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Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety
Also available in audiobook form at http://duffthepsych.com/audiobook
Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety is for those of us that find the prospect of reading a traditional self help book to be way too boring. How are you supposed to make positive change in your life if the book itself feels like a chore? This book is definitely not a chore.
In Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety, I talk to you like a friend. There is lots of swearing and humor and also loads of helpful and actionable information. You learn about anxiety and how to find the weapons within yourself to slay it for good.
Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety is for those of us that find the prospect of reading a traditional self help book to be way too boring. How are you supposed to make positive change in your life if the book itself feels like a chore? This book is definitely not a chore.
In Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety, I talk to you like a friend. There is lots of swearing and humor and also loads of helpful and actionable information. You learn about anxiety and how to find the weapons within yourself to slay it for good.
Audible Audio
First published September 6, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
June 14, 2018
And the people go wild!!! Here's what some of them had to say about this amazing book:
"I never felt comfortable in my own skin. This book motivated me to do something about it!" - Buffalo Bill
"Thanks to this book, I'm making new friends every day. I've been invited to dinner with a doctor, and he's going to teach me what fava beans with liver and a nice Chianti tastes like..."
Random dude
"Where do you think I came up with my catchphrase: Why so serious?"
The Joker
"Sleep is important. This book makes sure you realize that."
Freddy Krueger
"Bubble bubble bubble, bubble HA HA bubble bubble...BUBBLE!"
Jason Voorhees
Okay, I'm just fucking around a bit. As far as self-help books go, this one was good. The writer had a nice, easy tone and didn't bore the reader with useless, scientific crap. If you need a book like this, I will gladly recommend this one.
However, dude, there was one sentence that pissed me off to no end:
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VERY PERSONAL MOTIVATIONS BEHIND WRITING THIS BOOK, INCLUDING MY WIFE'S PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION, LOOK UP "ROBERT DUFF TED TALK" ON YOUTUBE.
Seriously, man, even with her blessing, how badly do you need to plug this book? You should believe enough in yourself and your abilities to know better.
"I never felt comfortable in my own skin. This book motivated me to do something about it!" - Buffalo Bill
"Thanks to this book, I'm making new friends every day. I've been invited to dinner with a doctor, and he's going to teach me what fava beans with liver and a nice Chianti tastes like..."
Random dude
"Where do you think I came up with my catchphrase: Why so serious?"
The Joker
"Sleep is important. This book makes sure you realize that."
Freddy Krueger
"Bubble bubble bubble, bubble HA HA bubble bubble...BUBBLE!"
Jason Voorhees
Okay, I'm just fucking around a bit. As far as self-help books go, this one was good. The writer had a nice, easy tone and didn't bore the reader with useless, scientific crap. If you need a book like this, I will gladly recommend this one.
However, dude, there was one sentence that pissed me off to no end:
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VERY PERSONAL MOTIVATIONS BEHIND WRITING THIS BOOK, INCLUDING MY WIFE'S PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION, LOOK UP "ROBERT DUFF TED TALK" ON YOUTUBE.
Seriously, man, even with her blessing, how badly do you need to plug this book? You should believe enough in yourself and your abilities to know better.
October 9, 2015
Amazing Book For Someone Who Loves Immediate Action
I have a bachelors in neuroscience and I suffer from moderate depression (kicked it's ass for the most part) as well as high anxiety. After about two therapy sessions and a bit of reading, I managed to work through most of my depression over the course of a year by using some of the strategies there... With anxiety things have been different. I moved out of the US & now live in the Caribbean where there is *no* access to therapy. I've been desperately searching for a useful, succinct guide that could help me manage anxiety and I found it with this book.
This book is funny and the author comes off as likable & not condescending... He really understands what you're going through and he's able to empathize and tap into your psychology without babying you. He gives great advice with immediately visible practical value.
So many self help books are so boring/patronizing but this book wasn't. I liked the brevity here too. Instead of droning on and on with scientific knowledge, the author delineates the important stuff clearly in a way anyone can understand with or without prior education in psychology.
Right now I'm also self employed so I thought it was great that the author touched on the anxieties that self employed people feel as well (so relatable).
I really hope this author writes more on the subject. I'm immediately going to recommend this book to my boyfriend and probably anyone who I talk to in the next 48 hours. Just wow!
A rare good find when it comes to indie self help books.
I have a bachelors in neuroscience and I suffer from moderate depression (kicked it's ass for the most part) as well as high anxiety. After about two therapy sessions and a bit of reading, I managed to work through most of my depression over the course of a year by using some of the strategies there... With anxiety things have been different. I moved out of the US & now live in the Caribbean where there is *no* access to therapy. I've been desperately searching for a useful, succinct guide that could help me manage anxiety and I found it with this book.
This book is funny and the author comes off as likable & not condescending... He really understands what you're going through and he's able to empathize and tap into your psychology without babying you. He gives great advice with immediately visible practical value.
So many self help books are so boring/patronizing but this book wasn't. I liked the brevity here too. Instead of droning on and on with scientific knowledge, the author delineates the important stuff clearly in a way anyone can understand with or without prior education in psychology.
Right now I'm also self employed so I thought it was great that the author touched on the anxieties that self employed people feel as well (so relatable).
I really hope this author writes more on the subject. I'm immediately going to recommend this book to my boyfriend and probably anyone who I talk to in the next 48 hours. Just wow!
A rare good find when it comes to indie self help books.
October 17, 2017
Trust me guys, this isn't like any regular boring self help books. The way it's written speaks directly to you. So damn relatable, easy, and fast to read, no scientific shit or whatsoever. Also, filled with swearing words xD
Whether you struggle with daily life anxieties or not, this is a book you'd need to grab on the go.
I've personally learned looooots of things, one of them for sure is F**K ANXIETY. Enough said.
Whether you struggle with daily life anxieties or not, this is a book you'd need to grab on the go.
I've personally learned looooots of things, one of them for sure is F**K ANXIETY. Enough said.
January 9, 2016
Quick and to the point
This self help book does not fuck around. It provides humorous yet solid advice for someone who is in the beginning stages of an anxiety disorder. I truly do like that it is short however the information is not new to me but I did enjoy looking at mental illness from a hardcore perspective.
This self help book does not fuck around. It provides humorous yet solid advice for someone who is in the beginning stages of an anxiety disorder. I truly do like that it is short however the information is not new to me but I did enjoy looking at mental illness from a hardcore perspective.
November 27, 2016
This line from the Introduction reveals the writing style to come: "Whether your spirit weapon is a badass ninja katana or a freakin' rocket launcher, I will help you wield its epic power and slay that little shit named anxiety for good." Throughout this short book, the author says things like "your body is a dick" and "your brain is a douche." Thoughts, feelings, behaviors are "the triforce of mental douchebaggery." The crudeness is a problem, not so much in the sense of vulgarity but in the sense of simplicity. The concepts are presented in a way that is too facile to provide much new insight.
March 26, 2016
I love, love, love this book. I am a review procrastinator - which means I almost never write reviews. But this book deserves a review. As a child therapist I have spent the last six or so months reading every anxiety book out there...you know...just for fun. I have been disappointed, bored and at times unimpressed. I will admit - sometimes I don't make it to the end.
But this book - this book rocked my commute. I laughed out loud and had new hope for my profession.
If you have anxiety and a sense of humor - read this. Listen to this. It will help.
But this book - this book rocked my commute. I laughed out loud and had new hope for my profession.
If you have anxiety and a sense of humor - read this. Listen to this. It will help.
March 22, 2021
Short, basic, good, actionable, and full of links to longer, more informative videos, podcasts, and blog posts by Dr. Robert Duff, including resources on types of therapy and how to find a therapist even if you have little to no money.
I love Dr. Duff's podcast and videos -- five stars for those! He answers questions thoroughly in a normal, gentle voice, and never says anything that would make a questioner feel stupid or disrespected even while inviting them/us to take courageous steps. He comes across as caring.
For me, this book amped up the use of slang, pop culture references, jokiness and vulgar language. I personally prefer the calmer (but still fun/relatable) tone of the podcasts/videos. Maybe there’s something about hearing his actual soothing voice that I missed in the book. But the basic substance of the book is good. And even though it’s basic, it’s still a helpful resource for those of us who have been dealing with this anxiety stuff for years, because Dr. Duff is up-to-date and the book offers an active connection to up-to-date resources.
I love Dr. Duff's podcast and videos -- five stars for those! He answers questions thoroughly in a normal, gentle voice, and never says anything that would make a questioner feel stupid or disrespected even while inviting them/us to take courageous steps. He comes across as caring.
For me, this book amped up the use of slang, pop culture references, jokiness and vulgar language. I personally prefer the calmer (but still fun/relatable) tone of the podcasts/videos. Maybe there’s something about hearing his actual soothing voice that I missed in the book. But the basic substance of the book is good. And even though it’s basic, it’s still a helpful resource for those of us who have been dealing with this anxiety stuff for years, because Dr. Duff is up-to-date and the book offers an active connection to up-to-date resources.
June 1, 2020
A short book that attempts to be funny and down with the young people. Instead it is a bit try-hard and shows the signs of pseudo-edgy middle aged man. It is OK - and offers some strategies. But it is focused on breathing - which is important. But there is little advice on managing work, family and ... well ... life.
October 10, 2017
Didn't have an issue with the language or how it was written. Just found it overly simplistic and not really helpful for myself. Might be great for someone with less severe anxiety issues.
Couldn't be bothered to finish it. Just completely lost interest.
Couldn't be bothered to finish it. Just completely lost interest.
April 16, 2018
I only gave it a one. If anxiety is "new" to you, I'd call it a 5 star. As I have already read so much and done so much work on myself over a couple of decades, for me it was "just" the simple stuff. Having complex-PTSD needs a tad more help than this book can give.
July 14, 2015
down to earth guide on ways to combat anxiety. I will be using some of these. made me laugh in a few places. I recommend it.
July 7, 2021
You know when you're 14 and you feel you're grown and deserve to be taken seriously but there's that one family friend that talks to you like you're 7? That's how this book reads.
Something about being called an "awesome anxiety warrior" just makes me cringe a little bit.
It's honestly not a bad book. It feels like a good starting point for someone who doesn't know a lot about their anxiety yet. I like that Robert acknowledges there's no one size fits all approach to managing anxiety. I also like that he describes the difference between different anxiety disorders.
However there's also a lot I didn't like such as the constant advertising - for more on this check out this episode of my podcast, for this story watch my ted talk, join my course and of course don't forget to check out my other book and website! And maybe it could have been an idea to do some research on services outside of the US since not everyone is American and if you're going to write a book...
That's all I really have to say so I guess it's time for me to go listen to "that catchy ass new T-Swift song on the elliptical". 🤪
Something about being called an "awesome anxiety warrior" just makes me cringe a little bit.
It's honestly not a bad book. It feels like a good starting point for someone who doesn't know a lot about their anxiety yet. I like that Robert acknowledges there's no one size fits all approach to managing anxiety. I also like that he describes the difference between different anxiety disorders.
However there's also a lot I didn't like such as the constant advertising - for more on this check out this episode of my podcast, for this story watch my ted talk, join my course and of course don't forget to check out my other book and website! And maybe it could have been an idea to do some research on services outside of the US since not everyone is American and if you're going to write a book...
That's all I really have to say so I guess it's time for me to go listen to "that catchy ass new T-Swift song on the elliptical". 🤪
January 9, 2019
A quick, no-bullshit, straight to the point approach to battling and learning to live with anxiety. I highly recommend it!
June 10, 2017
I read this book thanks to Blinkist.
The key message in this book:
Anxiety disorders can be hugely debilitating, but there are straightforward techniques that can help you calm yourself down and treat yourself better. That being said, you can’t always fight anxiety alone; professional advice, as well as conversations with friends and family, are essential to helping you free yourself from anxiety.
Actionable Advice
Practice 4-7-8 breathing every day.
Every day, take 15 minutes to calm down and relax. Begin breathing, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and exiting your body.
First, try to breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for four more and then breathe out for a final four. Then, change the pattern to 4-7-8 for a few minutes; breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath until seven and then release at eight.
By practicing conscious breathing in a safe, nonstressful space, you’ll be able to apply it when you most need it: during a panic attack that comes out of nowhere.
The key message in this book:
Anxiety disorders can be hugely debilitating, but there are straightforward techniques that can help you calm yourself down and treat yourself better. That being said, you can’t always fight anxiety alone; professional advice, as well as conversations with friends and family, are essential to helping you free yourself from anxiety.
Actionable Advice
Practice 4-7-8 breathing every day.
Every day, take 15 minutes to calm down and relax. Begin breathing, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and exiting your body.
First, try to breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for four more and then breathe out for a final four. Then, change the pattern to 4-7-8 for a few minutes; breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath until seven and then release at eight.
By practicing conscious breathing in a safe, nonstressful space, you’ll be able to apply it when you most need it: during a panic attack that comes out of nowhere.
July 1, 2018
This was funny as f*%k.
Therapy for anything be it anxiety, depression, addiction whatever, it's not an easy thing first off to admit, yet more so to move forward and actually do anything about it.
For most there is just too much of a stigma attached to this. If everyone could understand these 'illnesses' the way that this author and therapist explains them it would certainly make the entire process so much easier for those suffering from and equally those not.
We would all be on the same damn page to use the authors tome.
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be a difficult thing to understand and one of the topics touched upon here. The way the author describes it is how it was taught to me by my therapist at the time. She made it so frighteningly easy to understand, because it really is.
This book and it's contents are all explained in the same fashion so as to make everything in this book and it's difficult subjects, easy to understand- comprehensible.
Well worth a gander...and it's really funny.
Therapy for anything be it anxiety, depression, addiction whatever, it's not an easy thing first off to admit, yet more so to move forward and actually do anything about it.
For most there is just too much of a stigma attached to this. If everyone could understand these 'illnesses' the way that this author and therapist explains them it would certainly make the entire process so much easier for those suffering from and equally those not.
We would all be on the same damn page to use the authors tome.
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be a difficult thing to understand and one of the topics touched upon here. The way the author describes it is how it was taught to me by my therapist at the time. She made it so frighteningly easy to understand, because it really is.
This book and it's contents are all explained in the same fashion so as to make everything in this book and it's difficult subjects, easy to understand- comprehensible.
Well worth a gander...and it's really funny.
February 14, 2017
I have a lot to say about this book and no way to put it into words. The author is an actual psychologist and offers genuine insight into managing anxiety and panic disorders. He doesn't try to bullshit you with hokey home remedies and telling you to just relax or just breathe. He offers actual practices and infuses the whole crappy situation with humor. This isn't your ordinary self-help book. I highly recommend to anyone that regularly suffers anxiety and/or panic attacks. I'm keeping this one on my kindle. Tip: keep a piece of paper and pencil handy while reading this. You'll thank me later
December 30, 2017
A decent primer
As an introduction to anxiety, and for providing some baseline coping skills, this is fine. Just don't expect anything too in-depth or useful for those who have been attacking their anxiety for any length of time
As an introduction to anxiety, and for providing some baseline coping skills, this is fine. Just don't expect anything too in-depth or useful for those who have been attacking their anxiety for any length of time
May 19, 2016
Great quick and fun read
Fun. Light. Easy to finish in a sitting. A nice break from wordy and stuffy clinicals. A good jumping of point.
Fun. Light. Easy to finish in a sitting. A nice break from wordy and stuffy clinicals. A good jumping of point.
May 20, 2021
Hardcore Self Help: F*ck Anxiety by @duffthepsych isn’t like other self-help books. I mean, just look at the title.
I’m a natural worrier but there are times when I experience a higher amount of anxiety than is normal for me. During this particular time, I was so desperate to find something that might help me, I started searching up e-books. I would like to make it clear that I never read e-books but that is just how anxious I was — I wanted some guidance and I wanted it now.
Robert honestly makes you feel like he is a funny and helpful friend having a conversation with you. The book is down-to-earth and doesn’t make you feel like someone is lecturing or talking down to you. While this book isn’t a replacement for therapy, Robert provides helpful advice, tips, and tools you can use on a daily basis to help you manage Stella your anxiety.
I’m a natural worrier but there are times when I experience a higher amount of anxiety than is normal for me. During this particular time, I was so desperate to find something that might help me, I started searching up e-books. I would like to make it clear that I never read e-books but that is just how anxious I was — I wanted some guidance and I wanted it now.
Robert honestly makes you feel like he is a funny and helpful friend having a conversation with you. The book is down-to-earth and doesn’t make you feel like someone is lecturing or talking down to you. While this book isn’t a replacement for therapy, Robert provides helpful advice, tips, and tools you can use on a daily basis to help you manage Stella your anxiety.
November 27, 2018
A lot of negative reviews say that the advice the author gives about breathing is just another hack. "We've already heard this a million times, why say it again?" Well, it's because the breathing works and people don't want to try it. I found this to be a very encouraging book. Maybe not super clinical (it advertises itself as NOT being clinical), but it has some tools that are worth trying out. Why not try the breathing if nothing else is working???
February 5, 2021
I took my time with this one..two chapters a week at max. I wanted to absorb this.
This is still the year of the pandemic. Everyone is allowed and/or expected to be anxious.
The author has an honest way of speaking about this sensitive topic. Not a tough love kindof guy..more like I feel you and just hang in there kindof guy (which I appreciate).
A short book. Practical. Learnt some techniques so all in all I would say, it is a good book for beginners on the topic.
This is still the year of the pandemic. Everyone is allowed and/or expected to be anxious.
The author has an honest way of speaking about this sensitive topic. Not a tough love kindof guy..more like I feel you and just hang in there kindof guy (which I appreciate).
A short book. Practical. Learnt some techniques so all in all I would say, it is a good book for beginners on the topic.
August 9, 2019
A great starter book for those dealing with anxiety. I personally preferred Fuck Depression, as it has a little more depth, but the style of writing is the same in both and really puts you at ease with reading about mental health issues. Definitely worth a read, and check out his podcasts if you've not already done so...
December 30, 2024
Found this book so much more helpful than alot of books I've read for this, this is more relatable, definitely got some good action plans and something I'm definitely gonna try more to put into action
May 25, 2019
I'm sure this advice is great for some people; it just didn't suit me.
November 15, 2020
I have a friend having anxiety. The book helps to understand and help him. Big like!
January 24, 2025
So I paid a therapist thousands of dollars to help me with anxiety, when I could of just paid $7 for this book and got the same advice 😭 anyways great book if you have crippling anxiety
October 6, 2023
Took me longer to get through the chapters then it regularly would, but i’ve never read this genre of book. I think the advise and the relaxed vibe this author gives off while also trying to put in your head that anxiety is something you can beat is the best parts of the book! definitely recommend 👍🏻🩷
February 5, 2023
Loved it!!!!!!
December 3, 2018
Insightful and to the point
I work with student athletes, collegiate football student athletes. And one of the things that I’ve noticed as a caretaker,as that I tend to take on the stress and anxieties of my Student Athletes. So I’ve been developing coping strategies not only for myself but for my student athletes and this is a perfect antidote for that. I’ve been able to read a few books this year and learn some techniques of which the 478 breathing technique is one of my favorites. I recently started meditating, I’ve read 12 books this year which is more than I have read in a single year. And this is one of my favorites but it’s straight talk and to the point.
I work with student athletes, collegiate football student athletes. And one of the things that I’ve noticed as a caretaker,as that I tend to take on the stress and anxieties of my Student Athletes. So I’ve been developing coping strategies not only for myself but for my student athletes and this is a perfect antidote for that. I’ve been able to read a few books this year and learn some techniques of which the 478 breathing technique is one of my favorites. I recently started meditating, I’ve read 12 books this year which is more than I have read in a single year. And this is one of my favorites but it’s straight talk and to the point.
April 18, 2020
Gives some great insight to anxiety where the emotions come from and provides a sense of normalcy. Doesn’t dive into the nitty gritty but just what I wanted.. to understand the different types of triggers. Also teaches a simple thinking process to get out of the anxiety feelings and start to retrain the brain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews