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Why Things Feel F*cked: Your Practical Guide to Getting Unstuck
Why Things Feel F*cked is a practical, no-nonsense guide for anyone feeling burnt out, stuck or disconnected in today’s chaotic world. Drawing on over a decade of clinical practice and his own transformation from stuck to free, psychotherapist Andrew Sloan offers a clear, grounded path to understand why modern life feels so off—and how to finally get unstuck and feel alive again.
Why Things Feel F*cked: Your Practical Guide to Getting Unstuck
Are you dissatisfied with life, despite achieving the things you were told would make you happy – the career, the relationship, the house?
What if you’ve tried to follow that path, only to find it wasn’t built for you – or that it’s far harder to access than promised?
Are you stuck, burnt out and disconnected?
Do you feel . . . lost?
You are not alone, and you are not broken.
The world is.
The world is chaotic and constantly changing, leaving us feeling like there’s simultaneously one foot flooring the accelerator and the other slamming on the brake. We’re burning out and have no idea how we got into this mess, let alone how we can ever start to get out.
Why Things Feel F*cked is a practical roadmap back to feeling genuinely alive. Breaking down how the modern world has hijacked our nervous systems for disconnection, psychotherapist Andrew Sloan draws from the latest research and over a decade of clinical practice to expertly walk with you on a journey of self-leadership and lasting change.
In a world of disconnection and confusion, Why Things Feel F*cked shines a light on human connection, giving us a step-by-step guide for cultivating the foundation of a happier, more satisfied life.
Why Things Feel F*cked: Your Practical Guide to Getting Unstuck
Are you dissatisfied with life, despite achieving the things you were told would make you happy – the career, the relationship, the house?
What if you’ve tried to follow that path, only to find it wasn’t built for you – or that it’s far harder to access than promised?
Are you stuck, burnt out and disconnected?
Do you feel . . . lost?
You are not alone, and you are not broken.
The world is.
The world is chaotic and constantly changing, leaving us feeling like there’s simultaneously one foot flooring the accelerator and the other slamming on the brake. We’re burning out and have no idea how we got into this mess, let alone how we can ever start to get out.
Why Things Feel F*cked is a practical roadmap back to feeling genuinely alive. Breaking down how the modern world has hijacked our nervous systems for disconnection, psychotherapist Andrew Sloan draws from the latest research and over a decade of clinical practice to expertly walk with you on a journey of self-leadership and lasting change.
In a world of disconnection and confusion, Why Things Feel F*cked shines a light on human connection, giving us a step-by-step guide for cultivating the foundation of a happier, more satisfied life.
- GenresSelf Help
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
9 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Sloan
1 book5 followersAndrew Sloan is a practising psychotherapist and leadership coach, working with people across diverse communities, multiple industries and unique businesses and circumstances. He is a Gallup® Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach and a Registered Clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Andrew is a self-confessed lifelong work in progress, constantly being reshaped by new learnings and practices, as well as the wisdom of others. He is on his journey toward a better world, one small change at a time.
Andrew is based in Sydney, Australia, on Gadigal Country.
Andrew is a self-confessed lifelong work in progress, constantly being reshaped by new learnings and practices, as well as the wisdom of others. He is on his journey toward a better world, one small change at a time.
Andrew is based in Sydney, Australia, on Gadigal Country.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 11, 2026
I initially thought I wouldn’t rate this book at all and would just assume it wasn’t for me. But the moment I started my next audiobook and found myself instantly engaged, I realized the issue probably wasn’t just my mood.
I really struggled to get through this one. Every time I pressed play, I had to make a conscious effort to concentrate, and even then, it would quickly lose my attention. I finished it, but I still can’t clearly articulate what it was trying to say. There was a lot of discussion about connections, “zones,” and the author’s identity as an LGBT member, yet it all felt scattered and unfocused.
After reflecting on it, I concluded that it wasn’t just a mismatch between me and the book, it simply didn’t work for me as a cohesive or compelling read.
One unexpected takeaway: I’ve learned to take Audible ratings with a grain of salt. Almost everything there seems highly rated, whereas Goodreads ratings feel more balanced. In this case, the “meh” average here makes a lot more sense to me.
I really struggled to get through this one. Every time I pressed play, I had to make a conscious effort to concentrate, and even then, it would quickly lose my attention. I finished it, but I still can’t clearly articulate what it was trying to say. There was a lot of discussion about connections, “zones,” and the author’s identity as an LGBT member, yet it all felt scattered and unfocused.
After reflecting on it, I concluded that it wasn’t just a mismatch between me and the book, it simply didn’t work for me as a cohesive or compelling read.
One unexpected takeaway: I’ve learned to take Audible ratings with a grain of salt. Almost everything there seems highly rated, whereas Goodreads ratings feel more balanced. In this case, the “meh” average here makes a lot more sense to me.
November 19, 2025
This book didn’t just explain why I feel constantly feel on edge, it handed me a map to get out of it.
Andrew’s “zones” framework finally gave language to the chaos I’ve carried since coming out and leaving the church. For years my nervous system has been stuck in red alert, hyper-vigilant, ready to fight or flee at the slightest hint of judgment. Reading this felt like someone turned the lights on and said, “That reaction isn’t you being dramatic, it’s your biology doing exactly what it’s meant to do when it doesn’t feel safe.”
What wrecked me (in the best way) was the realisation that the very thing that wounded me, people, was also the only thing that can heal me. Connection harmed me deeply in religious spaces, yet Andrew shows, gently and with evidence, that safe co-regulation with others is the fastest way back to the green zone, calm, curious, grounded, alive. That paradox used to feel impossible, now it feels like a dare I actually want to accept.
Practical and compassionate, this is the book I wish I’d had the day I walked away from everything I knew. If you’re tired of white knuckling your way through trauma responses and wondering why rest feels so foreign, read this. It won’t fix you overnight, but it will convince the scared parts of you that coming home to your body, and to safe people, is not only possible, it’s the whole point.
Thank you, Andrew, for writing the manual my nervous system has been begging for.
Andrew’s “zones” framework finally gave language to the chaos I’ve carried since coming out and leaving the church. For years my nervous system has been stuck in red alert, hyper-vigilant, ready to fight or flee at the slightest hint of judgment. Reading this felt like someone turned the lights on and said, “That reaction isn’t you being dramatic, it’s your biology doing exactly what it’s meant to do when it doesn’t feel safe.”
What wrecked me (in the best way) was the realisation that the very thing that wounded me, people, was also the only thing that can heal me. Connection harmed me deeply in religious spaces, yet Andrew shows, gently and with evidence, that safe co-regulation with others is the fastest way back to the green zone, calm, curious, grounded, alive. That paradox used to feel impossible, now it feels like a dare I actually want to accept.
Practical and compassionate, this is the book I wish I’d had the day I walked away from everything I knew. If you’re tired of white knuckling your way through trauma responses and wondering why rest feels so foreign, read this. It won’t fix you overnight, but it will convince the scared parts of you that coming home to your body, and to safe people, is not only possible, it’s the whole point.
Thank you, Andrew, for writing the manual my nervous system has been begging for.
January 31, 2026
I picked up Why Things Feel F*cked as someone trying these types of books for the first time and what I got was refreshingly human. Andrew Sloan isn’t selling enlightenment — he’s down in the trenches with the rest of us, openly admitting he’s still figuring things out himself. That honesty alone puts this book miles ahead of the usual hustlers & charlatans.
It’s smart, funny, and grounded in real research, but never feels preachy or condescending. More like a brutally honest mate who also happens to understand neuroscience.
The real standout is how clearly Sloan explains why so many of us feel anxious, burnt out, and weirdly numb despite doing “everything right.”
Practical, compassionate, and occasionally confronting, this book doesn’t promise to fix you overnight but give you the tools to build your own house
Worth the read, the underline, and probably even a re-read.
It’s smart, funny, and grounded in real research, but never feels preachy or condescending. More like a brutally honest mate who also happens to understand neuroscience.
The real standout is how clearly Sloan explains why so many of us feel anxious, burnt out, and weirdly numb despite doing “everything right.”
Practical, compassionate, and occasionally confronting, this book doesn’t promise to fix you overnight but give you the tools to build your own house
Worth the read, the underline, and probably even a re-read.
December 26, 2025
Why Things Feel Fucked is full of useful strategies based on years of practice and research. But what separates it from others in this category is the author's authenticity. He is not like the other charlatans out there who are exploiting our vulnerabilities to make money. Instead, Andrew Sloan is vulnerable with us, acknowleding that he too is a work in progress. What have I learnt? I'm definitely deep in the cult of productivity, compromise isn't always the answer, and sometimes challenging others is the best way to support them. Definitely worth a read!
February 9, 2026
Nah.
I hadn't realized when I got this that it's all of that polyvagal pseudoscience stuff.
Once I realized, I kept going anyway - assuming there'd still be nuggets to pick out that could be useful. But there just wasn't. The entire thing is just too saturated in utter waffle that it's unusable.
I really hope this trend of every Tom, Dick and Harry using makeyuppy science to explain trauma goes away very soon and we can all focus on what is actually helpful in all of this - spoiler alert - it has nothing to do with whatever weird explanation these people keep using about extra social vagus systems or whatever.
I hadn't realized when I got this that it's all of that polyvagal pseudoscience stuff.
Once I realized, I kept going anyway - assuming there'd still be nuggets to pick out that could be useful. But there just wasn't. The entire thing is just too saturated in utter waffle that it's unusable.
I really hope this trend of every Tom, Dick and Harry using makeyuppy science to explain trauma goes away very soon and we can all focus on what is actually helpful in all of this - spoiler alert - it has nothing to do with whatever weird explanation these people keep using about extra social vagus systems or whatever.
February 26, 2026
While I feel I already have a healthy balance in my life, Why Things Feel F*cked helped me better appreciate the everyday challenges many people face. The book offers valuable insights into connection and disconnection, and how clear thinking and practical strategies can help us navigate both.
It encouraged me to reflect more deeply on how people experience the world differently — whether within family, friendships, or the workplace. The themes around connection, in particular, stood out. Understanding how easily people can feel disconnected, and the impact that can have, has given me greater empathy and awareness.
Although I’ve been fortunate not to experience bullying or significant physical or mental struggles personally, this book helped me understand the lasting impact those experiences can have on others.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful and perspective-shifting read that strengthens your ability to understand and support the people around you.
It encouraged me to reflect more deeply on how people experience the world differently — whether within family, friendships, or the workplace. The themes around connection, in particular, stood out. Understanding how easily people can feel disconnected, and the impact that can have, has given me greater empathy and awareness.
Although I’ve been fortunate not to experience bullying or significant physical or mental struggles personally, this book helped me understand the lasting impact those experiences can have on others.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful and perspective-shifting read that strengthens your ability to understand and support the people around you.
November 20, 2025
Why Things Feel F*cked is a profound, compassionate, and intensely practical guide that provides the language and roadmap necessary to navigate the chaos of modern life. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, stuck, or disconnected despite having all the traditional markers of "success", this book will feel like a conversation with a brilliant, empathetic therapist. Sloan masterfully explains that you are not broken, but the world is, detailing how the constant pressure, complexity, and speed of modern existence have effectively hijacked our nervous systems for perpetual stress and disconnection. His accessible breakdown of the "Nervous System Map" alone is worth the price of admission, giving you tangible insights into why anxiety is a normal response to an abnormal world.
I loved it.
I loved it.
November 25, 2025
This is a must have book for anyone who just feels stuck, or like nothing they every have or do is enough in this world. Written superbly, which is captivating, it helps you navigate the messy live with live, while using proven frameworks to help you unwrap elements of your life you probably never really noticed, in the hustle and bustle. Andrew brings credibility, science, kindness and fun to a difficult topic, and shares his experiences so openly, as well as client stories that help us all feel part of one messy world, where things just seem f**ked.
February 22, 2026
An honest book that helps you figure out the hidden mental loops and emotional patterns that keep you “stuck”. I liked the practical tools and straight-talking tips that helped me shift my perspective, and basically make some actual progress without lots of fluff.
February 4, 2026
Not my jam, could not finish.
February 10, 2026
I'm generally not a fan of most self help books and this one is a prime example of why. I've never heard a bigger load of bullshit than the ideas propagated in this book.
February 10, 2026
More of a workbook than a reading book
February 26, 2026
A fabulous look at modern day life and the effects on our nervous system. Easy to follow with helpful exercises to implement in daily life.
February 22, 2026
The book left me with mixed but overall strong impressions. The book really captures that modern sense of overload: too much information, constant pressure to succeed, and a strange lack of stability underneath it all. I appreciated how the author explores our internal contradictions: wanting success while fearing failure, constantly comparing ourselves to others, and trying to make sense of a world that often feels chaotic. At times it comes across a bit provocative or cynical, but that actually makes it more thought-provoking. For me, it wasn’t so much a book of solutions as a book of reflection. Helpful mainly because it pushes you to examine your own expectations, anxieties, and the environment we’re all navigating today.
December 17, 2025
You know when you have those big conversations with friends and you feel like you've sorted out all the things? Well that's how I felt reading this book. There's so much practical wisdom amongst a compelling story. I recommend this book to anyone looking for some practical suggestions for living a better life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews