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Taming Crazy: Confessions and Lessons: A True Story For The Worried, The Fearful, & The Anxious!
After years of battling crippling anxiety, depression and an obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alicya Perreault found herself at a crossroad. She could either accept things as they were or she could find another way through and fight it. She chose to fight. Part memoir, part self-help, Taming Crazy - Confessions and Lessons is a journey of strength, vulnerability, courage and laughter. Told with humour, truth and the occasional swear word, she shares the lessons she learned in her quest to climb out of the rabbit hole once and for all, often with hilarious results. This book is an honest, raw portrayal of how paralyzing anxiety, OCD, and depression can affect daily life. Most importantly, it is a story of hope. Filled with emotional and often humorous confessions, she takes us by the hand and shares the real-life struggle to 'fit in.' She shares the lessons she learned on finding her way through constant worry and paralyzing anxiety while still managing to have a laugh or two along the way.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2018
17 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Alicya Perreault
2 books13 followersI've been an avid reader my whole life and love the way books can change the way we look at life. Writing was something I've always kept a secret until I fully committed to writing about my journey through mental health issues. The result was Taming Crazy - Confessions and Lessons
I'm currently writing the follow up to Taming Crazy.
I was born and raised in South Wales, UK, and moved to Canada with my family when I was a teenager. I spend my time with my husband and 2 rescue dogs and live in Calgary, Alberta and the Okanagan valley, British Columbia, Canada.
I'm currently writing the follow up to Taming Crazy.
I was born and raised in South Wales, UK, and moved to Canada with my family when I was a teenager. I spend my time with my husband and 2 rescue dogs and live in Calgary, Alberta and the Okanagan valley, British Columbia, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 11, 2019
Everyone has felt anxiety or needless worry one time or other in varying degrees. This book deals with the paralysing depressive kind anxiety that consumes one so completely that it seems that it seems there is no hope or light. Told in a light humour, Alicya tells this tale of her journey of life living with crippling anxiety, depression and OCD all her life and humoursly tells the ways she tries to overcome this instead of just succumbing and making her and those around her unhappy.
This book is not only for those suffering from any of these but is for everyone . She also tells how first to acknowledge first and then seek help and support not necessarily from experts but from family and friends ; and then have the courage to let go of life long labels worries and anxieties because what is to happen will happen; Why to worry before and maybe it won't happen For a normal per son this is easy and not noticeable but for a person with anxiety issues along with depression becomes an huge and almost impossible task just imagining the "What if" scenarios. So Alicya tries to help herself overcome and just live life.
I received this book from the author through @BookTasters
This book is not only for those suffering from any of these but is for everyone . She also tells how first to acknowledge first and then seek help and support not necessarily from experts but from family and friends ; and then have the courage to let go of life long labels worries and anxieties because what is to happen will happen; Why to worry before and maybe it won't happen For a normal per son this is easy and not noticeable but for a person with anxiety issues along with depression becomes an huge and almost impossible task just imagining the "What if" scenarios. So Alicya tries to help herself overcome and just live life.
I received this book from the author through @BookTasters
February 26, 2019
I was attracted to Taming the Crazy by Alicya Perreault because of my own background with depression and anxiety. While most books on this subject (or subjects, if you want to consider depression and anxiety as separate maladies) tend to be clinical, Perreault’s book is personal, relatable, and at times downright funny.
A reader shouldn’t come into the book thinking it will offer a definite way to deal with depression and anxiety (d/a). This is a PERSONAL story about one woman, her struggle, and how she found a process to help her. But before she gets to her story of the process, she writes about what it’s like to suffer from d/a. I got caught in her story within the first few pages, when I read, “Experiencing [d/a] together is like falling into a black hole filled with quicksand. You can struggle but every thought you have pulls out deeper into darkness.” This was not written by a doctor who studied d/a, but by someone who has truly experienced it. Someone who actually knows what I feel like on my worse days.
The book isn’t all morose. In fact, the author is, well, entertaining. Again I could hear my own thoughts as I read, “I thought it was only a matter of time before I became so utterly bat-shit crazy that my loving husband … would have no choice but to have me committed.” Yes, this is my sister in suffering! This book is my reality: “I even avoided going across the street to check the mailbox. What if I bumped into a neighbor and had to talk to them?”
Among the topics she examines what often come along with d/a are shame, exhaustion, secrecy, social anxiety. It’s all there. And she lays it out so clearly that by the time she gets to her process of how to get out of the hole, you trust her. You trust your fellow traveler and sufferer.
She calls her self-discovery the Awareness Trifecta: thoughts, emotions, and actions, or TEA. She gives great examples how she uses this process to self-talk and become self-aware of what is going on in her mind. She also gives room to acknowledge that all who experience d/a or similar problems (panic attacks, OCD) don’t experience the problems the same way. That gives the reader room to take what is offered as possibilities worth trying.
While Perreault decided against clinical therapy, others (including me) have found it useful and so I hope readers don’t take this book as a substitute to good therapy. (The author didn’t bond with the therapist and therefore wouldn’t commit. Sometimes it takes a few therapists to find the one who is right for you.) Or as a substitute for medication if medication is recommended by a doctor.
What would have made this book better? As much as I was happy to read a book by someone who has experienced d/a and not by a clinician, I would have liked to have read some clinical response to her process. Also needed is a good proof reading, as there were a number of punctuation errors. But overall, I highly recommend this book for those who are living, or not quite living, life with d/a, and for those who want to get a better UNDERSTANDING of what their loved ones are going through.
A reader shouldn’t come into the book thinking it will offer a definite way to deal with depression and anxiety (d/a). This is a PERSONAL story about one woman, her struggle, and how she found a process to help her. But before she gets to her story of the process, she writes about what it’s like to suffer from d/a. I got caught in her story within the first few pages, when I read, “Experiencing [d/a] together is like falling into a black hole filled with quicksand. You can struggle but every thought you have pulls out deeper into darkness.” This was not written by a doctor who studied d/a, but by someone who has truly experienced it. Someone who actually knows what I feel like on my worse days.
The book isn’t all morose. In fact, the author is, well, entertaining. Again I could hear my own thoughts as I read, “I thought it was only a matter of time before I became so utterly bat-shit crazy that my loving husband … would have no choice but to have me committed.” Yes, this is my sister in suffering! This book is my reality: “I even avoided going across the street to check the mailbox. What if I bumped into a neighbor and had to talk to them?”
Among the topics she examines what often come along with d/a are shame, exhaustion, secrecy, social anxiety. It’s all there. And she lays it out so clearly that by the time she gets to her process of how to get out of the hole, you trust her. You trust your fellow traveler and sufferer.
She calls her self-discovery the Awareness Trifecta: thoughts, emotions, and actions, or TEA. She gives great examples how she uses this process to self-talk and become self-aware of what is going on in her mind. She also gives room to acknowledge that all who experience d/a or similar problems (panic attacks, OCD) don’t experience the problems the same way. That gives the reader room to take what is offered as possibilities worth trying.
While Perreault decided against clinical therapy, others (including me) have found it useful and so I hope readers don’t take this book as a substitute to good therapy. (The author didn’t bond with the therapist and therefore wouldn’t commit. Sometimes it takes a few therapists to find the one who is right for you.) Or as a substitute for medication if medication is recommended by a doctor.
What would have made this book better? As much as I was happy to read a book by someone who has experienced d/a and not by a clinician, I would have liked to have read some clinical response to her process. Also needed is a good proof reading, as there were a number of punctuation errors. But overall, I highly recommend this book for those who are living, or not quite living, life with d/a, and for those who want to get a better UNDERSTANDING of what their loved ones are going through.
December 16, 2018
Taming Crazy: Confessions and Lessons is an incredibly honest journey through one woman's struggle with anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. More importantly, author Alicya Perreault shares how she chose to move beyond these emotionally and physically debilitating disorders. Having been trapped in a world of constant "what if" scenarios, worry and fear she decided it was time to live and seek help. She also simply got sick of making excuses for not socializing and being a self-imposed introvert. With that in mind, she sought the counsel of a specialist in the field, but she didn't like the response she received nor did she like the way that medication made her feel. Determined to feel "normal" she began doing her own research. After poring over books and searching the internet for answers Perreault finally found valuable resources that would lead her to have more control over her emotions.
As I read through the chapters "I Can See Clearly Now" and "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?" I realized that much of what the author learned could help most of us even if we don't suffer from the same disorders as she does. First of all, many of us draw not only on the positive influences from our past, but we also draw heavily on the negative events of our past. The negative can control our thoughts and actions throughout our lives even moreso than the positive if we don't learn to apply techniques such as the ones shared in this book. The author writes about how she began to journal her encounters using T.E.A., an acronym for thought, emotions, and actions to observe her responses to people, incidents, and situations. After recognizing how her initial thoughts often set off chains of frustration, anger, worry or fear she then learned to address them. It seems that her biggest help was learning to pause between her thoughts, emotions, and actions.
One major point she makes is that by practicing self-awareness, we no longer allow negative thoughts to control our feelings. By doing a quick review of where our thoughts are coming from, then pause again to be sure that our emotions aren't ego-driven. When we check ourselves the author says, "we are better able to "stop you from overreacting, or making a fool of yourself...".
There are many points made in this book that will hold the readers attention as it did mine. It would most likely benefit those who seek to overcome anxiety or depression.
Alicya Perreault made a difficult topic easy to read with her delightful quips and conversational banter between herself and her husband. I will most likely share her story with friends and family in the near future
As I read through the chapters "I Can See Clearly Now" and "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?" I realized that much of what the author learned could help most of us even if we don't suffer from the same disorders as she does. First of all, many of us draw not only on the positive influences from our past, but we also draw heavily on the negative events of our past. The negative can control our thoughts and actions throughout our lives even moreso than the positive if we don't learn to apply techniques such as the ones shared in this book. The author writes about how she began to journal her encounters using T.E.A., an acronym for thought, emotions, and actions to observe her responses to people, incidents, and situations. After recognizing how her initial thoughts often set off chains of frustration, anger, worry or fear she then learned to address them. It seems that her biggest help was learning to pause between her thoughts, emotions, and actions.
One major point she makes is that by practicing self-awareness, we no longer allow negative thoughts to control our feelings. By doing a quick review of where our thoughts are coming from, then pause again to be sure that our emotions aren't ego-driven. When we check ourselves the author says, "we are better able to "stop you from overreacting, or making a fool of yourself...".
There are many points made in this book that will hold the readers attention as it did mine. It would most likely benefit those who seek to overcome anxiety or depression.
Alicya Perreault made a difficult topic easy to read with her delightful quips and conversational banter between herself and her husband. I will most likely share her story with friends and family in the near future
September 25, 2018
In her book, Taming Crazy: Confessions and Lessons, author Alicya Perreault shares an honest and revealing account of her struggle against depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behavior. She intimately describes times when she could not leave her house and days when she was unable to even get out of bed. The book is filled with details that draw the reader in by setting the author’s recollections in reality. The writing is excellent and contains both heart felt drama and moments of humor.
Her early years tell of tender, hurtful and terrifying moments that impacted her life as an adult. She talks about coping mechanisms she built around herself, such as avoiding people and using food to mask her feelings.
She made a commitment to turn her life around on her terms and started a journey toward self-awareness. She observed her physical reactions to each situation and documented what she thought, what her emotional reactions were and what actions she took. She calls the process T.E.A. By using this simple tool, along with studies in Yoga and inspiration found in books, she comes to understand her condition and discovers how to overcome it.
Ms. Perreault’s unwavering honesty has produced a courageous book detailing her personal voyage. Readers will find Taming Crazy engrossing. Even though some may take a different path to healing, those who suffer from depressions, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder will identify with the story, find inspiration and draw strength from it. A list of resources are included. The book is not a chronological memoir. Taming Crazy unfolds like a conversation between old friends over coffee.
Her early years tell of tender, hurtful and terrifying moments that impacted her life as an adult. She talks about coping mechanisms she built around herself, such as avoiding people and using food to mask her feelings.
She made a commitment to turn her life around on her terms and started a journey toward self-awareness. She observed her physical reactions to each situation and documented what she thought, what her emotional reactions were and what actions she took. She calls the process T.E.A. By using this simple tool, along with studies in Yoga and inspiration found in books, she comes to understand her condition and discovers how to overcome it.
Ms. Perreault’s unwavering honesty has produced a courageous book detailing her personal voyage. Readers will find Taming Crazy engrossing. Even though some may take a different path to healing, those who suffer from depressions, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder will identify with the story, find inspiration and draw strength from it. A list of resources are included. The book is not a chronological memoir. Taming Crazy unfolds like a conversation between old friends over coffee.
Read
May 25, 2019I received this book to read in exchange for an honest review. The following is my review.
This book is the author's personal story about dealing with her diagnosed condition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She writes about how this has impacted her life & the life of those people close to her. She writes about her search for & experience with the traditional treatments & strategies used to help people live with this condition. And she writes about her own personal insights that led her to a unique & thoughtful process of addressing her GAD.
I identified strongly with the author & her experiences & thoughts. I found myself highlighting various passages in the book for more consideration & it has been a very long time since I have felt the need to so accurately remember things I have read in a book.
The book was an easy read & while I hesitate to use the word "entertaining" because of the subject matter, it was definitely engaging & I really enjoyed reading Alicya's story.
As well, I find myself trying to enlist some of her methods/solutions in my own everyday life. I was also inspired to return to my practice of meditation which I had been neglecting now for some time.
I highly recommend this book. I think a lot of people might find her insights & suggestions at the very least interesting & maybe even helpful for coping generally with daily life.
This book is the author's personal story about dealing with her diagnosed condition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She writes about how this has impacted her life & the life of those people close to her. She writes about her search for & experience with the traditional treatments & strategies used to help people live with this condition. And she writes about her own personal insights that led her to a unique & thoughtful process of addressing her GAD.
I identified strongly with the author & her experiences & thoughts. I found myself highlighting various passages in the book for more consideration & it has been a very long time since I have felt the need to so accurately remember things I have read in a book.
The book was an easy read & while I hesitate to use the word "entertaining" because of the subject matter, it was definitely engaging & I really enjoyed reading Alicya's story.
As well, I find myself trying to enlist some of her methods/solutions in my own everyday life. I was also inspired to return to my practice of meditation which I had been neglecting now for some time.
I highly recommend this book. I think a lot of people might find her insights & suggestions at the very least interesting & maybe even helpful for coping generally with daily life.
March 3, 2019
Taming Crazy by Alicya Perreault is a master piece of mental awareness. Alicya led us through an amazing life journey from anxiety to a more stable person. The way the author shares how she felt through her honest journey shed a light on how courageous she is.
The book is a page turner as the reader will enjoy the conversations between herself, her husband and her sister. Alicya Perreault made a difficult topic easy to read with her final 12 points that are considered a handy recap of the whole book.
The book is full of “AHA” moments, that make the reader pause to re-read the paragraph one more time to imprint the introduced ideas. Alicya made it clear that by practicing self-awareness, we no longer allow negative thoughts to control our feelings. By doing a quick review of where our thoughts are coming from, then pause again to be sure that our emotions aren't ego-driven. That profound practice outlined in the book needs courage and a self-driven person who seeks to gain control of his life.
The book is a page turner as the reader will enjoy the conversations between herself, her husband and her sister. Alicya Perreault made a difficult topic easy to read with her final 12 points that are considered a handy recap of the whole book.
The book is full of “AHA” moments, that make the reader pause to re-read the paragraph one more time to imprint the introduced ideas. Alicya made it clear that by practicing self-awareness, we no longer allow negative thoughts to control our feelings. By doing a quick review of where our thoughts are coming from, then pause again to be sure that our emotions aren't ego-driven. That profound practice outlined in the book needs courage and a self-driven person who seeks to gain control of his life.
February 5, 2019
This book came in very handy right when I was in a very bad place. In this book, Alicya goes into detail about the way she dealt with her struggles and how she got past them. While this is definitely not an easy topic to write an interesting yet helpful book about, Alicya got past it superbly with her well-placed humour that makes you feel as if she's talking to you directly. I loved the way she delivered her message through her writing. I'm so happy for her for being able to get past all her struggles. Even more so grateful for releasing this book that will definitely help a number of people going through similar struggles in their lives like it did for me. I must say that I usually do not choose to read books based on these topics but I never regretted starting to read Taming Crazy: Confessions and Lessons. Can proudly say that I loved this book so much! Well done Alicya! And thank you!
December 13, 2018
Taming Crazy
Alicia became defined by worry,over-thinking, over analyzing and obsessive thoughts. It was what she was behind her fragile smile and witty comebacks. When she finally reached out for assistance her first meeting with the counselor she found pity and no help but it led her to seek for answers, solutions and treasure map. She was exhausted and tired of dealing with constant worry and thoughts. Mrs. Perreault takes us on her journey to find answers to the unending thoughts and worries. "I used to think the older you got the more self-assured you became. This, of course, is complete and utter bollocks."I found more truth in that simple quote from her book then I have found in some time, her truthful, funny, and honest narrative makes this book a very eye-opening delight. She pours her truth out of everything word and thought and allows us all to know that truth is often found in the most unusual places and never dismiss "new age" ideas they might actually be where you can find the answers. When you set out to find your own treasure map you should read this book. The funny, insightful truth behind her words will help you find a sense of kinsmanship that you rarely find in books.
Alicia became defined by worry,over-thinking, over analyzing and obsessive thoughts. It was what she was behind her fragile smile and witty comebacks. When she finally reached out for assistance her first meeting with the counselor she found pity and no help but it led her to seek for answers, solutions and treasure map. She was exhausted and tired of dealing with constant worry and thoughts. Mrs. Perreault takes us on her journey to find answers to the unending thoughts and worries. "I used to think the older you got the more self-assured you became. This, of course, is complete and utter bollocks."I found more truth in that simple quote from her book then I have found in some time, her truthful, funny, and honest narrative makes this book a very eye-opening delight. She pours her truth out of everything word and thought and allows us all to know that truth is often found in the most unusual places and never dismiss "new age" ideas they might actually be where you can find the answers. When you set out to find your own treasure map you should read this book. The funny, insightful truth behind her words will help you find a sense of kinsmanship that you rarely find in books.
May 2, 2019
This book was kind of different to me, it was one of the first where i not only followed the story, but had the feeling of seeing myself through the words.
Not only did I comprehend the story, but i did see how the author highlights the fact: it starts with us, we must be self-aware, do not blame other people and not hope for a “magical” solution, you got to go deep if you want to find the “roots” of your emotional issues, being aware of how we think, feel and act.
I am glad to find out that I am also part of the 4% of the introvert people (INFP), and I could reflect how the ego controls our thoughts and actions, it was the right thing for me at the right time.
Thank you so much and keep writing, we need that reality sense, but also that care that only people that have been through that road knows the ups and downs of being consciously-driven.
Not only did I comprehend the story, but i did see how the author highlights the fact: it starts with us, we must be self-aware, do not blame other people and not hope for a “magical” solution, you got to go deep if you want to find the “roots” of your emotional issues, being aware of how we think, feel and act.
I am glad to find out that I am also part of the 4% of the introvert people (INFP), and I could reflect how the ego controls our thoughts and actions, it was the right thing for me at the right time.
Thank you so much and keep writing, we need that reality sense, but also that care that only people that have been through that road knows the ups and downs of being consciously-driven.
October 21, 2018
“Taming Crazy” is an inspirational memoir with details on Alicya’s method to gain control of her life and mental health. It chronicles her life from adventurous happy childhood to reaching her breaking point. This book is important to let people know they are not alone and there’s hope. “Taming Crazy” is written openly from the heart with humor and grace. I want to try “TEA” to see if it will help me with de-escalating stress in my life, it makes sense. Rembering to take that pause before acting is challenging but with enough practice it might just work. Alicia is so real and inspiring I want to share her story and methods everyone in my life who suffers from anxiety.
October 16, 2018
I really liked this book, and wish I had more time to read it, but my Kindle Unlimited subscription was ending and I wanted to finish reading it without paying for another book. As it is, I may (at some point) pay for the Kindle version of this book, because I suspect that it might be good for me to read more slowly and taking time to put some of her advice into practice into my own life. But for now, it just reminds me that there are options, even for some of the things that feel involuntary to me.
September 9, 2018
As someone who has dealt with anxiety my whole life, I loved this book. It was almost as if the author had put my thoughts into words. It was emotional at times and funny. I liked how she shared each step she took to climb out of the anxiety ' rabbit hole' too. By the time I had finished reading it I felt there was hope for me and that's how I expect to feel with a self help book.
April 3, 2019
I liked the way this book is narrated, it is a self journey. The book travels through the thoughts of the narrator step by step in her anxiety and how she got through it and controlled how she felt... This book is an interesting realistic experience for everyone out there. I always like biography, experiences should be shared.
April 8, 2019
I love how heartfelt and emotional this book was. The author guides us through her journey of untangling herself from anxiety step by step, while still maintaining a light humorous tone. The book is very insightful, and it contained a lot of information that one might need to understand anxiety in general, whether they suffer from it or not. Overall, a great, helpful book, and a fun read.
March 18, 2019
I loved this book. Alicya described her journey with anxiety and depression in an inspirational way. I loved the methods she used to gain control over her life and ego. I loved the T.E.A technique. This book isn't for those who suffer anxiety and depression only but for everyone. Thank you Alicya.
May 7, 2019
Are you self aware?
If not, then read the book entitled, "Taming Crazy: Confessions and Lessons: A True Story for The Worried, The Fearful & The Anxious!" written by Alicya Perreault.
The author, Alicya Perreault, openly discusses her own personal experiences with transforming her life for the better by becoming self aware. This informative book will help you understand the importance of being self aware and help you learn how to live in the present moment in order to avoid focusing on past issues or worrying about the future.
If you are living a life full of regret, guilt or if you are just not able to deal with what is going on in your life today, the author says to, "Give yourself a break," because we all develop different ways of coping with what is happening or has happend in our lives. By becoming self aware, you can deal with your true thoughts, feelings, emotions and stop covering them up with food addictions, etc. Be true to yourself!
Your new focus will allow you to live your life to the fullest, avoiding troublesome thoughts. The author believes that if you can be aware of your thoughts, feelings and emotions and write them down to a T.E.A., then this will help you move on and change your life for the better. "Guilt, blame, and shame is too heavy. You don't need to carry that around anymore, so put it down right now and step away."
Let Alicya Perreault help you change your life!
Come on! You will be happy!!!
If not, then read the book entitled, "Taming Crazy: Confessions and Lessons: A True Story for The Worried, The Fearful & The Anxious!" written by Alicya Perreault.
The author, Alicya Perreault, openly discusses her own personal experiences with transforming her life for the better by becoming self aware. This informative book will help you understand the importance of being self aware and help you learn how to live in the present moment in order to avoid focusing on past issues or worrying about the future.
If you are living a life full of regret, guilt or if you are just not able to deal with what is going on in your life today, the author says to, "Give yourself a break," because we all develop different ways of coping with what is happening or has happend in our lives. By becoming self aware, you can deal with your true thoughts, feelings, emotions and stop covering them up with food addictions, etc. Be true to yourself!
Your new focus will allow you to live your life to the fullest, avoiding troublesome thoughts. The author believes that if you can be aware of your thoughts, feelings and emotions and write them down to a T.E.A., then this will help you move on and change your life for the better. "Guilt, blame, and shame is too heavy. You don't need to carry that around anymore, so put it down right now and step away."
Let Alicya Perreault help you change your life!
Come on! You will be happy!!!
July 16, 2019
Everyone has at one point or the other experienced anxiety and deep worry. This book tells the story of how one woman(Author; Alicya Perreault) battled her demons, it provides insights to the thousands who go through crippling anxiety and serves to bring strength to those threading same waters. Overall it's a fantastic read; a story that should be read not once but over and over again till its lessons are grasped for an anxiety free life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews