When Anxiety Attacks

by Terian Koscik

Frank and full of gentle humor, Terian Koscik's graphic memoir shares her experiences of living with anxiety, finding the courage to see a therapist, and learning more than she could have imagined. Even in childhood anxious thoughts would seep into Terian's day. Yet she never thought that getting professional help was for her, simply concluding that her problems weren't "real" problems (a lion hadn't devoured her whole family, for example). But when her anxiety finally became overwhelming, she knew it was time to see a therapist. To her surprise, Terian learned endless coping techniques through her therapy sessions. She shares how mindfulness strategies helped her observe anxious thoughts without criticizing them, and how "I" statements encouraged her to express feelings more openly in relationships. But perhaps the most important thing she learned was that there really is no "right" way to feel.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Mental Health, Graphic Novels Comics, Nonfiction, Memoir

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2015

Reviews

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much a graphic novel as a graphic pamphlet. Basically it's a comic book with high production values, cardboard cover with flaps, 32 pages long, and an ISBN, but my local library put a "Graphic Novel" sticker on the spine. Whatever you call it, it's good. Terian is in therapy for her anxiety. She shows, in a very clear, direct style what led to her decision to seek help, and how her therapist was able to help her. This book does a good job of demystifying the process, and I would like to believe that any readers with similar problems will be encouraged to follow Koscik's example. Very short, but that's by design, really. Koscik has a simple, engaging style and presents everything in a clear, straightforward manner. I'd love to someday see something longer from her.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was fantastic read! It was quite recognisable. I also loved loved seeing how she got better with each therapy appointment, how at first she was wary, then noticed that it actually worked. It was also great to see that, while she was still anxious, after a year she was able to not go into full stress mode and calm down and think about if it would really be that bad (for instance buying all the cupcakes with all her money, she thought about it and then came up with that cupcakes are not expensive, and she would get sick of them).
The art was pretty great.
So a short book, but I loved all of it! Would recommend it!

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a pamphlet than a book, but I think it does a good job of showing a person who suffers from anxiety that it is super treatable without medication and with a therapist. You accompany the author through an anxiety attack, therapy sessions, and coping with anxiety using strategies learned by the therapist. I think it will definitely steer students in the right direction; I often have students searching for books on anxiety in the library and this is a PERFECT fit.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliché review: the only thing I didn't like about this was how short it was.

This has to be the shortest read of the year, but it's so lovely and funny that I'm going to count it anyway. Loved it!

[Matthew Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to buy 100 copies of this and offer it to every person I ever meet that is dealing with anxiety and/or feeling like they are living "wrong" somehow. Terian gets the mix of humor and seriousness JUST right and it is a joy to read despite being about a topic that hits close to home for so many of us. Will this comic solve problems? That might be asking too much. But it absolutely can start conversations, show someone that they aren't alone, and encourage them to live life the way that is best for them.

[Kat Ice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seems like if it got some more time on the drawing table it could be really helpful. It was an okay graphic novel but like I said...it could be better worded and better drawings. But I guess ita worth it for what it is- I am sure it could help someone.

[Runa]

very....mental health 101 for people with relatively simple problems. like, if you have a friend who is scared or reluctant to see a therapist, it's a good read, but for the rest of us, this is basic knowledge that we're way past.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle, brief introduction to the experience of anxiety, why someone might choose to start therapy even though they don't have "real problems", and what therapy might be like. Very short but well presented.

[Hannah Garden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great! Really short and light and sweet.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable look at why therapy is good. Also everyone should go to therapy if they can.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, simple explanation of the challenges of anxiety, and being human!

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, helpful read. Maybe geared toward people who are "new to anxiety".

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice normalization of therapy

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was nice. Has a bunch of Therapy 101 stuff that people can employ in their own lives.

[Vanna Book-Mage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Perspective is a wild thing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little look at the experience of having anxiety. Encouraging for those who may be reluctant about seeking therapy for anxiety or who feels alone in their anxiety. #graphicmedicine

[Nicola Fantom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and simply designed short graphic novel about anxiety.

Beautiful French flaps and end pages so would make a wonderful gift for someone who suffers anxiety and/or enjoys graphic novels.

The story itself handles the topic of anxiety fantastically, highlighting that we all have these unusual thoughts, feelings and emotions when we are scared, anxious, panicked or stressed. it illustrates wonderfully just how normal and human it is to have these emotions and teaches us that there is no shame in needing help, talking to another, or a counselor and that counselling is there for everybody. So often we are afraid of feeling a time waster and we feel ashamed of our struggles in comparison to people who we feel have proper real life struggles in poorer countries. In my experience it is only because we havent got any major issues or struggles that we will invent them, so just because your problems might not seem important, you still go through the motions, especially if your a born worrier. Stop worrying about worrying!!!

I loved this graphic novel, and its message, I would fully recommend it, its something I will cherish and read anytime im having a panic attack.

[Geeky Like · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a small comic, only 32 pages. It is a comic I could relate to as anxiety unfortunately sometimes rules my life if I let it.

Terian suffers from anxiety and this is her story about getting help, what it is like living with anxiety every day, and how she copes. I think it is her way of letting others know that they are not alone, to encourage, and to let them know that therapy isn’t all that bad. It is okay to ask for help. There is no shame. Back when I worked in mental health as a client advocate this would be a book I would recommend.

Nice little read, completely worth my time.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel was short and sweet, and very well done.

If you'd like to read my full review, check out my blog For the Love of Words.

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this comic could have been longer, but it was an interesting glimpse into the author's struggle with anxiety and therapy.