An Anxiety Story - How I Recovered from Anxiety, Panic And Agoraphobia

by Drew Linsalata

I was you. I was once afraid, anxious, confused and lost. I was crippled with panic attacks, trapped by agoraphobia, and riddled with constant anxiety. I almost lost everything important in my life as my world became smaller and smaller.  This is the story of my journey through anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. The good, the bad, and the ugly of panic attacks, anxiety symptoms, irrational and obsessive thoughts, and being afraid to leave my house or be left alone. This is the story of how I went from an anxious, fearful mess, to living a full, normal life no longer controlled by anxiety or its limitations. I am asked almost daily if I am completely recovered from my anxiety disorders.  I am, and I am happy to share how I did it. It's not magic, it's not rocket science, and I didn’t invent any of this.  There are no programs to buy, no coaches to hire, no expensive one-on-one sessions, no herbs, supplements, crystals, or medications. Everything I needed to fix this problem was already inside me. Everything you need to fix this problem is already inside you. This is simply a story of applying behavioral science, courage, tenacity, consistency, and an unquenchable desire to overcome these problems once and for all. I was once you, but now I am not. If I can do this, so can you. I promise. 

Genres: Self Help, Mental Health, Nonfiction

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2020

About the author

Drew is the creator and host of The Anxious Truth, a slightly unorthodox anxiety podcast that’s been in full swing since 2014 with over 2,000,000 downloads (and growing). The Anxious Truth podcast and the community surrounding it are recognized sources for anxiety education, support, inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment.

In 2020, Drew published two books on anxiety and anxiety recovery. The Anxious Truth and An Anxiety Story have quickly become required reading for anyone suffering with anxiety and in need of education, instruction, inspiration, encouragement and empowerment.

In 2021, Drew published Seven Percent Slower, a simple friendly guide to slowing down and being more mindful to move past anxiety and stress.

Reviews

[Destinee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Drew.

Anxiety disorders are hard. They are hell. They are not easy and are damn difficult to overcome. Impossible? Never. When I was diagnosed with panic disorder / generalized anxiety disorder, I basically wrote my life off. I was paralyzed with fear, the anxiety was leaving me depressed, and I felt absolutely powerless. Drew was the first person to give me hope. He continues to do so till this day on his anxiety Facebook group. His podcasts, social media posts, and this incredible book have steered me in the direction of recovery. I don’t have constant panic attacks. I don’t have intrusive thoughts that literally felt like I was teetering towards insanity, and I don’t — let me repeat- DONT give a flying hoot about anxiety symptoms anymore. Thank you, Drew. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and help out nervous people like me. You gave me my life back, and I don’t say that lightly. I will forever be grateful for the space you have created, and for the time you take to help others struggling, including myself.

[Victoria K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

Highly Recommend this book! For Anyone ready to throw their hands up and give into the Anxiety & Panic, STOP & READ THIS! You are not alone. I am so Thankful for Drew and telling his story! I cannot wait for the big book to come out!!!!

[Hannah Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Thanks for sharing with us Drew. I have gained so much insight and actionable info from you! Thank you! I appreciate you!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding and hope are irreplaceable lifelines for those who deal with severe anxiety and panic attacks. In this book, Drew Linsalata offers both. He shares his journey to recovery from disordered anxiety with straightforwardness and poignancy, leaving the reader feeling understood and inspired. Best of all, he provides practical insight and information on how recovery is possible for anyone willing to put in the work. An example of everyday valor and determination, Drew tells the plain truth about what it takes to recover while never expecting more of anyone than he was willing to do himself.

As someone who has benefitted immeasurably from Drew’s podcast, videos, and community in overcoming my own debilitating anxiety and panic, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Amandatory Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been listening to Drew’s podcasts for a few years now. Finally reading his books. This is for those of us who want to feel seen and heard. Who feel so isolated with our anxiety only to remember we are not alone. And to feel some hope even if that involves hard and uncomfortable work.

[Sarah hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great person and book

Loved it and you have really helped me. Recommend this book for anyone needing the extra help.

I'm almost also so much bettet

[Jim Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read, big impact. I think the biggest thing to consider when dealing with crippling anxiety is that you are not unique. Having gone through moments the past year or so where I felt like I might drop dead, Drew really spoke to me. Now that I’ve gotten over thinking that something was medically wrong with me, I haven’t been having as strong of panics. I also realized there was a lot I was avoiding, whether about my physical or mental health, my relationships, and even my spiritual health. Avoidance just leads to suffering. And we avoid things because we are afraid. But until we take a leap of faith into the anxiety, then in fear we will remain. Five stars.

[Jessica Heckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like reading my own story

I purchased this along with an anxious truth, that I have not yet read. I’m still in the beginning of trying to turn things around so I can’t speak to implementing anything yet, but I’m excited to start from a new perspective to get my life back. He writes in a very relatable and funny way. Would recommend to people going through debilitating anxiety.

[Zachary Todd]

In my own anxiety journey, I've found Drew's books a very helpful resource. This one talks about his own journey and made me feel less alone as some of the things he went through are similar to things I've been through. This book doesn't talk solutions as much, but I was glad to see how his journey was close to mine.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is SHORT. But good, and a good introduction for the big book which I look forward to. I enjoy his instagram stories very much, and agree with what he has to say.

[Ingvild Henriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little gem of a book describing the author's struggle with and recovery from anxiety and panic disorder. Highly recommended!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so helpful!

I have read so many books on this topic and this was so helpful and inspiring! I can’t wait to start the big book! Thank you, Drew for sharing your story.

[Arthur Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provided me with hope

Now have a desire to read other books on anxiety and to check-out podcasts and Facebook on the subject.
Thanks.

[Kimberly Kardas]

Wow.

[Sarah Taveras · Rating 5 out of 5]

A no nonsense type of dude!

Drew has helped me a lot along with Claire Weekes and this book and story is spot on! Recovery comes to those who believe in the method and do the things that bring fear yet don’t stop trying and push through without apprehension! Definitely a must read and looking forward to his new book coming soon! Thank You Drew 👍🏼

[Nicholas Beutler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 / 5 Stars
// Decent

[Colin Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Drew. Very inspiring.