SELF HELP FOR YOUR NERVE

Claire Weekes saved my life. Literally. I was coming from a nervous breakdown, big depression, completely hostage to nervous symptoms of anxiety, panic and stress, i was living in hell. Eventually I became agoraphobic. This book was the beginning of my recovery, it was such a relief when I realized that someone understood exactly the state I was in, and how to deal with and get out of that situation. I realized that right away in the first paragraph of the book. It was like having a doctor completely dedicated to me by my side, talking to me. Thank you Dr Claire Weekes.

Must read for nervous sufferer

I've been seeing a therapist for a couple of weeks, wondering when ever I was gonna feel somewhat normal again. I chanced upon this book, and within the same day of reading it, I felt...back to my pre-panic moment - similar stress but no fear - which is a major improvement after having a month of fear on a daily basis. The book is packed with practical, down to earth explanations and tips, I am so pleased I bought - so much so I started to question whether my therapist was any good or what exactly he was helping me with. With a combination of supportive friends and people, along with this book and some of my own intuition - I recovered far faster than with the therapist. I will stay on with the therapist to strengthen some areas within myself that clearly need strengthening - like my own belief in myself and strength in my own convictions and living my life as I like and maybe even the left-behind indecision - but as far as the actual panic and anxiety, it's gone by about 50% in the first day. I feel confident that I can make it to my volunteer job tomorrow, so unlike a week ago when I was dreading the journey there. After reading the book, I went outside, and walked to the loud and huge supermarket down the road, and walked back...without the slightest feeling of fear or even alarm. Just yesterday, walking around the block was an obstacle course and a half. What I really love about this book - which is something I discovered for myself in the middle of the BIG CRASH - was that acceptance and patience is key. Acceptance more than anything else. I get to practice self-acceptance at a very basic level - ground up- which is something no therapist can ever help you do. I've always felt grateful for my panic attack - which has changed me and changed people around me. It made everyone stop dead in their tracks and made us all begin to re-prioritse what is actually important to us. I'm letting go of the unimportant things (which is a slower process) and am glad to have begun my process. I know I will one day soon be smiling and laughing again, out in the open air. I was so happy to get an explanation about the physical responses....and to let go of the fear of them. When I notice the pins and needles in my legs, I just sigh and acknowledge, and accept - no more fighting and worrying. Instead, I've replaced worry and resistance with acknowledgment and acceptance of myself, with a good dollop of patience. My husband has also helped me a lot and he has been so supportive - by continuously reminding me to be patience and gentle with myself. Panic attacks are a life changing experience - or they can be - for the better...towards what you want rather than what is expected. This book sealed my direction for a full recovery. Highly, highly recommend it.

This is the first anxiety book that has actually helped me. I’ve read and tried so many different books and therapists, but none of them really helped that much. I reference this book and come back to it all the time. Whenever I start obsessing over my heart rate or another physical symptom from anxiety, I go to the page where she talks about what I’m dealing with. Dr. Claire Weekes revolutionized how people see and treat anxiety and mental illness. She is the first author and person to make me feel truly seen. There is one or two sections that are a little out of date, such has the chapter on electric shock therapy, but otherwise this book is a life saver. She does an amazing job at explaining what it feels like living with anxiety or nervous illness. It made me feel seen and not alone. Her belief of facing, accepting, floating, and then letting time pass has truly helped me make huge leaps in my recovery. For the first time, I was actually able to understand everything I felt and was going through. She has a deep understanding of what it is like to experience anxiety. For reference, I have dealt with general anxiety disorder and health anxiety/ocd and this has helped greatly.

I really wish every therapist would read this book and teach it to their clients to stop their suffering quickly instead of jumping us through hoops of rehashing old stories from the past that no longer are affecting us. This book give you not only an understanding of what your body is doing but also teaches you how adding additional fear to the symptoms makes things worse. My only complaint is that I already own Hope and Help for your Nerves by the same author and this book is the exact same just shortened into smaller chapters so you don't need both books.