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'EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE A BOOK COMES ALONG THAT COMPLETELY TRANSFORM THAT FIELD -THIS IS THAT BOOK FOR ANXIETY' If you’re tired of just 'managing' your anxiety and want a powerful natural solution, then apply the ‘Dare’ technique as explained in Barry McDonagh’s latest book. Based on hard science and over 10 years helping people who suffer from anxiety, Barry McDonagh shares his most effective technique in this new book. The DARE technique can be used by everyone, regardless of age or background, to live a life free from anxiety or panic attacks.In this step-by-step guide you will discover how to:Stop panic attacks and end feelings of general anxiety.Face any anxious situation you’ve been avoiding (driving/flying/shopping etc.).Put an end to anxious or intrusive thoughts.Use the right natural supplements to relieve anxiety.Boost your confidence and feel like your old self again.Fall asleep faster and with less anxiety each night.Live a more bold and adventurous life again. IMPORTANT: THIS IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST A BOOKIt also comes with a free App for your smartphone as well as four audios for quick anxiety relief. With these new tools you can apply the DARE Response in any situation that makes you anxious (e.g. driving/shopping/traveling). Help is now with you wherever you go! Read more
Publisher : BMD Publishing
Publication date : May 8, 2015
Edition : 1st
Language : English
Print length : 242 pages
ISBN-10 : 0956596258
ISBN-13 : 53
Item Weight : 12.8 ounces
Dimensions : 6.14 x 0.55 x 9.21 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #10,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #14 in Anxieties & Phobias #43 in Popular Neuropsychology #64 in Anxiety
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Paperback
First off, I have been dealing with on and off panic disorder since the age of 8, and by age 12 I thought I had completely overcome it and was doing very well. I had been in a constant state of "flow", as Barry would call it, for a good few years other than the occasional social anxiety--Up until the fateful day in 2013 at age 15 when panic struck out of literally nowhere. I was even at home. However, I didn't recognize it as panic at the time. I was so caught off guard I thought it had to have been a health issue. Maybe a heart attack or maybe there’s something REALLY wrong, like, I’ve been terminally ill for years and just don’t know it yet. There was no other explanation. After some ER visits, a couple of heart monitors and echocardiograms, I was disappointed to figure out that it was just panic--yes, I was disappointed. It's so much easier to cure a physiological issue than a psychological one. After that incident, I was in a constant state of panic. I had the panic attack that never ended, that kept me bound to my bed (thank God for homeschool). It was a 24/7 panic attack for a good few months, the counselors were baffled, since panic attacks are usually very short lived compared to lasting for weeks or months at a time. It's true, though, my heart rate was constantly elevated close to 200bpm, I saw danger in every corner, I didn't want to leave home, or be alone, at ages 15-17, I wanted to die because it just would NOT end. And basic relaxation techniques provided and repeated to me once a week were certainly of no use to my case. For those few years I would always say that if this year doesn't get better, I'm going to give up. I guarantee you, I have read more panic and anxiety cure articles and forums than anyone on this planet. I've been through many counselors. I have tried supplements which were actually the only thing that didn't seem entirely useless. Some supplements do help, as stated in the book. However, in general, I was constantly taking one step forward and ten steps backward. I had really lost all hope a few times. I was fear stricken even in the "comfort" of my own home. I saw the risk in everything--no matter how small--never the benefits. I thought I had completely lost it at one point, refusing to eat the majority of food for fear of a "sudden allergy". Looking back that sounds literally insane. I couldn't be in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time or I would get claustrophobic and panic. I was afraid of dying in my sleep. Afraid of passing out, anywhere and everywhere. (Dizziness was a main symptom for me, as I have fainted in the way past and remained terrified of the sensation years later). Afraid of flashing lights for fear of "a seizure". Wouldn't dare to be out of sight of a "safe person". I would've been genuinely content living in a hospital at that point because I felt it was the only true safe zone. I hadn't seen any friends in those few years. Anxiety had stolen almost three years of my life. Three teenage years. Not to mention, half of my childhood before this new bout came along. I missed out on many opportunities. Anxiety aside, I could have really had a lot going for me. It's quite sad looking back on it. Now the reason for the intense elaboration on my personal story/panic disorder is because I want to emphasize that I had it very, very badly. If I can make it through, literally anybody can. I had it so bad that I eventually couldn't relate much to the anxiety forums online anymore because my attacks were so intense and the sensations became so weird that it was almost as if I had entered some sort of psychosis. I wasn’t apart of reality for months at a time. And feeling alone in it all did not help, I’ll tell you that. Now that we have that out of the way, I'd like to share my journey to the healing part of my panic disorder. Before I get into where the DARE book played its part, I liked to start from the beginning of the journey by saying that by the time I had turned 18, (last year), the anxiety and panic had calmed to a point where it wasn't a constant state anymore. (I will say though, if I found this book back then, it would’ve come to that point a lot sooner). This was probably due to me reuniting with some supportive friends, finding some new music groups and shows that I loved, and could get passionate about. Also, I am very sure that taking certain supplements (5-HTP, magnesium, vitamin D3, L-theanine) that a great doctor I was seeing recommended to me had also played a part in that as well. (Don’t sleep on supplements) However, although I felt better than the two previous years, I was still a slave to my anxiety and panic. It ruled me. I still only went out with friends once a month or less, I used those music groups and shows as a constant distraction and ended up neglecting school work. No matter how elated I felt that my anxiety was going down slowly but surely, it still was not moving quickly enough. I repeated 11th grade. I didn't do well the second time either. I just barely made it. I was just better enough to where I no longer appeared crazy or clearly ill, I just appeared lazy. Little did anyone know, these distractions were just keeping me sane enough. I wasn't really better. I just had worked my way out of one trap only to find myself tied up in a much less constricting trap, but constricting nonetheless. Coming from where I had previously been, I was honestly pretty happy about that for awhile--genuinely. I didn’t really notice how bad it still was. I just knew that I finally felt kind of normal again. It wasn't until shortly after I had turned 19 (a few months ago), that I came to realize that it wasn't normal enough. Panic attacks were still at least a weekly occurrence. The temporary cures were helping but they weren't cutting it. I noticed the fear was slowly creeping back in. If I wasn't actively searching for a cure, it was bound to get worse and end up sending me back into the downwards spiral of the place I had finally crawled my way out of. It was now or never. Now here is where DARE comes in. Shortly after it occurred to me that I still was not cured of my anxiety and was only wearing a band-aid that would inevitably slip off at some point or another, I knew it was time for some real help. I'm 19, this is a crucial point in my life. I can’t be dealing with this. I needed an amazing fix if I was going to live the independent and anxiety free life I needed to survive in this world. I was running out of time. I was ready for a real cure. I needed one. In desperation, I came to Amazon and literally just typed "panic attacks" into the search bar. Yeah. I don't even read books. I didn't know what I was doing. But to my surprise, I saw a 5-star book that claimed to be just the cure I was looking for. I thought, "what? how could this book be a full 5-stars, people with anxiety are always so critical about cure claims, the reviews have gotta be fake". Upon reading some of the incredible reviews however, I became super intrigued--and desperate. I had nothing to lose but a couple of bucks and you can't really put a price tag on a potential cure for an anxiety-free life. When it arrived, I read the whole thing in two days. I could not put it down. I was too amazed with the contents and intrigued by this unheard of method of dealing with panic attacks in a way that never occurred to me after all of my searching. Even before I put the DARE method into practice, I had already felt like I'd won my life back. I felt elated just by reading the book and I was so excited to try it out and put it into action. It covers everything that you need to know. Every question I had along the way was answered as I kept reading on. I was even shocked to see that it covered the panic symptom of derealization in the detail that it had, as that is personally my most prominent panic attack symptom, and honestly, the scariest one of them all, in my opinion--which after reading the book, made me realize it was probably my fear of the derealization that caused it occur so often. I felt so relieved--and skeptical. It was too good to be true. That is, until I began putting the techniques into practice. I had already practiced some diffusing, "what if" techniques (the D step) with one of my many counselors, and while it helped slightly I knew this wasn't gonna be a cure. I still had anxiety. Allowing, (the A step) was one that I had struggled with for years and probably why my anxiety was so high all the time because I tried to refuse to let myself feel that way. I was so angry that I kept feeling that way. To feel any better, I had to learn to let the painfully uncomfortable symptoms join me--and what do you know, they were nicer when I didn't try to rudely kick them out. If only I had read the book sooner I would've known I was doing the complete opposite of what I should have been doing--which is a huge reason why I wasn’t getting better.. When I truly--emphasis on truly--allowed myself to feel the anxiety in it's entirety, that's when I started seeing it fade. I had every strange physical symptom in the book and then some. They were very intense. And I have to admit, sometimes the first two steps just weren't enough in the beginning. This is where my favorite part, the "run towards" step, (the R step) comes in. I love this step. It is the most effective for me personally and it's sometimes even fun to implement depending on how I do it. Demanding and asking for more/worsening of symptoms instead of thinking, "no God please not here, not now" works wonders I would've never thought possible. Of course I was hesitant as first, I thought, "what if they really do get worse and I get dizzy and pass out WHILE DRIVING OR SOMETHING?". One day I decided to let go and test it out and instead think, "so what, I'll pull over and even if I do pass out, so what, if I crash due to fainting I'll get my license taken away and I won't have to even worry about it anymore! So what? That sounds great, I hope the dizziness sticks around and maybe gets even worse. Give me your worst--I dare you." Of course it was sarcastic, but the reason the this step is my personal favorite is because you can do it in any way that works best for you. Implementing sarcasm and humor makes light of it all which personally does wonders. Making light of it and having fun with it while using the “run towards” step is just a really powerful part of diminishing panic symptoms for me because it ends up also putting me in a better mood and making me feel like I can handle anything with my attitude. I am always in control of my own attitude, therefore I felt in control of my anxiety. After the "R" step and getting everything out of it that you can, it makes it so much easier to ease into the "E" step which is engaging with life, or in others simply just continuing to live--continuing your life in the way that you normally would, anxiety or not. Letting it be present, but not-at-all affect the way you live or make any decisions for you, no matter how small. And hey, even if you feel more anxiety coming on just repeat all the DARE steps. Trust me, it’s gonna work. The only way out is through--through the DARE response. If it works for me there's absolutely no way possible it won't work for you. The DARE technique aside, I love the way this book completely crushes and dissolves any idea of "safe zones" and "safe people", and "crutches". (However I still think it's smart to always keep your cell phone and basic emergency stuff with you most places). I love the emphasis on making peace with your anxiety as if it was an enemy or bully that you decide to call a truce with. Almost as if you're treating your anxiety the way that you want to be treated. Okay, that might be stretching it a bit, but the more analogies the better. It's a very important concept that must be grasped. Being okay with having anxiety and welcoming it rather than fighting it is such a beyond simple concept that works miracles and the word needs to get out there. All of the other techniques out there need to take a hike, because they're just confusing people by throwing out unhelpful--but well meaning--methods into the mix and discouraging people when they end up feeling even worse. This is the method that is going to work and heal you completely if you stick with it. This is the method that needs to stand out from all of the other ones. This book clears everything right up. It will give you all the tools you will need and more. One of the best parts, in my opinion, was when he described going through a very scary real life scenario, something I could never imagine happening to me. I love that it acknowledges that life out there really can be scary and sometimes panic is justified and not just random. Things happen. Life comes with a lot of constant worries and concerns. He even provided tools on how to deal with justifiable fear, worry and panic and it was very empowering. This whole book is empowering. Another thing that I'm so glad he mentioned was how to deal with intrusive or obsessive thoughts and made it explicitly clear that most everyone has or has had them at some point and that it doesn't make you crazy--and more importantly, emphasizes that you're not a bad person because if you were, those crazy weird thoughts wouldn't bother you at all. I think that is a very important subject to acknowledge because it is something that I imagine many omit when seeing their counselor or anybody they vent about their struggles to. They might secretly think they are crazy and maybe feel ashamed and would never dare let anyone know what goes through their heads--and it is a very dark and dangerously self-destructive trap to fall into. The section on intrusive thoughts puts an end to thinking that you're crazy and provides again, some very useful, very fresh tools that will--if you practice--put an end to them in no time. Towards the end of the book, it also touches on forgiving yourself for having anxiety and how important it is to truly love yourself so you don't subconsciously self-sabotage your own progress--something I am guilty of, and probably many others who don't even realize it. As silly as it sounds, practicing self-love as simple as just telling yourself, “I love myself,” everyday can rewire your brain out of the self-sabotaging state--something I still personally need to practice. When I say the book covers everything, I mean it--even touching on the importance of exercise, water-drinking and supplements to even humor and love. This book is everything you need and more to be well on your way to recovery. And while I don't discredit counseling and therapy--because I think venting and one-on-one therapy is still incredibly helpful to stay on track--this book has been the single most important aspect in my journey to healing, and I just wish I had found it sooner. If you have anxiety and don't go to counseling, at least read this book. And if you do, take this book with you and have your counselor help keep you on track with it. Have it be the basis for all of your counseling sessions. Heck, even suggest that they recommend it to their other patients, I know I have. Because the more the word is spread about this book, maybe the fewer cases of panic disorder we’ll see in this world, and if that isn't motivating, then I don't know what is. I have been panic free since reading this book this past winter--and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. No fluff, this is the real stuff. Don’t half heartedly try variety of different anxiety techniques. Whole-heartedly put your all into this one. It’s so worth it. Trust me. It completely changed my perspective on anxiety and even life. It's true--YOU are the cure. You just need the right tools. And this book is it. This book is my tool and I guard it with my life. Anxiety really does have some nice perks--when you go through it, you come out of it a stronger, wiser person and become more appreciative of the small things in life that other people don’t think twice about--for me, anyway. I also struggle with depression caused by my anxiety holding me back, so the less anxiety I have the less depressed I tend to feel--another perk. You only know true happiness when you've gone through true suffering. So be grateful for this opportunity.You'll probably find that you're much happier when you reach the light at the end of the tunnel than the people who have always been there, having never gone through a tunnel of their own. Instead of fear passing out, having a heart attack, intrusive thoughts, and so on, demand them. Welcome them--and keep at it. You'll be surprised what a difference the simple DARE technique makes. You'll feel better and better the more you practice it, and soon you won't be thinking about any of that old anxiety stuff at all. And even if it decides to stop for a visit down the road, welcome it. Welcome every ounce of the discomfort and fear. My personal advice to you is this: coming from the worst of the worst, I think everyone with anxiety, no matter mild or super-severe-nearly-bad-enough-to-be-hospitalized, you need this book. And keep in mind, I’m not a reader. This book has given me so much personal power and I can’t wait to continue to grow and keep growing. So keep your head up, keep things light-hearted and humorous, make friends with your anxiety, love yourself, and DARE on. It's only up from here.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2017 by Victoria Rose
Format: Paperback
Barry's book and program changed my life. I am a woman in her early forties and it's been about 6 years since I developed an anxiety disorder, meaning thinking about anxiety started to be a huge part of my life that wasn't there before. I am a successful engineer and all of a sudden I found myself worrying I couldn't do my job, feeling anxious all the time, consumed by frightening thoughts and sensations, and having no idea what was wrong with me and having no hope that I would ever be myself again. Traveling for work was one of my biggest sources of anxiety and I placed all these limitations on where I could go and for how long trying to minimize my discomfort. I didn't understand that the only way out of this was to experience my uncomfortable sensations in the right way to train my body that these things I feared weren't actually dangerous. The four approaches you are taught are to use humor (Diffuse), Acceptance (I can't choose how I feel but I can choose what I do), empowerment (Run towards), and Engagement. This is so much more than just a book though. This is a program you can join and interact with other people going through the same struggle as you are and it is moderated by an amazing licensed therapist. There is a free group you can join through Facebook, and there is also a monthly membership that allows you to participate in 5 group calls a month with two amazing therapists, and one of the calls is with the author himself. I don't know of any therapy approach that stands by its program this much to allow people to question the approach in a respectful and open way and where the program and approach prove they work over and over in the hundreds of people I've interacted with. There are also some one-time 10-day long boot camps or themed classes you can take to get more involved. All of these programs make group therapy super affordable and effective. The courses are about $100 and the monthly fee for Dare Advanced is $25 a month. There is also a really great app that is free, and a paid version with more content for $10/month. Considering that most one-hour therapy sessions start around $140/hour, this is an incredible value. You can also book one-on-one coaching sessions with the therapists who administer the Dare program, and those costs are comparable to what a private therapy session costs, but you do get consistency with your coach only using the Dare approach and understanding it really well. The https://dareresponse.com/ website will have all of this information. I have been in the DARE program for nearly 4 years and have made amazing progress. I'd say it took me about a year's time to get back to "my old self," but I've stayed in the program because of the amazing community of people and because this program has completely changed my mindset about how to handle anxiety, adversity, and I now know how to challenge myself in a healthy empowering way to keep growing and setting higher ambitions. A few quick examples of the program effectiveness: I read this book while in the middle of a major anxiety setback. I'd been in therapy and recovering from my initial "diagnosis" of anxiety for around 2 years when a medical anxiety issue really flared up my nervous system. I was afraid to go to work/leave the house. When I read this book all of a sudden so many things clicked for me. For instance, by staying home I was reinforcing the fact that work was a dangerous place I needed to avoid. The truth is I was experiencing unpleasant bodily sensations and I was afraid to experience them at work. Being at home didn't prevent them from happening. Once I got this, I was able to go to work within 3 days of getting the book, and that really impressed me about this approach. Barry really understands what causes anxiety, what it feels like, and does a great job of explaining how it's not dangerous. Fast forward about 2 years and I posted in the group page that I was going to take on any work trip I was asked to do that year (after previously limiting myself to about 200 miles from home). That year I "had the opportunity" to fly 1400 miles and 1800 miles within 10 days of each other and I did it. I also stayed longer on one of those trips than I had ever been willing to try before. Both of those were huge accomplishments for me and not something I ever dreamed I'd be able to do even before anxiety hit me. If you are struggling with anxiety this book is absolutely the place to start. It changed my life like I never imagined. Afterwards check out the website and Facebook group and definitely try out one of the programs where you interact with Barry and the therapists. Asking questions in a live call really expanded my understanding of how to implement Dare. The app audios are amazing for this as well. Although I have used the real therapist sessions maybe 10-12 times in 4 years, I made the majority of my progress using the $25/month dare advanced program with the group calls. I found that taking 5 minutes out of a call to ask a question was enough to really move me forward. Have hope and faith that you can recover from anxiety. It's just learning how to do daily life stuff even if you don't like how you feel, and retraining your brain that those activities aren't dangerous. It's just your nervous system over reacting because it's in a sensitized state. I've seen many people get better and quickly with this program on the order of weeks to months. I do believe long lasting results take more time like a year or longer, but you can expect to continue to feel better and better on that journey so when you look back you always see that you're making progress.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021 by Anonymous
Format: Paperback
I had to leave a review on this amazing book. It is so well written and really makes you understand the science behind anxiety and panic attacks. I had my first full blown panic attack about 2 years ago and I read this book about 8 months ago. My panic attack was in the middle of the night and woke me up out of a dead sleep. I had no idea what was happening to me. I woke up with my entire body tingling, then went into the shakes, problems breathing, and swallowing. I was pacing back and forth and my teeth were chattering and I couldn’t talk right. I woke up my husband and told him to take me to the ER because I literally thought I was dying. He went back to sleep and it took me about 40 min to get the panic attack to stop. Of course, after that, I could not sleep and I was terrified that it would happen again. That one panic attack set me into having constant anxiety and panic every single day - that is all I thought about and I was in fear of it happening again out in public. It got to the point that I didn’t want to go anywhere, didn’t want to see anyone, and couldn’t live my life normally at all. I have 2 kids, so it’s not like I could just stop everything and lock myself up in my house. I contacted my doctor and she suggested that I see a psychiatrist to get help. I did, and at this point, it had all gotten really out of control. I was having an attack driving to see the psychiatrist and barley made it there. I was pacing back and forth in her office while telling her what was wrong with me. She put me on Zoloft and said she would see me in 2 weeks. I should point out that my sister has severe anxiety and depression and has dealt with it for years and Zoloft works wonders for her. Well, for me, it did the complete opposite and I was only on 25 mg. It made my symtoms worse and I was in a full blown panic wondering what the heck was wrong with me and why was I losing my mind??? I really thought Zoloft would fix it all and I could go back to living a normal life. So, my psychiatrist suggested that I start seeing a cognitive therapist and I did for about 6 months and that seemed to help and then anxiety was coming back again. Then I found this book. I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful this book is and how much is has helped me. I read it in 2 days and the app is amazing too. Once I finished the book, it all completely made sense to me and I realized that I didn’t need to live in fear anymore of my anxiety and panic attacks. I was so afraid of having a panic attack and dying from it, that I was GIVING myself more anxiety! It was a circle of emotions that was just going round and round and I was getting nowhere. It took me reading this book to realize that SO WHAT if I had an anxiety or panic attack.......what’s the worst that is going to happen?? Shortness of breath, the shakes, sweating, heart beating very fast, etc. I wasn’t going to kill me and I was fine. It always passes. The thing is, I was letting the ANIXETY and PANIC control ME. I had to turn it around and make my mind control the anxiety and panic - I had to make myself realize that it was all in my mind and that I had complete control over it. Your mind is a very powerful thing and it’s truly amazing at the way in can control your body if you let it - that is what this book makes you realize. You have to DARE yourself and take control and realize that everything is going to be ok. I still see a therapist from time to time but this book has helped me the most. I love that I can go back and read the pages that really inspire me and I love the app too. Barry’s voice is really soothing and can help me out of an attack just by listening to the app which is much better than medication and it’s side effects. When I think back on the past 5 years or so, I realize that I was having small anxiety/panic attacks and certain times in my life but I didn’t even realize that was happening, I was able to push those feelings away when they started and go on with whatever I was doing. That one panic attack in the middle of the night changed everything for me and had me living in fear. This book took the fear away and made me realize that I am ok. That I am normal and its ok to have anxiety - I just know that I have control over it now and can live a normal life.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2018 by frustrated
Format: Paperback
Excellent in that it distills down third wave cognitive therapies into a model that's easy for mere mortals to understand and follow. I would recommend to anyone who suffers from anxiety (I still can't comprehend that there are actual people who DON'T lol!) Had to knock it down a star for being so obviously self-published and for including more than a few typos. Still, the content is spot-on, and applying the techniques is already helping me! I also purchased the DARE workbook, but am yet to dive in.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026 by SAM
Format: Paperback
I used this product to help with my diagnosed general anxiety disorder following panic attacks that put me out of work for short-term disability leave. Each month, I’ve molted another layer of fear and become a better person. I’m still changing, and this may sound all hyperbole, but I do not joke; this book is beyond life-changing. You will come out the other end changed and improved in character. Some epiphanies I’ve had: 1. Fear of fear generates new phobias infinitely 2. Sleep is the most important for recovery 3. Setbacks are also crucial for recovery; we need to learn what it feels like to fuse thoughts and what it is like to defuse. There needs to be a black and white clear-as-day difference 4. We cultivate our thoughts - move towards your values as you practice techniques from this book 5. Correct anything that is causing you to stumble - consider a master’s degree if you don’t like your career / if your eye prescription is off, fix that asap / if you want to see family more, see them for holidays practicing the techniques/ etc. 6. This is a long-term cycle; you will cycle over and over week after a week most likely, so be patient and kind 7. When the road is paved, and even if your fears happen and you are willing to feel the discomfort, you can think and dream about whatever you want. Any thought, think it! Do not be afraid of your thoughts. 8. Forgetfulness is healthy, as you unlearn fears and bad habits, abstract them, and don’t over-detail chunk them in memory. They don’t need vivid intellectual descriptions of the sight, smells, etc. - generally encode what you need to conserve your brain energy on what is important - right now. —- Update, September 2026 This review was written in 2022. The book genuinely helped me, especially with panic and fear of fear. DARE helped me get back on my feet and start moving forward again. During that period, I went back to work and earned my master’s degree, among many other things. But DARE was not the final solution. Over the years, I continued exploring OCD, diagnostic categories, and different techniques. I eventually realized that I had started overthinking the whole process and trying to change my mental processes in real time. **A key later insight came from Steven Hayes’s work on Process-Based Therapy**. Diagnostic labels (GAD, PTSD, OCD) can be useful, but they can also become broad buckets that we keep trying to understand our complex selves through. Eventually, I changed my metacognitive belief that I had to keep micromanaging. DARE helped me tremendously, but it wasn’t going to solve every itch to analyze, understand, categorize, or “fix” my mind. My processes kept me in loops and eventually even DARE became part of it. Today, I don’t use this book, the app, DARE, or any technique or mental trick. No tricks. No techniques. No medications. I have so much more mental energy and am thankful for this. And looking back, the later wins feel different. I traveled to abroad. I gave a best man speech at my brother’s wedding. Got my dream job! I had more experiences and got so much more mental energy back for the things I actually care about. The book helped me get my life moving again. Letting go of the need to keep working on myself helped me live it more fully.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2026 by John W
Format: Paperback
I’ve had anxiety issues ever since I was a little kid. Like, I’m talking 5 or 6. Every few years my anxiety will flare up when I’m going through something stressful in my life. Starting elementary school, starting middle school, starting high school, etc. basically anything that I can’t “control” but is barreling towards me anyways. Back in January (5 months ago) I was stuck in a toxic job, with a horrible boss, and felt trapped. I saw the writing on the wall, I needed to get out, but the feeling of not having any control sent me into a complete tailspin that I don’t think I’ve ever actually quite experienced like this before. I was in the car and suddenly my arms felt numb, I had the AC blowing on my but felt I wasn’t getting enough air, finally I rolled the windows down and started feeling better. Then when I got home it hit me again, in the middle of eating some honey BBQ chicken wings, watching my normal serial killer documentary. All I could feel was dread. A few days later I had my first full blown panic attack, I convinced myself I couldn’t breathe properly, that I was about to die. I had to take a walk outside, I got inside and tired to distract myself but nothing worked, I finally decided to meditate (for the first time ever) which worked great and I fell asleep within minutes. Over the next month alone I spent over $1,000 on things to “rid me” of my anxiety including expensive apps, online therapists, real life therapists, supplements I was too scared to take, videos that didn’t do anything, movies that didn’t help, and anything I could find. I started calling off of work more often and eventually just decided that I couldn’t do it anymore, and quit on the spot. But even then, I still had this looming anxiety which gave me panic attacks multiple times a day, ESPECIALLY when first waking up (what a great way to start the day). I used to convince myself I would forget how to breathe and I’d die, I’d forget how to eat and die, I’d have a lingering existential crisis where I’d question reality, I dissociated for a couple weeks straight (the first time that’s happened to me and I was terrified), I was worried that I’d be so anxious I’d become depressed and worried I’d kill myself (I wasn’t even depressed, but my mind convinced myself I’d become depressed). I thought I was the weirdest person ever for even thinking these things, and that nobody could ever understand or fix me. After finding an article on anxiety recommending the use of self help books, I found this book, and I honestly cried after the first few pages. It made sense, it connected all of these dots I never knew could be connected. I’m not someone who is religious- I’m actually an atheist, so hearing people tell me “just look at the bright side, just go to a happy place, just look to god for comfort” did NOTHING for me. I can’t just bring myself to a happy place when I know my mind is running rampant a few inches away???? How am I supposed to relax on my imaginary beach when my brain is slamming its finger on the nuclear button over and over again? This book goes over the science of anxiety, it reminds you to stop associating yourself with your anxiety, because you are not you’re anxiety. EVERYONE gets anxiety, you’re not special just because you get it sometimes a little more, and you’re not destined to always have it. This book gave me the mental resources to remind myself of all of these things. It started making sense as to why when I bake cookies or color or draw I stop feeling panicked, and why when I tried to distract myself with TV it wouldn’t help. The techniques are wonderful, but honestly the most useful thing to me was just understanding the reasoning behind why it was happening. After reading this book I actually haven’t had a panic attack since, and I think it’s been over 4 months now. I’m not going to lie, even without the panic attacks I still dealt with some lingering anxiety, and I did have a few close calls, but every time I felt anxious I’d pick the book up and reread it. I even bookmarked a few of the most helpful pages for me and would just go back to those whenever I needed it. This book changed my perspective on anxiety and panic attacks. I’m grateful for my anxiety, I’m glad that my brain is trying so hard to keep me safe. I actually had a moment after reading this where I felt like apologizing to myself for taking my own defense mechanisms for granted. I NEVER thought I’d feel this way. I actually laughed at the reviews saying they welcome their anxiety, and now when I start feeling nervous I open up the door to it and say “hey come on in and take a seat” and just go with it. For everyone struggling with their anxiety, it will always be a reoccurring theme you see in your life, and this book won’t change that, but it will change how you react to it and take the fear out of it. It’ll change your energy towards your anxiety and make it into something productive. If you’re questioning whether or not to buy this book please just go for it.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2020 by Meghan
Format: Paperback
My panic attacks started completely out of nowhere. It was a Friday night, got back from the gym, I ordered in sushi, curled up on the couch for a movie then out of nowhere I was trying to catch my breath but couldn’t keep up. I looked at my Fitbit and my heart rate was up in the 130s. I stood up to walk it off. It helped but for the next 2 months I was in a heightened state of anxiety all day until another panic attack would hit. I’d have at least 2 a day. I developed agoraphobia. I wasn’t afraid of anything outside but I was afraid if I left the house I wouldn’t be able to control my panic attacks or I’d pass out in a store or something. Even thinking about leaving the house would increase my heart rate. My aunt has panic disorder that she didn’t do anything about and after years, she won’t leave the house or drive. She just loads up on medicines to help get her through her days. I knew if I let it go on without forcing myself to take care of this early on, it would get so much worse. I had already gone to the dr about all this but she only kept prescribing Xanax and Zoloft. Honestly I was still having attacks with the medicines so I didn’t even know why I was still on them. I hate this type of medicine and all its potential/long term side effects scare me. I felt tied down to them also, getting anxiety when I started to run low. It sucked. I know they help a lot of people but I was very determined to do this without medicine as soon as I learned how. I also didn’t want to spend so much money on therapy since that’s always trial and error until you find THE perfect therapist and I feel like only people who have gone through this really know how to get past it. So I did some research in my safe corner of my room and found this book. I’m a suuuuper skeptical person but the reviews are what did it for me. I bought it. I finished it in a few nights. I swear it was only a couple days after reading it, I woke up at 4am feeling short of breath, starting to sweat.. all those familiar feelings. I got up, walked downstairs, said “bring it on” and smiled through the entire fkn panic attack. My heart rate was much higher than it had been, it was intense, my legs were shaking after but I had never felt more free during and after a panic attack until that first one after reading this book. I went right back upstairs and went to sleep still smiling. I was not afraid at all. And you know what?? A year later and I’m still not afraid of these stupid things. I also haven’t had a panic attack since that one making me believe it’s the fear you have to be unafraid of for it to work. It’s exactly like telling a big scary dog, showing its teeth, ready to attack to go away. Dogs sense the fear in your voice and body language. You have to 110% be unafraid of the dog for it to leave. That’s what this book taught me to do. For 3 months I was tied down to my house having panic attacks daily. After reading this book and really pushing myself to give in (it was hard) I was able to leave the house, go shopping and fly 2 months later to go see my mom with zero panic. I get little bouts of anxiety here and there where my heart rate is a little elevated for a day or two but it has never reached a full blown attack. The other night I felt my chest getting warm like I was about to have one but I didn’t care. Then it went away before it even began. I was able to go back to my movie just fine. I will never let this try to take over my life again. I’m so glad I found this book. I still have it and plan on reading it once a year for maintenance. I will say a few months ago I started eating healthier and cut back on caffeine a lot. If I do have any caffeine it’s before noon. I started doing light weight training a few times a week and have never felt better. This last week, since it’s the holidays, I let it all slide a bit and that’s when I noticed the warm chest incident and more general anxiety than usual (still panic free though!). I’m thinking it all ties in together. I hope y’all take a chance on this book! It does help!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2019 by Amazon Customer
Format: Paperback
If you are dealing with any type of anxiety or panic attacks, DO NOT HESITATE to buy this book. This is a godsend and a solid SOLUTION for anxiety. I have been dealing with anxiety which manifests itself in me with heart palpitations, dizziness, anxious thoughts on a loop, and tingling sensations in my body for over 20 years. Just recently my anxiety increased due to stress with work and I had my first panic attack. It was the scariest thing I had ever experienced and I was spiraling from it. Always thinking that every feeling was going to lead to another panic attack which I wanted to avoid. I tried CBD and that made my anxiety worse. I tried breathing exercises and meditation and while those two things helped, I was still focusing so much on "when is my next panic attack going to happen because it was so scary and I never want to feel that way again." This book allowed me to understand the physiology behind anxiety and panic attacks and how our thought process can actually increase our anxiety and lead to additional panic attacks. Taking control over the way I think about both is what this book taught me. It's amazing how quickly it has helped me after just a week working through the process. I have a better relationship with my anxiety and now have actual tools to help me work through it instead of fighting it. I want to cry every day not because of frustration from my anxiety and how scared I was dealing with it, but instead with happiness because this has truly changed my life for the better. I know I still have work to do, but having such a solid foundation with this book I know I can tackle any anxious feelings or thoughts moving forward and harness my anxiety to succeed in life. Seriously, buy it and work through it and change your life forever.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2025 by Jessica Mied