously published as F--k I Think I'm Dying
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Award-winning blogger and author Claire Eastham is an expert on panic. She's not a doctor or an academic, but over a seven-year period, she has experienced 371 panic attacks (and counting), and learnt a thing or two along the way.
Part memoir, part guide, How I Learned to Live with Panic is an intimate, honest and ultimately uplifting exploration into panic attacks. In practical thematic chapters Claire covers the crisis points where panic can hit and interviews a host of people—scientists, professors, dieticians, psychologists and people who struggle with panic—to anatomise how it can be managed.
Frank, funny and blazing, Claire's story will speak to all those seeking to reclaim their lives.
Previously published as F--k I Think I'm Dying
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Audible Audio
Published June 23, 2022
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419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 22, 2021
Wow, I feel like I’m going to struggle to put into words how much I enjoyed this book, but I shall try.
This book follows the raw and real experiences of author Claire Eastham. Claire delves into her difficult battles with panic attacks, and how she continues to live her life despite them.
As someone who is battling panic disorder, agoraphobia and emetophobia, this book really resonated with me. It was incredibly powerful to know that someone else experiences some of the same exact things that I do, it made me feel validated and less alone/crazy. This book made me laugh a lot (I wouldn’t necessarily recommend reading it at night for this reason), Claire has a natural humour that made the dark subject easier to read!
Claire is brutally honest in her accounts of her battles, which may be difficult for some people to read. But this honesty really helped connect me to the novel. I finally felt like I’d met someone who understood me. I was left feeling empowered and hopeful at the end of this book. I will no longer let my panic attacks hold me back in my life. I feel like I have a new source of energy and fight in me.
I am so grateful to the author, publishers and tandem collective for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. I would 100% recommend this to anyone dealing with panic attacks, although there may be potential triggers for some people in the book so be cautious. I feel I may need to get some extra copies for others in my life that struggle with anxiety too, I shall be keeping my copy close so I can re-read it during darker times!
This book follows the raw and real experiences of author Claire Eastham. Claire delves into her difficult battles with panic attacks, and how she continues to live her life despite them.
As someone who is battling panic disorder, agoraphobia and emetophobia, this book really resonated with me. It was incredibly powerful to know that someone else experiences some of the same exact things that I do, it made me feel validated and less alone/crazy. This book made me laugh a lot (I wouldn’t necessarily recommend reading it at night for this reason), Claire has a natural humour that made the dark subject easier to read!
Claire is brutally honest in her accounts of her battles, which may be difficult for some people to read. But this honesty really helped connect me to the novel. I finally felt like I’d met someone who understood me. I was left feeling empowered and hopeful at the end of this book. I will no longer let my panic attacks hold me back in my life. I feel like I have a new source of energy and fight in me.
I am so grateful to the author, publishers and tandem collective for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. I would 100% recommend this to anyone dealing with panic attacks, although there may be potential triggers for some people in the book so be cautious. I feel I may need to get some extra copies for others in my life that struggle with anxiety too, I shall be keeping my copy close so I can re-read it during darker times!
July 16, 2021
Relatable and funny. I enjoyed it for what it was!
April 2, 2021
This was a brilliantly written book and an extension of a helping hand to all those who may experience or want to understand more about mental health and anxiety.
It covered all sorts from common causes of anxiety and panic, how they may present, research and the science into anxiety and panic as well as applied to situations like dating and flying on planes to name a few.
I absolutely love how Claire wrote this book, with plenty of humour (that was in good taste of course - and plenty of swearing!) and was actually incredibly laugh out loud funny. I think a lot will find a kinship with Claire - I certainly did and I have to admit, the whole book just left me feeling smiley, light and happy as well as a little annoyed at how the general world tends to find and deal with mental health but that is a common recurring theme to many!
Ahh it made me so annoyed with some of the poor authors experiences in the hospital care system and I could have throttled some of the doctors that so mean handedly dealt with her, and the sad thing is I know how prevalent it is and a standard in health care practice. There definitely needs to be an overturn in how mental health is dealt with, so it’s reasons that books like this are so so great! And I know things are getting better too with how mental health is perceived generally which is a brilliant step in the right direction.
This book would really help people who don’t suffer from anxiety and panic attacks as well, to understand, even if just a little, to help overcome the stigma that is attached. I’m lucky enough not to suffer from these conditions (aside from being an absolute huge overworrier!) and I’m so indebted to this book and the author who has helped me understand and helped me to be an ally to any current or future friends that may suffer in these ways.
I also loved reading about the relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health too and has really sparked an interest in current and upcoming research in this area for me. So so interesting!
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated as well by the author and it made for very easy and entertaining listening. Absolutely brilliant. I have nothing but respect for Claire and really couldn’t recommend this book enough to those thinking of giving it a read!
I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook with thanks to the author and publishers via NetGalley, in return for honest thoughts and review.
It covered all sorts from common causes of anxiety and panic, how they may present, research and the science into anxiety and panic as well as applied to situations like dating and flying on planes to name a few.
I absolutely love how Claire wrote this book, with plenty of humour (that was in good taste of course - and plenty of swearing!) and was actually incredibly laugh out loud funny. I think a lot will find a kinship with Claire - I certainly did and I have to admit, the whole book just left me feeling smiley, light and happy as well as a little annoyed at how the general world tends to find and deal with mental health but that is a common recurring theme to many!
Ahh it made me so annoyed with some of the poor authors experiences in the hospital care system and I could have throttled some of the doctors that so mean handedly dealt with her, and the sad thing is I know how prevalent it is and a standard in health care practice. There definitely needs to be an overturn in how mental health is dealt with, so it’s reasons that books like this are so so great! And I know things are getting better too with how mental health is perceived generally which is a brilliant step in the right direction.
This book would really help people who don’t suffer from anxiety and panic attacks as well, to understand, even if just a little, to help overcome the stigma that is attached. I’m lucky enough not to suffer from these conditions (aside from being an absolute huge overworrier!) and I’m so indebted to this book and the author who has helped me understand and helped me to be an ally to any current or future friends that may suffer in these ways.
I also loved reading about the relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health too and has really sparked an interest in current and upcoming research in this area for me. So so interesting!
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated as well by the author and it made for very easy and entertaining listening. Absolutely brilliant. I have nothing but respect for Claire and really couldn’t recommend this book enough to those thinking of giving it a read!
I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook with thanks to the author and publishers via NetGalley, in return for honest thoughts and review.
May 25, 2021
For someone that has suffered from panic/anxiety attacks, both in my past and recently, this was a book I could really relate to. It took me a while to complete as it so relatable I had to put it down and pick it up when I was able to concentrate on it, and not allow it to be a trigger, as parts of it were very close to my own experiences. This is only a personal objective, without any prejudices against the book or how it was written. If anything it was so refreshing to read such an honest and straight forward material about this subject, I was fully committed to finishing this, no matter how long it took.
This is not just an account of how Claire dealt with this over the past seven years, she was able to share things that I will be able to refer to in the future, and I have taken much much more than just information and awareness.
This book and author needs to be recognised by all. It is such a powerful read, whether you can relate or not. The chances are that you know someone in your circle that does, considering how many people this affects in society today. So read it and pass it on!
Thank you Tandem Collective for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. Apologises for the delay in completing this and uploading!
This is not just an account of how Claire dealt with this over the past seven years, she was able to share things that I will be able to refer to in the future, and I have taken much much more than just information and awareness.
This book and author needs to be recognised by all. It is such a powerful read, whether you can relate or not. The chances are that you know someone in your circle that does, considering how many people this affects in society today. So read it and pass it on!
Thank you Tandem Collective for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. Apologises for the delay in completing this and uploading!
August 23, 2021
This book is extremely heavy but so therapeutic to read.
The author mentions the NHS a few times, and how mental health is put to the bottom of the list even when life threatening. Ironically still, those of us with mental health problems can also be reluctant to ask for help and not wanting to inconvenience anyone.
The topic on the fetishisation of youth success hit me right in the feels and definitely stuck with me. I am guilty of wanting to continuously move on up to the next best thing, instead of looking at how far I’ve come and just sit and be comfortable for a bit - it’s exhausting.
Also bonus points for the author being local to me!
The author mentions the NHS a few times, and how mental health is put to the bottom of the list even when life threatening. Ironically still, those of us with mental health problems can also be reluctant to ask for help and not wanting to inconvenience anyone.
The topic on the fetishisation of youth success hit me right in the feels and definitely stuck with me. I am guilty of wanting to continuously move on up to the next best thing, instead of looking at how far I’ve come and just sit and be comfortable for a bit - it’s exhausting.
Also bonus points for the author being local to me!
July 28, 2022
Made me learn a lot about myself but I also gained extremely useful insights on how to hopefully be supportive of people who experience panic attacks. A smooth read and relatable narrator. A nice balance between a memoir and scientific and medical facts.
January 22, 2022
First actually useful and, most importantly, relatable book on panic I’ve read.
May 17, 2023
My interest was piqued by some of the changes in diet the author made, and all the lifestyle changes I find myself too indifferent to but would love to make in a different mindset. Was taken aback by the explained & encouraged use of spirit animals in the appropriative sense which felt like it was from a much earlier part of the century.
April 5, 2022
If you’re someone who struggles with panic, or knows someone that does, then I highly recommend this book.
Through her own personal experiences and supported by research and testimonies, Claire Eastham deconstructs panic and exposes its routes. By opening up in an incredibly raw and honest way, she’s written a book which is unbelievably relatable and helps to normalise something that feels anything but normal.
The book reminded me a lot of when I first read Matt Haig’s ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’. It feels revolutionary how someone is willing to expose themselves so much to write something that will no doubt help so many people.
I’ve often thought in lots of ways writers can be more effective than doctor in helping you to understand what it is you’re going through. Claire definitely ticks this box!
Through her own personal experiences and supported by research and testimonies, Claire Eastham deconstructs panic and exposes its routes. By opening up in an incredibly raw and honest way, she’s written a book which is unbelievably relatable and helps to normalise something that feels anything but normal.
The book reminded me a lot of when I first read Matt Haig’s ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’. It feels revolutionary how someone is willing to expose themselves so much to write something that will no doubt help so many people.
I’ve often thought in lots of ways writers can be more effective than doctor in helping you to understand what it is you’re going through. Claire definitely ticks this box!
October 17, 2021
F##K, I THINK I’M DYING by Claire Eastham
Some books start slow and eventually work into something more intense. This is not one of those. It’s like the horses have just jumped in the Melbourne Cup and it’s all go from there.
It deals with panic attacks, of which the author has had many, and our lack of understanding of same. Here I have to confess that a family member is afflicted so I had a vested interest in reading this tome. Having said that, I feel that it’s a book the general public NEEDS to read, such are the messages about our lack of understanding of a world outside the norm.
As a parallel, you could almost say it’s like Corona virus but, at this stage, there’s no solid antidote. The problem is coming more to the fore but intense studies are few and far between and, it’s only in modern times that the full ramifications are coming being elaborated on.
You can’t help but wonder just how many people have ended their lives due to this insidious bit of the brain called the amygdala. An acorn sized piece of the grey matter that controls your fight or flight response except, in some cases, usually prompted by continued stress it seems, it literally goes haywire and sends you to a type of crazy. Imagine lying on the side of the road, out cold, and not knowing how you arrived in that situation. That’s what happened to my relative.
I found it incredible to get my head around the fact that you can have pain virtually anywhere in your body, a seemingly physical, say, sore knee, yet there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your knee, or whatever other part might be suffering. Neck, back, arm, stomach, heart; anywhere at all in the body. You go to the doctor, explain the symptoms, and he/she treats you for what you’d expect. Except, everyone’s looking in the wrong place, for where problem actually is may well be in the “acorn”.
The number of self-harm cases caused by this potentially fatal flaw must be astronomic. The drug abuse it must lead to is beyond my comprehension. The world needs a better understanding of this malady and Claire is doing a wonderful job conveying the message.
As she explains, “There might not be an officially recognised cure, but what we can do is learn how to communicate with panic”. As someone who averages one a week over seven years, she knows what she is talking about.
She has a blog, titled, appropriately, “We’re all mad here”, which reflects not only her sense of humour but a determined effort to control her situation.
The total of possible aids to the condition are numerous; some work, some don’t. I’d heard of laughing therapy before but sort of dismissed it. However, after laughing, somewhat falsely, for 30 seconds or more, your self can’t distinguishing it from reality and you really do continue laughing. That is just one of many therapies delved into.
If you don’t like the word “f++k”, then you may find some discomfort in the volume. I found it mostly relevant to the text and, overall, the whole thing shines a light on something we know little about. A must read for me.
Some books start slow and eventually work into something more intense. This is not one of those. It’s like the horses have just jumped in the Melbourne Cup and it’s all go from there.
It deals with panic attacks, of which the author has had many, and our lack of understanding of same. Here I have to confess that a family member is afflicted so I had a vested interest in reading this tome. Having said that, I feel that it’s a book the general public NEEDS to read, such are the messages about our lack of understanding of a world outside the norm.
As a parallel, you could almost say it’s like Corona virus but, at this stage, there’s no solid antidote. The problem is coming more to the fore but intense studies are few and far between and, it’s only in modern times that the full ramifications are coming being elaborated on.
You can’t help but wonder just how many people have ended their lives due to this insidious bit of the brain called the amygdala. An acorn sized piece of the grey matter that controls your fight or flight response except, in some cases, usually prompted by continued stress it seems, it literally goes haywire and sends you to a type of crazy. Imagine lying on the side of the road, out cold, and not knowing how you arrived in that situation. That’s what happened to my relative.
I found it incredible to get my head around the fact that you can have pain virtually anywhere in your body, a seemingly physical, say, sore knee, yet there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your knee, or whatever other part might be suffering. Neck, back, arm, stomach, heart; anywhere at all in the body. You go to the doctor, explain the symptoms, and he/she treats you for what you’d expect. Except, everyone’s looking in the wrong place, for where problem actually is may well be in the “acorn”.
The number of self-harm cases caused by this potentially fatal flaw must be astronomic. The drug abuse it must lead to is beyond my comprehension. The world needs a better understanding of this malady and Claire is doing a wonderful job conveying the message.
As she explains, “There might not be an officially recognised cure, but what we can do is learn how to communicate with panic”. As someone who averages one a week over seven years, she knows what she is talking about.
She has a blog, titled, appropriately, “We’re all mad here”, which reflects not only her sense of humour but a determined effort to control her situation.
The total of possible aids to the condition are numerous; some work, some don’t. I’d heard of laughing therapy before but sort of dismissed it. However, after laughing, somewhat falsely, for 30 seconds or more, your self can’t distinguishing it from reality and you really do continue laughing. That is just one of many therapies delved into.
If you don’t like the word “f++k”, then you may find some discomfort in the volume. I found it mostly relevant to the text and, overall, the whole thing shines a light on something we know little about. A must read for me.
May 11, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trigger warning: mental health disorder
I’m a sucker for brilliantly written mental health books and this one is a winner!
Panic expert author Claire Eastham goes over her experience of dealing with a severe anxiety disorder, and her journey in understanding how to cope with this situation and learn to live a better life.
As the author highlights it herself, this is not a “feel good” book. It is however some of the most genuine and honest recollection of past experiences I have had the chance to read.
Having had a similar experience (similar episodes and uncontrollable thoughts, same medication...) I’ve really connected with this story. If you or a loved one has experienced anxiety first hand and would like to learn more about the ins and outs of this condition, I can only recommend you to grab this book.
The writing is honest, raw, down to earth, and it’s difficult not to appreciate the courage it must have taken to share some of these stories. I really truly loved it. Maybe the swearing adds to that?
Bonus: Claire Eastham actually recorded her own voice for the audiobook, so if you prefer that medium, give it a try. Once again, the experience is amazing.
Thank you @netgalley and @claireeasthamuk for this amazing book!
📖 Read this book to learn more about: self care, mental health, journey to self-discovery
📚 If you enjoyed this book, you might enjoy: Failosophy by the brilliant @elizabday (another 5 stars from me).
Trigger warning: mental health disorder
I’m a sucker for brilliantly written mental health books and this one is a winner!
Panic expert author Claire Eastham goes over her experience of dealing with a severe anxiety disorder, and her journey in understanding how to cope with this situation and learn to live a better life.
As the author highlights it herself, this is not a “feel good” book. It is however some of the most genuine and honest recollection of past experiences I have had the chance to read.
Having had a similar experience (similar episodes and uncontrollable thoughts, same medication...) I’ve really connected with this story. If you or a loved one has experienced anxiety first hand and would like to learn more about the ins and outs of this condition, I can only recommend you to grab this book.
The writing is honest, raw, down to earth, and it’s difficult not to appreciate the courage it must have taken to share some of these stories. I really truly loved it. Maybe the swearing adds to that?
Bonus: Claire Eastham actually recorded her own voice for the audiobook, so if you prefer that medium, give it a try. Once again, the experience is amazing.
Thank you @netgalley and @claireeasthamuk for this amazing book!
📖 Read this book to learn more about: self care, mental health, journey to self-discovery
📚 If you enjoyed this book, you might enjoy: Failosophy by the brilliant @elizabday (another 5 stars from me).
March 2, 2021
I am not normally an anxious person, but finding out you are pregnant in the middle of a worldwide pandemic can mess with your head and your emotions. When I saw this book, I thought it would be perfect to try and learn a bit more about dealing with my new anxiety.
Even though the author’s situation is completely different to mine, it was still relevant and I found the stories (both her own and the other contributors) very honest and helpful. There was a great mix of personal anecdotes and facts and information from psychologists and other health professionals.
I didn’t know what to expect from the book, but I found it very relatable and read it all in one sitting. I think it will be a valuable resource for many people, given that the current situation is causing more stress and anxiety than normal. It also put a lot of things into perspective for me – hearing about what the author struggles with on a daily basis made me realise that what I have been dealing with is very minor in comparison.
My favourite chapters were ‘Help! Educating Those Closest to Us’ and ‘Night Panic’. These were the chapters that were most relevant to me and gave me a lot to think about. However, for anyone wanting or needing to read this book, there will be chapters to help with whatever situation they need help with too.
Even though the author’s situation is completely different to mine, it was still relevant and I found the stories (both her own and the other contributors) very honest and helpful. There was a great mix of personal anecdotes and facts and information from psychologists and other health professionals.
I didn’t know what to expect from the book, but I found it very relatable and read it all in one sitting. I think it will be a valuable resource for many people, given that the current situation is causing more stress and anxiety than normal. It also put a lot of things into perspective for me – hearing about what the author struggles with on a daily basis made me realise that what I have been dealing with is very minor in comparison.
My favourite chapters were ‘Help! Educating Those Closest to Us’ and ‘Night Panic’. These were the chapters that were most relevant to me and gave me a lot to think about. However, for anyone wanting or needing to read this book, there will be chapters to help with whatever situation they need help with too.
April 30, 2021
There's a lot of books out there about personal experience with anxiety but this is definitely a winner. I'm not going to lie, if you experience anxiety then some of the personal anecdotes may be a little overwhelming. While some were familiar in a way that was comforting, others has me pausing because they were exacerbating my own anxiety. I'd recommend it to friends with anxiety but with that caveat attached because I really did question if I could keep going at times. That said, I commend the author's honesty in her own experience.
The book is broken down into interesting sections that flowed well., It's a nice mixture of personal stories, advice and broader opinion/research. All in all, I thought it was well written as almost a memoir of the author's own anxiety and it's one I'd recommend reading in that way, rather than as a guidebook. Nevertheless, I also think it could be a good insight into what anxiety is like and how it takes over for those who don't experience it. Some of the stories got a very visceral reaction from me and could offer a deep look at the many ways it manifested in this one person's experience.
The book is broken down into interesting sections that flowed well., It's a nice mixture of personal stories, advice and broader opinion/research. All in all, I thought it was well written as almost a memoir of the author's own anxiety and it's one I'd recommend reading in that way, rather than as a guidebook. Nevertheless, I also think it could be a good insight into what anxiety is like and how it takes over for those who don't experience it. Some of the stories got a very visceral reaction from me and could offer a deep look at the many ways it manifested in this one person's experience.
April 29, 2021
This is a memoir about panic. If you’re someone who has never experienced a panic attack fist of all, congratulations, second of all this is about as comprehensive an analysis of what panic is as anything I’ve ever read. I think memoir has that power to communicate where a trad self help/ instruction manual would struggle to connect in the same way.
.
If you’re someone who has / does deal with panic Claire Eastham is funny, warm and most importantly swears like an trucker (which is most enjoyable on audio) but I would say approach with caution and check in with yourself that you feel ok as listening to panic being described so frankly can put your brain on high alert. But if you can, please read this book. It’s great.
.
If you’re someone who has / does deal with panic Claire Eastham is funny, warm and most importantly swears like an trucker (which is most enjoyable on audio) but I would say approach with caution and check in with yourself that you feel ok as listening to panic being described so frankly can put your brain on high alert. But if you can, please read this book. It’s great.
September 18, 2021
***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.co.uk in return for an honest review ***
As a sufferer of panic attacks and social anxiety for a number of years Claire gives great insight into what it is like to live with debilitating mental illness, along with practical advice on how to learn to live it with it.
There are some excellent coping strategies shared in the book for both the sufferer and also their close friends and family.
A really helpful read/listen for anyone dealing with social anxiety.
As a sufferer of panic attacks and social anxiety for a number of years Claire gives great insight into what it is like to live with debilitating mental illness, along with practical advice on how to learn to live it with it.
There are some excellent coping strategies shared in the book for both the sufferer and also their close friends and family.
A really helpful read/listen for anyone dealing with social anxiety.
September 19, 2021
Very useful, personal, contemporary account of living with panic. Lots of personal experience and insight combined with a bit of expert input. Much better than a psychology textbook or a self help manual.
As a parent of a panic sufferer, I particularly liked the bit about what to do when someone is having a panic attack. Family members haven't got a fucking clue what's going on. They have no knowledge, skills or aptitude for dealing with panic. They may also have their own mental health troubles going on. They can only try their best.
As a parent of a panic sufferer, I particularly liked the bit about what to do when someone is having a panic attack. Family members haven't got a fucking clue what's going on. They have no knowledge, skills or aptitude for dealing with panic. They may also have their own mental health troubles going on. They can only try their best.
June 20, 2021
Incredibly important and informative read about panic and anxiety. It did trigger some memories whilst reading so it took me a while to read it at times, but it was so brilliantly informative, with amazing sarcastic British humour which made it even more relatable for me. I recommend this to anyone who suffers from mental illness or who wants to be more informed.
September 5, 2024
3,5 stars. Really insightful book but not written primarily to inform the reader. It’s filled with lived experiences, most from the author but also from other people. Some passages were really recognizable and gave insight into why certain stuff happens. It was also funny at times. Found the first half a bit tougher to get through but second part was really enjoyable!
April 22, 2024
I really enjoyed hearing someone's similar battle with a panic disorder. I feel like depression and ADHD are more common to find these days, so to find a book about anxiety and panic disorders was a breath of fresh air that I really needed right now.
December 21, 2024
Quite a personal overview on someone's life whilst she also shares her tips and tricks towards overcoming panic, I found that the book created a safe space with how she wrote. It felt very real and understandable.
January 5, 2021
I feel seen.
May 15, 2021
A really helpful, thought provoking book. Claire is honest and funny when discussing her plight. There's a lot of useful resources listed in the endnotes, too.
July 4, 2021
It made me laugh, it made me cry but mostly it made me feel a little less alone!
October 23, 2022
One of the best books on anxiety I've ever read. Not only hugely relatable but actually provides helpful insights and coping tips.
December 18, 2023
Really given me an alternative insight into how to deal with my own anxiety and fear. Given me a different perspective on how to think about my anxiety.
September 24, 2025
Komik ve gerçekçi, daha kısa olabilirdi
December 20, 2021
Part memoir, part survival guide, 'F**ck, I Think I’m Dying' from blogger and author Claire Eastham is a relatable and honest account of what it’s like living with panic attacks. As well as covering Eastham’s personal journey with panic attacks, the book also draws information from scientists, psychologists, and fellow panic attack sufferers to work out what panic is, and the situations it’s most likely to hit.
I was interested in reading FITID, as I expect a lot of my fellow readers will be, because panic is a subject I’m uncomfortably familiar with. While I’ve read a couple of books that cover the umbrella topic of anxiety, this is the only book I’ve read that focuses specifically on panic, and so much of Claire’s story - from the lacking response by doctors to the effects of panic in everyday life — was achingly familiar.
Laying out the chapters around common panic danger zones (interviews, presentations, social situations, etc) was an excellent way to create structure. I do wish there had been a touch more on night panic attacks, but I really liked the discussion around plane journeys! Another highlight for me was the discussion around how people can help when a panic attack strikes, and how different this can be for each sufferer/situation.
Often Eastham’s advice boils down to ‘put long-term comfort before the short-term comfort that comes with doing what our bodies tell us to do during panic attacks', and while most of the advice Eastham offers probably won’t be new to panic sufferers, her frank and reassuring perspective will inevitably bring readers comfort. I listened to the audiobook version and Eastham was also a great narrator, with a chatty style that I think worked really well for a subject like this.
Though I found the insight from medical professionals interesting, it was the inclusion of experiences from other panic attack sufferers that I found to be the highlight of this book. As useful and fascinating as it is to take a look into the biological aspects of panic, it’s the open solidarity of everyday sufferers that makes F**ck, I Think I’m Dying a book I’d recommend if you suffer from panic, or want to provide support for someone who does.
Thank you Netgalley / Penguin for letting me listen to an advanced audio copy!
I was interested in reading FITID, as I expect a lot of my fellow readers will be, because panic is a subject I’m uncomfortably familiar with. While I’ve read a couple of books that cover the umbrella topic of anxiety, this is the only book I’ve read that focuses specifically on panic, and so much of Claire’s story - from the lacking response by doctors to the effects of panic in everyday life — was achingly familiar.
Laying out the chapters around common panic danger zones (interviews, presentations, social situations, etc) was an excellent way to create structure. I do wish there had been a touch more on night panic attacks, but I really liked the discussion around plane journeys! Another highlight for me was the discussion around how people can help when a panic attack strikes, and how different this can be for each sufferer/situation.
Often Eastham’s advice boils down to ‘put long-term comfort before the short-term comfort that comes with doing what our bodies tell us to do during panic attacks', and while most of the advice Eastham offers probably won’t be new to panic sufferers, her frank and reassuring perspective will inevitably bring readers comfort. I listened to the audiobook version and Eastham was also a great narrator, with a chatty style that I think worked really well for a subject like this.
Though I found the insight from medical professionals interesting, it was the inclusion of experiences from other panic attack sufferers that I found to be the highlight of this book. As useful and fascinating as it is to take a look into the biological aspects of panic, it’s the open solidarity of everyday sufferers that makes F**ck, I Think I’m Dying a book I’d recommend if you suffer from panic, or want to provide support for someone who does.
Thank you Netgalley / Penguin for letting me listen to an advanced audio copy!
August 4, 2025
I absolutely adore Claire Eastham. I read her first book and absolutely loved it! It is one of very few books I read during my mental breakdown that I felt really understood me. I have bought multiple copies and given them to friends who have gone through similar things, as well as family members to help them understand what going through anxiety and depression is really like and how they can support.
I have also spoken to Claire over social media on multiple occasions. She's bloody lovely!!
I have been waiting for Claire Eastham's second book for a long time now, and so was super excited to be given an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It really does pain me to say it, but I didn't really like this book. It was very slow paced - it took me such a long time to get through, and I didn't feel excited or urged to pick the book back up after putting it down. I didn't connect with all of the anecdotes from Eastham's own life. I just didn't connect to this book as much as I did her first. Feel disappointed after waiting so long for this book.
I will continue to follow Clare on socials, and I will read any further books she releases after this - but this one just wasn't for me.
I have also spoken to Claire over social media on multiple occasions. She's bloody lovely!!
I have been waiting for Claire Eastham's second book for a long time now, and so was super excited to be given an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It really does pain me to say it, but I didn't really like this book. It was very slow paced - it took me such a long time to get through, and I didn't feel excited or urged to pick the book back up after putting it down. I didn't connect with all of the anecdotes from Eastham's own life. I just didn't connect to this book as much as I did her first. Feel disappointed after waiting so long for this book.
I will continue to follow Clare on socials, and I will read any further books she releases after this - but this one just wasn't for me.
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