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Badass Ways to End Anxiety & Stop Panic Attacks!: A counterintuitive approach to recover and regain control of your life
"Managing" your anxiety and panic attacks belongs to the past. It's time to recover.
Most people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks are told by their well-meaning friends, doctors, therapists and psychiatrists to "manage" their anxiety. Some are prescribed pills in an effort to calm their anxiety down. Breathing techniques, mindfulness and more are advised as well.
Needless to say, that isn't a very effective approach, and it never was.
Anxiety and panic attacks require a different strategy, a counterintuitive one. Left uncontrolled, anxiety tends to grow more and more because our amygdala (the anxiety center of our brain) becomes hyperactive and sees more and more to worry about.
This book will uncover science based and counterintuitive techniques that are designed to end unwanted anxiety and to stop panic attacks. They have been tried and tested both by the author Geert Verschaeve (who suffered from generalized anxiety and panic attacks for fourteen years) and the thousands of people who suffered from anxiety he has helped ever since.
The goal of this book is simple:
You'll get step-by-step plans on how to respond and what to think in the anxious situations that still frighten you.You'll learn how to overcome "fear of the fear" and anticipatory anxiety.
We'll look at the different sensations anxiety can give to your body and how to deal with them.
You'll get a list of ingredients to avoid that increase anxiety and can cause panic attacks.
You'll discover how to stop "checking in" all the time, so you can get on with your life.
The recovery comes in four stages:
The first stage you will reach is the one where your intolerance to anxiety will be gone. You'll be participating in whatever it is that currently still makes you uncomfortable. You'll still feel some anxiety, but for many reasons that will become clear when you get there, the anxiety won't bother you. The fear of the fear will be gone.
Stage two appears when you'll partake in something that previously gave you anxiety, and you'll realize the anxiety and the accompanying sensations simply aren't there. Your anxiety may not be linked to locations or events, and in that case you'll just notice that you haven't had to think of your anxiety for some time. No checking in was needed.
This will be a very liberating moment, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Then, stage three arises. As you start to enjoy many activities again and can finally go on with your life, you'll arrive at a point where you will become aware of what's been happening: "huh...I haven't felt anxious for a long time. I don't even remember when the last time was. I've really been enjoying life again. Is it all really in the past now?"
Then comes a very important moment, stage four. This may be months or even years down the road. The moment that the anxiety tries to return. It will. Up until that instant you may have been living your life fully, with clear skies and sunshine every day. Then, a little cloud of anxiety tries to appear. That may sound scary, for now. However, since by that time you'll have finished this entire book, you'll know exactly how to respond and the anxiety won't take over. It won't be able to, because you cannot unlearn what you're about to learn.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
1432 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 21, 2020
Not bad, not great. This book provides some simple solutions to dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. While the suggestions are sound, I was put off by many of the childish examples given by Verschaeve. Overall the attempt at being "cute" did not fly with me. Other suggestions I found downright offensive. An example of this was imagining yourself being dead and your family celebrating if you panic over health issues. This was suggested as a way of deflecting panic situation or anxiety over death.
January 10, 2019
Great book
I has de had anxiety for 40 years and have done a lot of therapy. Therapy only got me so far. Therapists wanted me to do journaling which i hate. The author of this book gives actual techniques, and more than one, so you can do the ones that work for you. I was starting to figure some of these out for myself... but that took 40+ years. Wish i had found this book when i was 20! Give it a try, really try. It isn't easy but i started feeling results soon after i started.
I has de had anxiety for 40 years and have done a lot of therapy. Therapy only got me so far. Therapists wanted me to do journaling which i hate. The author of this book gives actual techniques, and more than one, so you can do the ones that work for you. I was starting to figure some of these out for myself... but that took 40+ years. Wish i had found this book when i was 20! Give it a try, really try. It isn't easy but i started feeling results soon after i started.
May 24, 2020
Perfect to read while in isolation.....:))) (coronavirus)
July 21, 2021
If you have a problem with anxiety or panic attacks, this book will help you.
April 7, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed this book and its take on anxiety. It’s full of helpful insights and strategies for dealing with fear. Some of those topics / insights include (I won’t list them all as to not give the whole book away):
-The power of our thoughts and the effect they have on our experience of anxiety
-The reason why avoiding anxiety-inducing situations is actually counterproductive in the long-run
-How important our internal representation is of what’s going on around us
-Why removing all negative thoughts is not a practical goal (but focusing on the right thoughts is)
Many of these strategies are right in line with the latest and greatest tactics in the self-help / mental health genres.
In terms of structure, the book is split into three parts. The first describes where anxiety comes from and why it’s often so counterintuitive.
The second contains innumerable strategies and perspectives for reducing anxiety (both in the moment and in general). And the third section concludes the book as well as adds an addendum that talks about how to address specific anxiety-provoking scenarios.
My take on those three sections is this: the first is very good. It really informs the user as to what he or she is dealing with and provides some immediate strategies for approaching anxiety differently.
The third (I’m intentionally skipping the second section for a moment) is decent — it ties the book up nicely then goes deeper on specific scenarios like social outings, flying, driving, etc.
And the second, in my opinion, is okay, but could be where the author loses some folks. Specifically, this section leans heavily on strategies like telling yourself that “this [anxiety] is no big deal” or telling anxiety to “bring it” / “do its worst."
While I know what the author is getting at here, I think many people might look at these strategies and say, “But this IS a big deal, and the last thing I want to experience is MORE anxiety."
It’s easy for me to sit at home and tell you to run straight at your fears. It’s another thing altogether to actually go out and do that. This discrepancy might make readers feel as though the author doesn't quite understand the problem in full / is being slightly dismissive of anxiety as a whole. I know that's not his intention since he's been there before and knows how frightening anxiety can be, but that's just how it comes off at times.
Having said that, the author does express more empathy in other parts of the book, which is great. In addition, and this is of course just my opinion, these slightly "dismissive" strategies are the only real “flaws” in the writing itself. The rest, as I mentioned earlier, is filled with helpful hints and useful tactics for approaching anxiety.
So, in short: this is a quick, compelling book that many people will find helpful. That said, I might just skip through parts of section two. But, in my mind, that’s okay, for as the author mentions a few times: there is no one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety. Everyone will need to sample from the strategy buffet and put together a plate of tactics that works for them specifically.
Hopefully you’ll have your own “plate” after reading this one. It’s worth picking up.
-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head: A Toolkit for Living with and Overcoming Anxiety”
-The power of our thoughts and the effect they have on our experience of anxiety
-The reason why avoiding anxiety-inducing situations is actually counterproductive in the long-run
-How important our internal representation is of what’s going on around us
-Why removing all negative thoughts is not a practical goal (but focusing on the right thoughts is)
Many of these strategies are right in line with the latest and greatest tactics in the self-help / mental health genres.
In terms of structure, the book is split into three parts. The first describes where anxiety comes from and why it’s often so counterintuitive.
The second contains innumerable strategies and perspectives for reducing anxiety (both in the moment and in general). And the third section concludes the book as well as adds an addendum that talks about how to address specific anxiety-provoking scenarios.
My take on those three sections is this: the first is very good. It really informs the user as to what he or she is dealing with and provides some immediate strategies for approaching anxiety differently.
The third (I’m intentionally skipping the second section for a moment) is decent — it ties the book up nicely then goes deeper on specific scenarios like social outings, flying, driving, etc.
And the second, in my opinion, is okay, but could be where the author loses some folks. Specifically, this section leans heavily on strategies like telling yourself that “this [anxiety] is no big deal” or telling anxiety to “bring it” / “do its worst."
While I know what the author is getting at here, I think many people might look at these strategies and say, “But this IS a big deal, and the last thing I want to experience is MORE anxiety."
It’s easy for me to sit at home and tell you to run straight at your fears. It’s another thing altogether to actually go out and do that. This discrepancy might make readers feel as though the author doesn't quite understand the problem in full / is being slightly dismissive of anxiety as a whole. I know that's not his intention since he's been there before and knows how frightening anxiety can be, but that's just how it comes off at times.
Having said that, the author does express more empathy in other parts of the book, which is great. In addition, and this is of course just my opinion, these slightly "dismissive" strategies are the only real “flaws” in the writing itself. The rest, as I mentioned earlier, is filled with helpful hints and useful tactics for approaching anxiety.
So, in short: this is a quick, compelling book that many people will find helpful. That said, I might just skip through parts of section two. But, in my mind, that’s okay, for as the author mentions a few times: there is no one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety. Everyone will need to sample from the strategy buffet and put together a plate of tactics that works for them specifically.
Hopefully you’ll have your own “plate” after reading this one. It’s worth picking up.
-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head: A Toolkit for Living with and Overcoming Anxiety”
July 16, 2019
Book was too simplistic. What are the author's credentials? Not have a drink on a plane? Seriously? That allows me to relax a forget I'm on a plane for hours without fresh air. There aS not enough scientific evidence to support assertions (ie gazillion reasons). I like stats and facts
Read above: too simplistic, not enough data or evidence to support commentary, obvious assumptions, solutions to real fears and anxiety not specific enough. Wondering education level of author and training to have a clientele?
Read above: too simplistic, not enough data or evidence to support commentary, obvious assumptions, solutions to real fears and anxiety not specific enough. Wondering education level of author and training to have a clientele?
October 4, 2018
I found this book more helpful than Geert's other book about anxiety. Rather than managing anxiety, you can learn to overcome the condition. He talks about ways that anxiey affects the body, ways to learn to overcome the ways that anxiety makes you feel, how to learn to live a life free of anxiety and nervousness.
July 9, 2020
Pretty useful, but I don’t think it is that type of book you devour in one sitting. So I will sip on it slowly from time to time.
May 26, 2023
Easily THE best book on anxiety that I've read. I think the main reason is because the author, you can tell, actually deals with (and dealt with) severe anxiety. A lot of these books are written by super-smart doctors and psychologists and pros in their field, but none of them deal with severe anxiety. It's like me reporting on war in the middle-east without actually being a soldier or having even BEEN to the mid-east.
All of the sensations, effects, illnesses, emotions that the author describes are spot on. He's been there. Not only that, but he's figured out a way to get past it, which is no small feat.
Fantastic read and now the tough part begins --> Putting his simple-sounding but tricky advice to practice.
If you're an anxiety sufferer, don't pass on this one. It's a quick, entertaining and very helpful read. Could be part of your solution. Cheers and good luck with your battle!
All of the sensations, effects, illnesses, emotions that the author describes are spot on. He's been there. Not only that, but he's figured out a way to get past it, which is no small feat.
Fantastic read and now the tough part begins --> Putting his simple-sounding but tricky advice to practice.
If you're an anxiety sufferer, don't pass on this one. It's a quick, entertaining and very helpful read. Could be part of your solution. Cheers and good luck with your battle!
August 3, 2019
Eye Opening
Geert does a great job of explaining the origins and original purpose for panic and anxiety in humans and builds from there to establish a working understanding for WHY this is happening to us. The techniques he describes make a lot of sense, and he uses a lot of great examples to explain how and why they will make sense. He also does a great job of relating to people and describing all the different fears one could have, and how upsetting and debilitating all of this can be. I recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety.
Geert does a great job of explaining the origins and original purpose for panic and anxiety in humans and builds from there to establish a working understanding for WHY this is happening to us. The techniques he describes make a lot of sense, and he uses a lot of great examples to explain how and why they will make sense. He also does a great job of relating to people and describing all the different fears one could have, and how upsetting and debilitating all of this can be. I recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety.
August 24, 2019
One of the best books for those suffering from panic/anxiety. While professionals might have evidence and research, Geert has the experience of suffering from panic disorder and curing himself of it, which therefore makes him far more knowledgable than a therapist or psychiatrist who can only speculate but has no idea what you're actually going through.
I went to his site and purchased his course as well. It is ridiculously affordable and the information is invaluable. After reading dozens of books to help with panic/anxiety this is the one that actually helped cure it.
I went to his site and purchased his course as well. It is ridiculously affordable and the information is invaluable. After reading dozens of books to help with panic/anxiety this is the one that actually helped cure it.
August 6, 2021
Extremely Helpful!
I would like to thank the author for writing such a simple, very straightforward self-help book for people like me who suffers a great deal from generalized anxiety and agoraphobia. I can totally relate and had countless "aha" moments as I turn every page of this book. I will definitely put them into practice and work my way to live my life without so much worrying about what other people would say. To trust and believe that no matter what happens, everything will be Okay! Truly a very inspiring and an absolute must read!
I would like to thank the author for writing such a simple, very straightforward self-help book for people like me who suffers a great deal from generalized anxiety and agoraphobia. I can totally relate and had countless "aha" moments as I turn every page of this book. I will definitely put them into practice and work my way to live my life without so much worrying about what other people would say. To trust and believe that no matter what happens, everything will be Okay! Truly a very inspiring and an absolute must read!
May 13, 2019
It works and I’m living proof.
The techniques , when practiced work. This book guides you through he vicious circle during anxiety that leads to panic attack’s and finally to phobias. As I’m writing this I’m actually feeling a panic attack and I’m embracing it and riding it out just to see what happens next. See to it that you read cover to cover and spot check as needed. Definitely Purchased the softcover as well. Thanks Geert V.
The techniques , when practiced work. This book guides you through he vicious circle during anxiety that leads to panic attack’s and finally to phobias. As I’m writing this I’m actually feeling a panic attack and I’m embracing it and riding it out just to see what happens next. See to it that you read cover to cover and spot check as needed. Definitely Purchased the softcover as well. Thanks Geert V.
April 16, 2021
I feel better immediately after reading it
I read this book after I got a panic attack while walking near my home. I thought there has to be a better way. It never occurred to me to a accept anxiety and Geert makes it very easy. I am actually looking forward to going out to walk and run, which have me anxiety in the past. Even if I get anxiety again I will feel prepared and stay with it. Thank you Geert!
I read this book after I got a panic attack while walking near my home. I thought there has to be a better way. It never occurred to me to a accept anxiety and Geert makes it very easy. I am actually looking forward to going out to walk and run, which have me anxiety in the past. Even if I get anxiety again I will feel prepared and stay with it. Thank you Geert!
December 21, 2018
Excellent advice
This is the first book on the subject I have read so I can’t compare it to others, but I was impressed by his first hand experience and all the people he has worked with and helped. The explanations and suggestions made intuitive sense, and I can see them being effective (I don’t suffer from anxiety myself).
This is the first book on the subject I have read so I can’t compare it to others, but I was impressed by his first hand experience and all the people he has worked with and helped. The explanations and suggestions made intuitive sense, and I can see them being effective (I don’t suffer from anxiety myself).
August 4, 2019
Awesome book
This is a awesome book, I put it into practice and I can really see some changes with me going outside, driving the expressway, being stuck in a red light on a busy intersection.... read this book and it will show you step by step on how to get rid of your fears and anxiety or even panic attacks, always put God first and the rest will fall into place 🙂 God bless!!!
This is a awesome book, I put it into practice and I can really see some changes with me going outside, driving the expressway, being stuck in a red light on a busy intersection.... read this book and it will show you step by step on how to get rid of your fears and anxiety or even panic attacks, always put God first and the rest will fall into place 🙂 God bless!!!
July 19, 2020
Amazing
I consider this book the top of the list to consider for getting over anxiety! You will not be sorry. If you put into practice what he teaches you will overcome it. I am so thankful for this book and for the author who overcame this and wrote it to help people like me who needed it. This is amazing and so accurate. It really does work!
I consider this book the top of the list to consider for getting over anxiety! You will not be sorry. If you put into practice what he teaches you will overcome it. I am so thankful for this book and for the author who overcame this and wrote it to help people like me who needed it. This is amazing and so accurate. It really does work!
December 9, 2020
This actually helped me realize I was not crazy and helped outline some of the fears I had. I was able to use much of what I learned in this book and in just two weeks I’ve seen a significance change in how I handle panic attacks. I have not had a panic attack in a few days, and between therapy and medicine, this book has helped me give me tools and power over my own thoughts.
November 15, 2021
Anxiety and panic attacks for 15 years
This book has opened my eyes and given me a new perspective on my panic and anxiety. Everything in here makes sense. I am just beginning this new journey and have faith that it will help. I have always tried to outrun my anxiety and panic or get it to stop, this has never really worked. I will update my progress in the weeks to come!
This book has opened my eyes and given me a new perspective on my panic and anxiety. Everything in here makes sense. I am just beginning this new journey and have faith that it will help. I have always tried to outrun my anxiety and panic or get it to stop, this has never really worked. I will update my progress in the weeks to come!
June 10, 2022
Loved it
Loved this book! For someone who has been suffering with anxiety for a long time, I thought this book had a lot of really great ideas on how to help yourself! I just finished the book and plan on implementing a lot of these suggestions. I know overcoming anxiety is a long process and I feel like this book is a step in the right direction!
Loved this book! For someone who has been suffering with anxiety for a long time, I thought this book had a lot of really great ideas on how to help yourself! I just finished the book and plan on implementing a lot of these suggestions. I know overcoming anxiety is a long process and I feel like this book is a step in the right direction!
May 26, 2018
Lays the foundation for recovery
Stop fearing your fear. It’s that simple. It’s that complex. Geert lays the foundation for recovery from anxiety but you have to put in the work. Do it.
Stop fearing your fear. It’s that simple. It’s that complex. Geert lays the foundation for recovery from anxiety but you have to put in the work. Do it.
December 6, 2018
Badass
I loved this book. Straight forward, easy read. I am going to keep this book in my library and try out these methods. Just reading the book made me feel better, can't wait to start using what I have learned.
I loved this book. Straight forward, easy read. I am going to keep this book in my library and try out these methods. Just reading the book made me feel better, can't wait to start using what I have learned.
December 29, 2018
Great and different
Highly recommend. Very different and affective approach. It comes from someone who has really experienced these symptoms
Loved this book. I am keeping it to read again and for future reference
Highly recommend. Very different and affective approach. It comes from someone who has really experienced these symptoms
Loved this book. I am keeping it to read again and for future reference
February 21, 2019
Terrifying but so True
Anxiety is torture but reading this helps me realize how right on Geert was on point. It will be difficult to implement but we all need this inspiration to get over it.
Anxiety is torture but reading this helps me realize how right on Geert was on point. It will be difficult to implement but we all need this inspiration to get over it.
July 12, 2019
One of the many self-help books I’ve purchased and in my queue. Useful tips that I’m hoping I’ll be able to incorporate into my life. I appreciate the matter of fact tone and assertiveness though it is sometimes trying to make the same point several times.
September 22, 2019
Rationale ways to deal with anxiety.
I like the rationale approach that were discussed. Presented were methods everyone has the same ability to try. The various sources (app, book, etc.) we're also very helpful and a bonus to reading the book.
I like the rationale approach that were discussed. Presented were methods everyone has the same ability to try. The various sources (app, book, etc.) we're also very helpful and a bonus to reading the book.
December 17, 2019
Must Read for Anxiety and Panic Attack Sufferers
I have read many books claiming to end the anxiety and panic attacks. But, this one is in my top 3 with Claire Weekes’s book and Dare. Please give it a try! It can save your life.
I have read many books claiming to end the anxiety and panic attacks. But, this one is in my top 3 with Claire Weekes’s book and Dare. Please give it a try! It can save your life.
March 18, 2020
My daughter and I both struggle occasionally with anxiety, so I am reading a few books on the topic. This one will prove to be pretty helpful. It contains a lot of suggestions for things we can try to help keep anxiety at bay.
February 19, 2022
That’s an alright book, the writer is very eager to help people and to advertise his paid content. This book is good for new anxiety sufferers, nice tips, but surely needed lots of work and dedication to practice toward recovery.
December 28, 2022
I was skeptical, but I loved this book. It gave great insight and help with practical things to help you END panic. I will say that if I haven't been through therapy for this, I don't think the book would have made as much sense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews