What do you think?
Rate this book
Uzależnieni od lęku. Jak porzucić nawyk niepokojenia się
Lęk to normalna rzecz. Jako sygnał alarmowy może być przydatny. Ale kiedy zaczyna dyktować ci, jak masz żyć, pojawia się problem.
A co, jeśli możesz się od niego uzależnić – utknąć w błędnym kole zasłaniania się niepokojem, unikania wyzwań i ludzi, odkładania wszystkiego na później?
Myślisz, że wieczny lęk zapewni ci bezpieczeństwo, ale ile życia przez to tracisz?
Przerwij ten cykl.
Psychoterapeuta Owen O'Kane ma na to sposób. Pokaże ci, jak:
• rozpoznać, co wyzwala twoje stany lękowe,
• uwolnić się od wyuczonych reakcji i mechanizmów obronnych,
• bronić się przed nawrotami lęków.
Zaopiekuj się swoim lękowym ja i na nowo przejmij stery we własnym życiu!
A co, jeśli możesz się od niego uzależnić – utknąć w błędnym kole zasłaniania się niepokojem, unikania wyzwań i ludzi, odkładania wszystkiego na później?
Myślisz, że wieczny lęk zapewni ci bezpieczeństwo, ale ile życia przez to tracisz?
Przerwij ten cykl.
Psychoterapeuta Owen O'Kane ma na to sposób. Pokaże ci, jak:
• rozpoznać, co wyzwala twoje stany lękowe,
• uwolnić się od wyuczonych reakcji i mechanizmów obronnych,
• bronić się przed nawrotami lęków.
Zaopiekuj się swoim lękowym ja i na nowo przejmij stery we własnym życiu!
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2025
182 people are currently reading
5340 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 27, 2025
I found this an irritating read - lightweight, full of exclamation marks, cringe-worthy jokey style, and feeling like it needed more drafting and editing to make it truly work, even though the premise was interesting: that anxiety itself can be addictive and hold us stuck.
It may be that the book is directed at those who have not travelled down any discovery routes such as counselling or spent any time understanding how to make of use of techniques like CBT, but even taking a step back it felt infantilising. It also barely justified the word 'book' - more of a long article - as it was printed in giant text with lots of line spacing to make it into a sufficiently thick spine. And that was even after including chapter reviews of what had gone before, chapter previews of what was to come, and chapter reviews of what had just been covered in each chapter. This approach can be useful for consolidating learning and reinforcing how each element is connected, but was a sledgehammer / nut scenario for the depth of content and the level of repetition/reinforcement going on here.
There was also an acronym in every chapter to reinforce the work, but these just felt shoehorned together, desperate to make a word, with no real resonance. And not bound together with previous or subsequent acronyms.
The concept was definitely worthy of exploration but I didn't feel O'Kane explored the proposition sufficiently to stand it up. Bones of an argument and insight but needed to be rationalised further. Really just felt like there was a book deadline and this was rattled out to meet it and ride a marketing opportunity.
I was interested to read this after an interview with Owen O'Kane in the Times and put in a pre-reservation request at the library. I had to do a speed read in the end because I was away and then discovered there were some 20 reservation requests at the libary so i could not extend the loan date. I did not fully read the last 70 pages, only scanned through, partly because of the time limit but also it felt a bit of a waste of time. I hope all those in the queue find it useful - it has made me think, but I feel the book as it stands was a wasted opportunity. Something is not always better than nothing...
It may be that the book is directed at those who have not travelled down any discovery routes such as counselling or spent any time understanding how to make of use of techniques like CBT, but even taking a step back it felt infantilising. It also barely justified the word 'book' - more of a long article - as it was printed in giant text with lots of line spacing to make it into a sufficiently thick spine. And that was even after including chapter reviews of what had gone before, chapter previews of what was to come, and chapter reviews of what had just been covered in each chapter. This approach can be useful for consolidating learning and reinforcing how each element is connected, but was a sledgehammer / nut scenario for the depth of content and the level of repetition/reinforcement going on here.
There was also an acronym in every chapter to reinforce the work, but these just felt shoehorned together, desperate to make a word, with no real resonance. And not bound together with previous or subsequent acronyms.
The concept was definitely worthy of exploration but I didn't feel O'Kane explored the proposition sufficiently to stand it up. Bones of an argument and insight but needed to be rationalised further. Really just felt like there was a book deadline and this was rattled out to meet it and ride a marketing opportunity.
I was interested to read this after an interview with Owen O'Kane in the Times and put in a pre-reservation request at the library. I had to do a speed read in the end because I was away and then discovered there were some 20 reservation requests at the libary so i could not extend the loan date. I did not fully read the last 70 pages, only scanned through, partly because of the time limit but also it felt a bit of a waste of time. I hope all those in the queue find it useful - it has made me think, but I feel the book as it stands was a wasted opportunity. Something is not always better than nothing...
March 26, 2025
Listened as an audiobook. There are some really interesting techniques to tackling anxiety in this book and fascinating ideas around anxiety and how we might be addicted to the comfort and protection that anxiety can bring.
February 24, 2025
I really enjoyed Owen O'Kane's previous book so was looking forward to this one for a further insight into mental health and anxiety.
Unfortunately I didn't get as much from this book as I did his first. I found the info to be very repetitive, and it kept going through the same things. There was of course, some interesting takeaways - but just not a lot of them.
I didn't feel that Owen O Kane was very empathetic to people suffering with anxiety, I felt like I was being talked down to.
Not for me!
Unfortunately I didn't get as much from this book as I did his first. I found the info to be very repetitive, and it kept going through the same things. There was of course, some interesting takeaways - but just not a lot of them.
I didn't feel that Owen O Kane was very empathetic to people suffering with anxiety, I felt like I was being talked down to.
Not for me!
November 15, 2025
"Addicted to Anxiety" by Owen O’Kane is a powerful, compassionate, and refreshingly relatable look at how anxiety takes hold, and how we can break free. O’Kane blends his clinical expertise with real-world clarity, making complex psychological patterns easy to understand without ever feeling oversimplified. O'Kane explains why anxiety can become a habitual, almost addictive cycle and offers practical strategies to interrupt those patterns and build a healthier mindset. The tools he provides are realistic, actionable, and grounded in modern therapeutic approaches, making them easy to integrate into daily life.
Whether you’re personally struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of anxious thinking, "Addicted to Anxiety" is an empowering and enlightening read.
Thank you to the NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author for providing an early digital ARC of this book! "Addicted to Anxiety" is available for purchase in the US beginning 5/5/2026.
Whether you’re personally struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of anxious thinking, "Addicted to Anxiety" is an empowering and enlightening read.
Thank you to the NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author for providing an early digital ARC of this book! "Addicted to Anxiety" is available for purchase in the US beginning 5/5/2026.
May 6, 2025
A very decent read. Helps see things from a different angle.
“If you truly want to move past your addiction to anxiety, then that involves letting go of the addiction to wanting life on your terms.
Harsh and brutal to hear, I know.
Liberating when taken seriously.”
“Everyone falls in life at some point. It's the getting back up that really counts.”
“If you truly want to move past your addiction to anxiety, then that involves letting go of the addiction to wanting life on your terms.
Harsh and brutal to hear, I know.
Liberating when taken seriously.”
“Everyone falls in life at some point. It's the getting back up that really counts.”
March 10, 2025
Very different book for me but a very interesting read and a different outlook on anxiety. I can see why this outlook could be considered controversial for some, but me for I completely understand the perspective of the book and see it could help me going forward!!
July 9, 2025
Interesting not just in the context of anxiety but also from the wider perspective of our attachments to our habits.
August 24, 2025
Great - really hit home. Quite technical so a lot to take in so will probably read again soon to revisit!
July 25, 2025
Literally gave me my own self back. Thank you, thank you and thank you again to the author. This came to me at an important part of my life and I’m sure it will be a lifelong companion.
January 25, 2025
As soon as I saw the title I know this book was for me as I have really felt recently that anxiety is taking hold of my life. It was a great read which really broke down anxiety, helped me to understand it and showed me how to break some of the habits that come with anxiety.
The book was set out into 3 sections was laid out well and was easy to understand with chapter summaries.
It was great to hear about not just the authors issues with anxiety but also case studies which added to the book.
Overall this was a great read which I would definitely recommend to anyone who suffers with anxiety. It has some excellent advice, tips and processes on how to overcome the addiction to anxiety which I will definitely be using and I think will improve my life.
Thanks to NetGalley, Owen o’Kane and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The book was set out into 3 sections was laid out well and was easy to understand with chapter summaries.
It was great to hear about not just the authors issues with anxiety but also case studies which added to the book.
Overall this was a great read which I would definitely recommend to anyone who suffers with anxiety. It has some excellent advice, tips and processes on how to overcome the addiction to anxiety which I will definitely be using and I think will improve my life.
Thanks to NetGalley, Owen o’Kane and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
December 27, 2025
Książka ta wywraca do góry nogami tradycyjne podejście do lęku. Dr Judson Brewer, psychiatra i neurobiolog, stawia tezę, że lęk nie jest cechą charakteru, lecz nawykiem, który nasz mózg wykształcił w procesie ewolucji.
Autor wyjaśnia mechanizm tzw. pętli nawyku (Trigger – Behavior – Reward). Wyzwalaczem jest stresująca myśl, zachowaniem jest martwienie się (ruminacje), a "nagrodą" (paradoksalnie) jest chwilowe poczucie kontroli lub unikanie trudniejszych emocji. Książka pokazuje, jak nasze mózgi dosłownie "uzależniają się" od martwienia. Brewer nie zaleca walki z myślami ani siłowego "relaksowania się". Zamiast tego proponuje narzędzia oparte na uważności (mindfulness) i ciekawości, które pomagają "zaktualizować" system nagrody w mózgu i trwale wygasić nawyk lęku.
Książka Brewera wchodzi głęboko – wyjaśnia mechanikę tego, co dzieje się w naszych neuronach, i robi to w sposób fascynujący.
Dlaczego to jedna z najlepszych książek o lęku na rynku:
Naukowe podstawy: To nie jest kolejny poradnik w stylu "myśl pozytywnie". Brewer opiera się na twardych danych z badań nad mózgiem i uzależnieniami. Udowadnia, że lęk działa na tej samej zasadzie co palenie papierosów czy objadanie się – i można go leczyć podobnymi metodami.
Siła ciekawości: Autor wprowadza genialne w swojej prostocie narzędzie: ciekawość. Zamiast bać się lęku ("O nie, znowu się denerwuję!"), Brewer uczy nas podchodzić do niego z fascynacją naukowca ("Hmm, ciekawe, gdzie czuję to napięcie w ciele?"). Ta zmiana perspektywy natychmiast obniża poziom stresu.
Rozbrojenie "martwienia się": Książka doskonale demaskuje iluzję, że martwienie się pomaga rozwiązywać problemy. Uświadomienie sobie, że martwienie się jest tylko pustym "drapaniem psychicznego swędzenia", jest niezwykle wyzwalające.
Praktyczne mapowanie: Brewer uczy czytelnika tworzyć mapy własnych pętli nawykowych. Dzięki temu przestajemy działać na autopilocie i odzyskujemy sprawczość nad własnym umysłem.
Werdykt: To lektura obowiązkowa dla każdego, kto czuje, że utknął w spirali stresu. Brewer oferuje konkretny, logiczny i poparty nauką plan działania. To książka, która nie tylko koi, ale przede wszystkim wyposaża w "instrukcję obsługi" własnego mózgu.
Autor wyjaśnia mechanizm tzw. pętli nawyku (Trigger – Behavior – Reward). Wyzwalaczem jest stresująca myśl, zachowaniem jest martwienie się (ruminacje), a "nagrodą" (paradoksalnie) jest chwilowe poczucie kontroli lub unikanie trudniejszych emocji. Książka pokazuje, jak nasze mózgi dosłownie "uzależniają się" od martwienia. Brewer nie zaleca walki z myślami ani siłowego "relaksowania się". Zamiast tego proponuje narzędzia oparte na uważności (mindfulness) i ciekawości, które pomagają "zaktualizować" system nagrody w mózgu i trwale wygasić nawyk lęku.
Książka Brewera wchodzi głęboko – wyjaśnia mechanikę tego, co dzieje się w naszych neuronach, i robi to w sposób fascynujący.
Dlaczego to jedna z najlepszych książek o lęku na rynku:
Naukowe podstawy: To nie jest kolejny poradnik w stylu "myśl pozytywnie". Brewer opiera się na twardych danych z badań nad mózgiem i uzależnieniami. Udowadnia, że lęk działa na tej samej zasadzie co palenie papierosów czy objadanie się – i można go leczyć podobnymi metodami.
Siła ciekawości: Autor wprowadza genialne w swojej prostocie narzędzie: ciekawość. Zamiast bać się lęku ("O nie, znowu się denerwuję!"), Brewer uczy nas podchodzić do niego z fascynacją naukowca ("Hmm, ciekawe, gdzie czuję to napięcie w ciele?"). Ta zmiana perspektywy natychmiast obniża poziom stresu.
Rozbrojenie "martwienia się": Książka doskonale demaskuje iluzję, że martwienie się pomaga rozwiązywać problemy. Uświadomienie sobie, że martwienie się jest tylko pustym "drapaniem psychicznego swędzenia", jest niezwykle wyzwalające.
Praktyczne mapowanie: Brewer uczy czytelnika tworzyć mapy własnych pętli nawykowych. Dzięki temu przestajemy działać na autopilocie i odzyskujemy sprawczość nad własnym umysłem.
Werdykt: To lektura obowiązkowa dla każdego, kto czuje, że utknął w spirali stresu. Brewer oferuje konkretny, logiczny i poparty nauką plan działania. To książka, która nie tylko koi, ale przede wszystkim wyposaża w "instrukcję obsługi" własnego mózgu.
May 22, 2025
This book landed in my life at a time when I was really in need of some clarity.
Since the end of my last relationship, anxiety has been a constant presence — not just because of the emotional weight of the breakup itself, but also because I had to leave my cat behind.
It might sound like a small thing, but the bond we form with an animal runs deep, and his absence has affected me more than I expected.
At the same time, I started to notice my social anxiety creeping in more often, and my OCD symptoms began to worsen. Things I used to manage more easily were now starting to take over my day-to-day life. I felt stuck in a cycle — and that's precisely what this book helped me see.
In Addicted to Anxiety, Owen O'Kane introduces an idea that really clicked for me: what if anxiety, over time, becomes a habit — almost like an addiction?
Not in the classic sense of the word, but a kind of mental dependency on the thought patterns and behaviours we build to feel safe, even if they end up making us feel worse. The way he explains it is simple, clear, and filled with compassion.
There's no judgment here, just understanding — and genuinely helpful strategies.
This isn't a book full of miracle promises, but rather one that offers practical tools to understand your triggers, cope with setbacks, and, most importantly, begin to rewire the way you respond to anxiety. One of the things that stayed with me most was the reassurance that setbacks are part of the process. That really helped ease some of the guilt I often feel when I think I'm "going backwards".
Reading this gave me a new perspective on my anxiety. It helped me spot unhelpful patterns, show myself more kindness, and slowly start to shift some of the mental habits that are no longer serving me.
Of course, I'm still in the middle of the journey, but having this book by my side has made me feel a little less alone in it.
If you're living with anxiety — whether it's something new or something that's been with you for years — I really recommend this book.
It feels like an honest conversation with someone who knows exactly what it's like to be caught in the chaos, but also believes that change is possible. And sometimes, that's all we need to hear.
Since the end of my last relationship, anxiety has been a constant presence — not just because of the emotional weight of the breakup itself, but also because I had to leave my cat behind.
It might sound like a small thing, but the bond we form with an animal runs deep, and his absence has affected me more than I expected.
At the same time, I started to notice my social anxiety creeping in more often, and my OCD symptoms began to worsen. Things I used to manage more easily were now starting to take over my day-to-day life. I felt stuck in a cycle — and that's precisely what this book helped me see.
In Addicted to Anxiety, Owen O'Kane introduces an idea that really clicked for me: what if anxiety, over time, becomes a habit — almost like an addiction?
Not in the classic sense of the word, but a kind of mental dependency on the thought patterns and behaviours we build to feel safe, even if they end up making us feel worse. The way he explains it is simple, clear, and filled with compassion.
There's no judgment here, just understanding — and genuinely helpful strategies.
This isn't a book full of miracle promises, but rather one that offers practical tools to understand your triggers, cope with setbacks, and, most importantly, begin to rewire the way you respond to anxiety. One of the things that stayed with me most was the reassurance that setbacks are part of the process. That really helped ease some of the guilt I often feel when I think I'm "going backwards".
Reading this gave me a new perspective on my anxiety. It helped me spot unhelpful patterns, show myself more kindness, and slowly start to shift some of the mental habits that are no longer serving me.
Of course, I'm still in the middle of the journey, but having this book by my side has made me feel a little less alone in it.
If you're living with anxiety — whether it's something new or something that's been with you for years — I really recommend this book.
It feels like an honest conversation with someone who knows exactly what it's like to be caught in the chaos, but also believes that change is possible. And sometimes, that's all we need to hear.
July 16, 2025
I was genuinely excited to delve into "Addicted to Anxiety" by Owen O'Kane, especially given my personal experiences with anxiety and alcohol addiction. Having faced significant challenges with anxiety, including periods that were nearly crippling, I was hopeful that this book would provide me with fresh insights and relatable strategies.
However, my overall impression of the book was somewhat disappointing. One of the primary critiques I have is the repetitiveness of the content. While I understand that the author is trying to convey the idea that anxiety can be viewed as an addiction, I found this perspective to be, in my opinion, misguided. O'Kane seems to spend considerable effort attempting to convince the reader of this thesis, but for me, he fell short in making a compelling case.
While there are certainly some valuable strategies for coping with anxiety sprinkled throughout the text, I don’t believe this book stands out as a leading resource on the subject. Given my own experiences with severe anxiety, I found myself wishing for a more relatable narrative. Instead, the language felt overly explanatory at times, detracting from the personal connection and understanding I was seeking.
In summary, while "Addicted to Anxiety" has its merits and may offer useful tactics for some readers, it ultimately did not resonate with my understanding of anxiety. I appreciate the author's efforts, but I would recommend exploring other works that delve into anxiety in a way that feels more authentic and relatable to those who have lived with it.
However, my overall impression of the book was somewhat disappointing. One of the primary critiques I have is the repetitiveness of the content. While I understand that the author is trying to convey the idea that anxiety can be viewed as an addiction, I found this perspective to be, in my opinion, misguided. O'Kane seems to spend considerable effort attempting to convince the reader of this thesis, but for me, he fell short in making a compelling case.
While there are certainly some valuable strategies for coping with anxiety sprinkled throughout the text, I don’t believe this book stands out as a leading resource on the subject. Given my own experiences with severe anxiety, I found myself wishing for a more relatable narrative. Instead, the language felt overly explanatory at times, detracting from the personal connection and understanding I was seeking.
In summary, while "Addicted to Anxiety" has its merits and may offer useful tactics for some readers, it ultimately did not resonate with my understanding of anxiety. I appreciate the author's efforts, but I would recommend exploring other works that delve into anxiety in a way that feels more authentic and relatable to those who have lived with it.
April 11, 2025
REVIEWER ONE:
Owen O’Kane blends clinical expertise, in his writing style and tone, with accessible prose in Addicted to Anxiety. His writing feels like a steady hand on your shoulder, guiding you through complex psychological terrain with warmth and no-nonsense clarity. The book's narrative reads like a therapeutic inner monologue—O’Kane invites us inside the mind of a seasoned therapist. It’s intimate, almost confessional, yet grounded in empirical knowledge.
Further notes:
Calm, blue hues with medical-style icons and handwritten notes.
Split design—half silhouette, half open journal with notes and sketches.
REVIEWER TWO:
From the first page, Addicted to Anxiety wraps your emotional journey in understanding. I found myself crying in recognition and relief. Someone gets it. It doesn’t just explain anxiety; it sits with you in it. While many self-help books lean on trendy language and their popular approach to psychology , O’Kane dismantles oversimplified myths. CBT, trauma responses, addiction—all are unpacked with honesty and science.
Think: Watercolour waves crashing and softening into still water.
Minimalist brain outline filled with real terms vs. crossed-out clichés.
Owen O’Kane blends clinical expertise, in his writing style and tone, with accessible prose in Addicted to Anxiety. His writing feels like a steady hand on your shoulder, guiding you through complex psychological terrain with warmth and no-nonsense clarity. The book's narrative reads like a therapeutic inner monologue—O’Kane invites us inside the mind of a seasoned therapist. It’s intimate, almost confessional, yet grounded in empirical knowledge.
Further notes:
Calm, blue hues with medical-style icons and handwritten notes.
Split design—half silhouette, half open journal with notes and sketches.
REVIEWER TWO:
From the first page, Addicted to Anxiety wraps your emotional journey in understanding. I found myself crying in recognition and relief. Someone gets it. It doesn’t just explain anxiety; it sits with you in it. While many self-help books lean on trendy language and their popular approach to psychology , O’Kane dismantles oversimplified myths. CBT, trauma responses, addiction—all are unpacked with honesty and science.
Think: Watercolour waves crashing and softening into still water.
Minimalist brain outline filled with real terms vs. crossed-out clichés.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
In this book, O'Kane steps through anxiety - the why, the how, the where and leads you to a place to challenge it. It's not condescending, nor is it overly wordy. It's written like a good therapy session - or sessions!
That being said, there was nothing revolutionary in it for me personally - it largely cemented or reinforced things that I already knew, did or where aware of. I'm unsure how I feel about the concept of anxiety addiction - on one hand, I see some of that arguments, on the other...if it were that easy/simple to stop then I'm sure those of us who struggle with anxiety would... But then I suppose that's probably what defines an addiction... It just jarred a lot, and not in the way that challenging a thought or behaviour can, just in a way I can't verbalise.
There were some excellent phrases and sentences to revisit in the book and I think I'd you're someone, or know someone, that struggles with anxiety but is reluctant to seek help, this could be a great starting place. O'Kane isn't judgey or preachy but gives solid, grounded advice and techniques.
That being said, there was nothing revolutionary in it for me personally - it largely cemented or reinforced things that I already knew, did or where aware of. I'm unsure how I feel about the concept of anxiety addiction - on one hand, I see some of that arguments, on the other...if it were that easy/simple to stop then I'm sure those of us who struggle with anxiety would... But then I suppose that's probably what defines an addiction... It just jarred a lot, and not in the way that challenging a thought or behaviour can, just in a way I can't verbalise.
There were some excellent phrases and sentences to revisit in the book and I think I'd you're someone, or know someone, that struggles with anxiety but is reluctant to seek help, this could be a great starting place. O'Kane isn't judgey or preachy but gives solid, grounded advice and techniques.
December 10, 2025
The title of this book caught my attention and made me excited to read it. "Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit", authored by bestselling author Owen O'Kane, promises to help you break the cycle that anxiety causes in our lives. O'Kane warns that "there's a danger that if you unreservedly believe anxiety is something that is happening to you or is out of your control, you may feel powerless or submissive . . . You're unknowingly addicted to maintaining a process that's giving you a short-term sense of safety but a lifetime of suffering." I enjoyed how the author compared anxiety to a neighbor that's been around time but usually brings its friends ego, self-doubt, fear, and others along with him.
O'Kane spent a good bit of time in his book explaining energy shifts and a force field of science, spirituality, and a human factor. This section was rather bizarre and I found myself skimming through it. While most of the book was helpful, it wasn't anything that I haven't read before. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own
O'Kane spent a good bit of time in his book explaining energy shifts and a force field of science, spirituality, and a human factor. This section was rather bizarre and I found myself skimming through it. While most of the book was helpful, it wasn't anything that I haven't read before. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own
June 24, 2025
I found this book in a charity shop. After getting home I more or less didn't stop reading until I finished it. I'm not writing this as a pro for the book, but although strangely written, it was a simple enough read.
This book didn’t really do anything for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve already read a lot of books and articles about topics like this, but it didn’t offer much insight. All it really did was repeat the same thing over and over in a bouncy, repetitive manner.
I’ve personally always had a specific, irrational problem where I assume I’m disliked and feel too anxious to progress friendships, regardless of how much the other person makes it clear that they want to. I was hoping that this book might shed some light on that habit, but it didn't help me understand myself any better.
I think this book has an amount of merit for a small amount of people, but I definitely would not recommend it if I were asked.
This book didn’t really do anything for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve already read a lot of books and articles about topics like this, but it didn’t offer much insight. All it really did was repeat the same thing over and over in a bouncy, repetitive manner.
I’ve personally always had a specific, irrational problem where I assume I’m disliked and feel too anxious to progress friendships, regardless of how much the other person makes it clear that they want to. I was hoping that this book might shed some light on that habit, but it didn't help me understand myself any better.
I think this book has an amount of merit for a small amount of people, but I definitely would not recommend it if I were asked.
February 5, 2025
This was a really good, easy to follow and informative guide into living with anxiety and how to deal with it effectively.
The author himself suffers with anxiety and writes with knowledge and humour, which make for an entertaining and interesting read. The steps to follow are simple and straightforward to understand and would be a great starting place for anyone interested in or struggling with anxiety to read. It would be a good book then to revisit and check that you are using the techniques introduced to best effect.
I would recommend this book and will definitely revisit it and use the author’s advice.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author himself suffers with anxiety and writes with knowledge and humour, which make for an entertaining and interesting read. The steps to follow are simple and straightforward to understand and would be a great starting place for anyone interested in or struggling with anxiety to read. It would be a good book then to revisit and check that you are using the techniques introduced to best effect.
I would recommend this book and will definitely revisit it and use the author’s advice.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2025
Excellent, refreshing outlook on anxiety. Having studied anxiety as a therapist and struggled with it personally, this really changed the way I looked at my relationship with worry/uncertainty through an holistic lens. Owen talks about the anxious self in different forms. I found his summaries helpful, and recovery process straight to the point. I can see it being helpful for OCD too.
I understand some of the other reviews, but I think Owen has tackled the subject in a way that is accessible, without the psychotherapy language and makes it easy to follow along. What more would a person want, who needs guidance through their challenges?
Loved it. Many pages folded down. This really helped me.
I understand some of the other reviews, but I think Owen has tackled the subject in a way that is accessible, without the psychotherapy language and makes it easy to follow along. What more would a person want, who needs guidance through their challenges?
Loved it. Many pages folded down. This really helped me.
March 19, 2025
Superb book on a topic which is little discussed - the addictive nature of anxiety. Owen O'Kane writes in a very clear and accessible way, and it's the sort of self help book which is realistic (doesn't promise overnight solutions) and can be used as tool to refer back to over time.
On a personal level it was lovely to meet Owen after so many years at Lucy's book club in London in March 2025. He's a very accomplished public speaker as well as writer. Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of why anxiety can be such a persistent presence and practical ideas on how to live with and manage your anxious self.
On a personal level it was lovely to meet Owen after so many years at Lucy's book club in London in March 2025. He's a very accomplished public speaker as well as writer. Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of why anxiety can be such a persistent presence and practical ideas on how to live with and manage your anxious self.
July 1, 2025
O’Kane’s message is to basically stop fighting the anxiety you feel, to embrace it but not let it control you, to welcome it with boundaries and stipulations. Essentially, if you allow anxiety to be all-consuming, it will consume you. What I found interesting is the idea that your anxious self is promising to keep you safe, and that we can learn to be constantly uncomfortable, and somewhat dependent on it.
Another revelation is that an anxious person may be in an internal state of chaos but highly functioning outside. It’s a lonely, disguised state that we’ve all felt a some point, but it’s our reaction to it that changes the game.
Another revelation is that an anxious person may be in an internal state of chaos but highly functioning outside. It’s a lonely, disguised state that we’ve all felt a some point, but it’s our reaction to it that changes the game.
April 18, 2025
When I first heard about this book, it made me question, could I be addicted to anxiety?
This book has made me take a step back and consider not only my triggers but also the subtle differences between anxiety and other emotions that can present with similar body feelings.
I don't think just reading this book once will be a magic wand to cure. I think there are steps that referring back to, can help me begin to move away from the control anxiety has on me.
I am grateful to have had the chance of an ARC copy as part of Coundon Library Book Club.
This book has made me take a step back and consider not only my triggers but also the subtle differences between anxiety and other emotions that can present with similar body feelings.
I don't think just reading this book once will be a magic wand to cure. I think there are steps that referring back to, can help me begin to move away from the control anxiety has on me.
I am grateful to have had the chance of an ARC copy as part of Coundon Library Book Club.
August 7, 2025
This was something I'd actually been thinking about recently, is how much we do get addicted to anxiety and how we're not calming our own triggers, how we are letting this world, let's face it, it's got plenty of triggers in it, especially currently, sort of letting this world take over.
And I read this with that kind of feeling, and whilst this book is really good at talking that through, I felt some of it was a bit long and a bit repetitive. And, yeah, I think it could have been done better, but I did value how much work had gone into it.
And I read this with that kind of feeling, and whilst this book is really good at talking that through, I felt some of it was a bit long and a bit repetitive. And, yeah, I think it could have been done better, but I did value how much work had gone into it.
August 9, 2025
That was definitely a very interesting book. I’m only sad that it gave certain amount of information, but it didn’t leave answers. The idea of managing, and accepting that anxiety is an inevitable part of life was a start and further continuation in this book. There was no hints and tips what to do and how to possibly approach the whole idea. Last fifty pages of books gave vague pieces of advice that are helpful (nutritions, right amount of sleep, etc.). I have to admit it that reading the book was a nice experience though.
December 29, 2025
Kohutavalt tüütu stiiliga raamat - autor pöördub pidevalt lugeja poole ja pool teksti on ballast, tühjad laused. Umbes sellised, et “Mõtlesin, et jagan sinuga üht mõtet. Ei tahaks sellega pikemalt venitada, nii et asun kohe asja kallale. Ilma pikemalt keerutamata. Ma arvan, et sul on tõesti vaja seda teada. Mu enda elu muutis see teadmine täielikult.” Ja nii veel ja veel, nii et kui see mõte lõpuks tuleb, siis tundub ta pika sissejuhatuse taustal lahjavõitu. Samas mõned head mõtted ikka olid, nii et täitsa kasutu see lugemine ei olnud.
March 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It didn’t really tell me anything new but it covered useful techniques in a way that makes it feel accessible and understandable. It felt like it was a discussion not a lecture and the content felt really accessible which I think is really important. A good read for anyone interested in finding out more about anxiety and mechanisms to understanding and living in harmony with anxiety!
October 6, 2025
there were some really good ways of framing thoughts explored in this book. although I found some of Owen's writing belittling (assuming im not going to listen to the guidance even though im the one who picked up the book) it has helped reframe some of my regulation techniques and how im rebuilding my relationship with my anxiety.
Reading the later chapters on relapse was also rather comforting as someone on a new journey with their anxiety and self compassion discoveries.
Reading the later chapters on relapse was also rather comforting as someone on a new journey with their anxiety and self compassion discoveries.
September 18, 2025
This book offered me a fresh perspective on anxiety. It approached the subject not as a problem to be fixed or eliminated, but as an integral part of life, something to accept while learning not to let it take full control. It made me reflect deeply on how I perceive anxiety and the ways I manage it.
May 26, 2025
A totally different read for me, interesting read and certainly motivating with self esteem.
I was lucky to receive this as a ARC through Coundon Library Book Club.
closed the book feeling empowered!!
I was lucky to receive this as a ARC through Coundon Library Book Club.
closed the book feeling empowered!!
June 9, 2025
The core premise - anxiety is the intolerance of uncertainty.
This then leans itself into radical acceptance and ‘let them’.
One for me to re listen to again to learn the other tools.
His voice alone is great for my anxiety!
This then leans itself into radical acceptance and ‘let them’.
One for me to re listen to again to learn the other tools.
His voice alone is great for my anxiety!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews