Hope and Help for Your Nerves

This book is a lifesaver for those of us who truly suffer from severe anxiety. Dr. Weekes knows the difference between normal, temporary anxiousness and a debilitating nervous illness. She offers clear-cut instructions for overcoming our illness and moving on to a fulfilling life.

I really related to what was described in this book and found the advice to be simple but effective. I will always refer back to this book when I start to feel anxious and find a great deal of comfort in it.

Could be considered the Bible for beating anxiety disorders in the future (once her findings become a bit more mainstream in the medical realm). Claire Weekes lays down some truth in this book that I'm certain most anxiety sufferers will resonate with and likely make good steps towards healing once they read this. Her ideas and observations on nerve "sensitization" are groundbreaking and should be better taught and studied in the psychiatric community.

Only slight negative about this book is that it's dated. You'll see what I mean once you start reading. Her medical terms seem like they're from the WWII era. For this reason only, I would supplement this book with "The Panic Switch" by Jeff Hammes. He writes a good modern take on Claire's findings and teachings.

this book was a last resort for me, I needed help and the pills weren't doing it enough. every symptom mentioned is a living hell I lived through. this book provides so much comfort and everything she talks about really spoke to me. I feel so much better and I don't know where I would be if I never read this.

Excellent book for those who are affected by anxiety at all levels. It explains what happens in the body as a result of sustained anxiety, and gives clear and concise steps to recovery. I can't recommend this highly enough.

For anybody who has anxiety my doctor that I speak to regularly for therapy recommended me to read his book and I love it helps me a lot with my anxiety this author knows what she's talking about Word for Word. I feel like she knows how I feel. And just a book lol I whould extremely recommended it to anyone with anxiety gets panic attacks a lot.

Excellent book. Keep it in library for others to borrow or give away who are struggling. Solid, sound book. It's been written quite awhile ago, but well worth the read for those struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, etc. Many have found it useful.

If you are struggling with your nerves, Dr Weekes can help you. She was one switched on lady.

The CD is very grounded & helpful. Some listeners may need to stretch their minds to a bit more openness as it does sound a little old fashioned in a cultural way. But the wisdom is ever fresh.

I would never have believed that a simple book could make such a dramatic impact on my life. It sounds too good to be true, I know. But TRUST me on this: If your body has been doing crazy things lately (in my case it was numbness and tingling in hands and feet, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, feeling like my body was vibrating, muscle spasms, shortness of breath, racing heart) and you've been told by your doctor there is nothing physically wrong with you, BUY THIS BOOK. If you're so anxious that you are convinced that you must be losing your mind, you feel detached from reality and from others, your thoughts race all the time, and you think weird or irrational thoughts, or feel fearful most of the time, BUY THIS BOOK.

Guys, I was in graduate school getting my master's in PSYCHOLOGY when I started feeling this way, and I still had never been taught the wise information in this little old book. I am a very logical, evidence-based thinker, so this book was perfect for me. Dr. Weekes lists symptom after symptom after symptom of "nervous illness," as she calls it, and whatever symptoms you are experiencing are virtually guaranteed to be in the list. She then explains, logically and scientifically (she was an M.D) exactly why you body is doing these crazy things to you and making you feel weirder and crazier than you ever would have thought possible. It all boils down to being too stressed for too long. We come to be afraid of the way our body is behaving and making us feel, and eventually we become vigilant, freaking out over every little weird feeling in our body, convinced something terrible must be wrong with us.

I cannot stress this enough: This book will SET YOU FREE. I was rendered non-functional by my anxiety, as in, couldn't work, couldn't attend school, couldn't cook, couldn't socialize with my family, couldn't do ANYTHING. It's been four months now and I am doing way better than I was even before I was struck with debilitating anxiety. The single biggest factor in that transformation was this book. Not months of $95 an hour therapy, not medication, not meditation (although I heartily recommend all of those, they do help a lot), but THIS BOOK. If what you have been going through sounds at all like what I have been going through, BUY THIS BOOK. I promise you will be feeling better within the first few pages!!!

Other books that are helpful for anxiety are "Essential Help for Your Nerves," also by Dr. Claire Weekes, and The Feeling Good Handbook, by Dr. David D. Burns. I read several others that were NOT helpful as well!! But none were as monumentally and immediately helpful as "Hope and Help for Your Nerves." Best of luck!! =)

Just a fantastic book. It has helped me so much. It was written in 1969, which makes it quite entertaining at times (a lot about housewives!), but all she says is still so very valid and she writes it so clearly and helpfully.

If you're looking for help with generalized or "free floating" anxiety ... don't bother with this book. However, if you're unfortunate enough to be suffering for severe anxiety and other associated feelings; this book is worth reading.

I was so excited to get this book after reading the reviews. Unfortunately there is a lot of information in there on what panic and anxiety is (as she calls 'nerves') with a ton of different stories about other people and their issues and how quickly they are fixed, but no real advice on how to fix yourself. It boils down to, 1. It's hard 2. The physical symptoms can't hurt you 3. It can take one day, or months to fix and 4. Follow the simple advice of a) Face the fear b) Accept it c) 'float' through it d) let time pass. In other words, it's all in our heads, and if we simply did the above we would be fine. Oh, one more thing, a lot of 'nerves' are caused by exhaustion, so sometimes sleeping a couple of days will 'break' the cycle.

I was so hopeful about reading this book. It turned out to be a great disappointment. I sludged through chapters 1 - 3. Everything was so muddled and confusing I ended up passing it on to another reader. Hopefully they get more from it than I did.

I bought this book cause so many people recommend it; from therapists to people who used it as a self-help book. I'm very surprised so many people like it and find it useful. The only truly useful advice can be summarized in a few words;
Facing the fear
Accepting
Floating through panic
Let time pass

I read only about half of the book and skimmed through the rest cause I felt it was a total waste of time. Most of the book are endless descriptions of different stories of people, reactions, emotions, body sensations... it's boring, hard to read (especially as a non native english speaker, even though I generally speak and understand english very well) and outdated.

The main idea of this book is to accept and make peace with your anxiety, which is indeed the first and necessairy step to heal from it, but "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris (or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in general) elaborates this concept in a much, much better, useful and helpful way.

I understand this book might have been great at the time it was written, but there are so many other books on the subject of anxiety and self-help today that I find this one not worth your time and money.

This is quite literally the worst book I have ever read. The author is condescending in both approach and tone, and clearly has nothing but contempt for the people she proposes to help. She recommends sedation, believes that electroshock therapy actually works, and her premise is that if you don't recover from anxiety, depression, or panic attacks it is because you need to believe in God (if you don't already) and you need to try harder. In other words, if you don't recover after reading her book, it is because you aren't intelligent enough to understand what she is saying or strong enough to put it into practice. If I didn't have the Kindle version of this, I'd put it straight into the shredder.

This book made some great points, but the authors writing was very annoying. I don't know anything about her, but she must be British based on the word composition. I couldn't finish the book, it was too wordy and nonsensical around the points being made.

I think my expectations may have been a bit high going into this book. I've read a few other books on panic and anxiety, and I'd probably put this at the bottom of the bunch.

The advice to "just float" through the panic was laughable. I tried it over and over and over again, but the "floating" didn't seem to help. My best technique for high excitement activities, as learned from the book "From Panic to Power," is to want MORE of that feeling of excitement. The floating seemed to put me in a weaker position, whereas when I was approaching things with excitement and energy seemed to work much better.

I'm sure this book has helped many people, but for me, it wasn't very insightful.

[Edit: June 22, 2011: I originally gave this a 2 star, and as you can read above, I wasn't too fond of the book. I have a noteable change of attitude now. When I wrote the previous review, I had never had a panic attack in my life. Yes, I had anxiety and fear regarding public speech (which has been reduced immensely upon joining Toastmasters!), and I always thought the pounding heart and fear before speaking in front of people was a "panic attack." I was definitely wrong: these are not panic attacks. I had my *first panic attack about four months ago which was an uncontrollable spiral of fear and anxiety, and at the sign of it, I employed the "just float" technique, in addition to the "bring it on!" attitude which killed the panic attack after about 5 minutes.

What's effective for me is to not try to "push away" the panic. Put on an attitude of "ok, I feel incredibly tense and I'm going into a panic attack. This isn't pleasant, but let me just watch my emotions and ride it out. Let me "just float" through these terrible feelings. And you know what, let me feel just how unpleasant it can be! Bring it on! Let's do this." With that attitude, your system will get pumped up for about 30 seconds, then it will dissipate."

Fall 7 times, stand up 8. Best wishes to all.

{oh no, feel a panic attack coming along} "Ok G,

As the one star review by Kathy Annas suggest, this is an old-school approach to anxiety. But to my way of thinking, that is the only thing she got right!
My mother bought and used this book in the 60's. She suffered from severe anxiety. I was to fall victim to anxiety and panic attacks in the 70's when in my twenties and then again for a five year period in my thirties.
I can state with complete confidence, that this book kept me from suicide and healed me completely. I am now about to turn 70 and believe I owe this book my life.
It is written in simple non-medical language. If you suffer from anxiety, you will see yourself in this book. If you can follow the very simple steps and follow them faithfully.....you will beat anxiety. It doesn't happen overnight, and you will need to read and re-read, but if you let time pass and stick to the program, you will recover. Anxiety often strikes for no apparent reason, and you need not have to understand what threw you into your anxious state to recover. Losing the fear of anxiety and panic is all you need to do to be released from it's grip.....and this book will help you do that.

This book is very boring I've had it for about 3 weeks,I was reading it for awhile,but kinda got busy with school and work I think if I really liked the book I would find time to read it.I don't like how she words anxiety she calls it a "nervous illnes" excuse me,but I'm not ill thank you very much I know,I know don't focus so much on the wording,but I do.When I have time i'll start reading it again,maybe I'll change my review but for now.I wouldn't recommend it,it's rather boring and has a slow flow to it,meaning to me the book doesn't get to the point she goes on and on.Ugh.I bought it because all the good reviews about the book,I thought for sure I would like it,guess not.

I have had anxiety and panic attacks for almost ten years. Though I have always somehow been able to function and function well, I have never felt I had a good quality of life because of my physical symptoms. On top of the daily fear (will I make it to the grocery store okay? ...will I embarrass myself by having an episode at this dinner? ...what if I have to escape this early? ...never mind, I'm not going), the slightest discomfort or confrontation in my life would lead to days of full-blown panic. I wouldn't eat or sleep, I would talk my boyfriend to death about how afraid I was of everything and nothing, I would sob about how sick I was.

I felt I lived in another world, one where only I was aware of how awful and horrifying everything was, and I simply didn't understand how other people found happiness in anything.

Then by chance I found this book. My life was completely and INSTANTLY changed. I mean within the first ten minutes of reading, I experienced the first moment of peace I'd had in years.

Yes, some of the social stuff is outdated. But anything written in the sixties must be read with understanding of the context. Ignore the word "housewife" and concept of shock therapy and you will find a brilliantly insightful rescue from both your physical and mental symptoms. One of the first things she says is to closely examine your symptoms and try to make them worse. You will find you can't. What actually happens IMMEDIATELY when you do this is you lose your fear of them, even if for a moment. I thought hard about the "pain" in my chest and realized it was actually only warmth and pressure, and that my brain was reacting to those simple sensations in a wildly exaggerated way. Bam. Peace.

I integrated Dr. Weekes' thinking so thoroughly into my life that I used her techniques during the birth of my daughter. I examined, accepted and floated through each contraction, and to my shock had a very short and natural labor. A year prior I would never have thought such a thing possible, since I only saw myself as weak and possibly insane.

I am not fully cured of my anxiety. I have lengths of time where I forget about it and feel great, but then some event happens and I reach for the book again. Her techniques are very simple, but require lots of practice to truly integrate them when they're needed most. I re-read this book at least once a year, and that's enough to remind me I am doing just fine.

I can't recommend this book enough to those who feel like I did. It covers every single aspect of anxiety, explains everything, and is the only thing you'll need to feel like yourself again.

As Dr. Weekes says, take heart! Just wanting to recover is a huge first step. You're already on your way.

I developed agoraphobia at age 30 in 1974 after my parents died. I didn't know what was going on until I accidentally came across this book about a year later. But although I read it, I did nothing about it until 1992. Why? Because ultimately, the only way to overcome agoraphobia is to confront it and suffer until it goes away. You can't learn to swim without getting into the water. You can't desensitize yourself to the world beyond your safe area without leaving the safe area, and leaving it is going to hurt. It took me a year and a half to go four miles on weekly walks. In the middle of that struggle, I got bogged down for eight months between 21 Avenue and 19 Avenue. Yes, it took me eight months to go two blocks! But I made it, and in the following weeks went forward at the princely rate of one block a week. Then it happened! I realized in the midst of this snail's pace that I was going to be free, I was going to be victorious! And I wept endless tears of joy on the way home each time. At night, I was in my bed and endless tears of joy swept down my cheeks as my whole body shuddered so violently that I had to hold on to the bed with both hands. I was delirious with joy. I knew ahead of each trip that no matter how painful it would be, the pain would be followed by convulsions of joy. I therefore looked forward eagerly each week to the pain, for the greater the pain, the greater the joy. It worked! I forged ahead gradually, but a much accelerated pace, and the world opened up before me. I took busses and then walked, sometime seven or ten or even fifteen MILES in one walk. My safe area became an empire! I worked my way by bus and train and on foot until the empire extended 130 miles from north to south. Do you want to know what it felt like to be standing at a certain spot and realize that you are 100 miles north of where you live, and you are not having a panic attack? Just ask me, for I have been there and done that! The years rolled by. With the help of people with cars or vans, I made it from Miami to Orlando, was able to go each week to Orlando and back again without anxiety. But as the Chinese say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. The first step is the tricky part. But take that first step even if you are terrified, or else you are condemning yourself to a sort of prison. Religious faith helps, and it helped me, but even if you are an atheist, don't stay trapped, get out there and live! At one point fairly early on, I came to a canal with a high bridge. Not only was I dealing with agoraphobia, but also fear of heights and fear of water. Over a period of months, I kept coming back to that bridge and trying to cross it, but losing my nerve 12 times in a row. On the 13th try I made it across. NEVER GIVE UP!

I am thrilled that this book is still available. My Panic attacks started off slowly. Soon they became frequently. And finally it was a 24/7 non stop panic attack. I went to doctors. They prescribed anti anxiety medication. Even that didn't work. Plus I had three young children I was trying to take care of. I was not functioning much. It was indescribable. Very rarely that feeling of complete panic would start to subside for a second or so and I would think, it's going away, only to come back with a vengeance. (Once I read the book I found out I had every symptom possible). I got to the point of not being able to leave my house as well. One day my husband somehow dragged me out for a moment,just long enough for me to go into a store and be "drawn" to this book. I started reading it right there and started crying. I bought this book and brought it home. It became my "Bible", so to speak. At first while it made total sense, I had many weeks in front of me to actually be "cured". I didn't think it was 100% possible, but I didn't want to live the way I felt. After reading front to back about three times, it finally started to work. Honestly there are no words in our language to describe the relief I started to feel. The better I felt the easier it all became. Every bit of what she said was totally "spot on" for me. The ups and downs. Sometimes during the very intense part of my panic I would keep reading her words out loud over and over again until the panic started to subside. (If you suffer, literally, from full blown panic attacks as I did you will completely understand what I am saying here). I went to the emergency room once as well thinking it was a heart attack for sure! They asked me what drugs I took! I was appalled because at the time I never even took aspirin. It was humiliating. But also terrifying! Some people that read this book may have much quicker results. I guess it depends on how badly you want to feel better, end your drama as well as how long you've been suffering. I have given many copies of this book to people who also suffered from panic attacks. One friend of mine got it so quickly and said I'm already cured in a couple days. I was envious but happy for her. The only way this book would not help you to be completely free of panic attacks is if you are simply not willing to give it 100 %. As Dr Weekes quotes, "99.9% is not going to work. 100 % acceptance , at the" PEAK "of panic".
As another person said, I too wish I could contact Dr Weekes and tell her that she gave me my life back, literally and completely. The concepts are so simple, common sense, yet we don't realize it. After more than 10 years of being completely free of ANY panic attacks, I will say the only drawback for me is that my brain and body "get it" SO COMPLETELY that even when the time comes TO feel a little bit of it (such as almost getting in a car accident, or whatever), my body doesn't react with even the slightest bit of, "fight or flight" pit of your stomach, feeling. Funny because sometimes I wouldn't mind having it a little bit or a normal amount. But nope, no matter what happens and I have alot going on in my life, no panic attacks! I believe completely that this book and there are a couple more books, should be taught in school. Every person on the planet should be aware of the why and how of panic attacks, what's it's capable and not capable of doing. It would save so much grief for so many people as well as medications. It's the unknown that terrifies us. Knowing basic information is crucial to living a life free of these devastating crazy panic attacks.
I DO want to add that I am no doctor and anyone with the symptoms should of course get checked by their qualified doctor, physician that panic and anxiety IS in fact what is wrong, and there is nothing else medical going on. Dr Weekes also states that in her book.
In closing, the book is worth every minute and every penny you spend on it.
If Dr Claire Weekes reads this somehow, BLESS YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, with every bit of my heart and soul.
With love and PEACE,
Michelle

This is a book that has honestly changed my life. I am a very anxious and panicky person, and much modern self-help literature seems to feed into it, by discussing anxiety as "life-long," "incurable," "progressive" and even "debilitating." Ms Weekes' book is a breath of fresh air, because it is clear that she has seen many hundreds of people with anxiety, she knows how our brains work, and she recognizes that we can overcome it. Her goal is not to make you stop feeling anxious (or even panicked), but rather to recognize it as your body's reaction to a million little stressors, and not something to freak out about.

When I first got this, I read it through. Then I highlighted the passages that are relevant to me, and I now go back to them often. When I travel, I pack it in my suitcase for a middle-of-the-night reality check when my mind starts going nuts. I wish I could have met Ms Weekes in person to thank her.

I somehow wound up here after watching a news report on EHS disorder... I want to review this book 30 years after I read it... Yes, before the internet and before the store back in the 80's... I had a very stressful period in my life. Things were not good between my parents, I had terrible allergies and I wasn't eating very well etc... etc.. Anyway, all of this added up to a MASSIVE panic attack one afternoon that I think I'm still recovering from... I went months without eating & sleeping... I was in a vicious cycle of fear and panic... Running from fear that symptoms would return which in fact caused them to return... When I first got this book, I read it over and over and carried it with me all over the house... The problem was that, although she had the answer for me to return back to normal health, I did not believe her... What I mean is, I thought I was gone, broken beyond repair, no way to recover from something so terrible... Well, she was right all along... If anyone reading this has had a nervous breakdown or mental breakdown (Whatever you want to call it) PLEASE, PLEASE, Listen to me... No matter how bad of a state you think your in, no matter how terrible you feel, please realize that you can recover fully quicker than you think... Just read this book & BELIEVE what she's saying. The sooner you believe and accept, the sooner you'll start feeling better... Again, it won't happen overnight, you'll have good and bad days, but you will stop having panic attacks and you will recover,,,This book may have saved my life. I wish I would have written a letter to Ms. Weekes telling her so before
she passed... I CAN"T PRAISE THIS WOMAN OR BOOK ENOUGH... GOD BLESS HER...

This book is one of the most important books I have ever read. As a kid I had panic attacks, afraid of everything would have to sleep with the lights on and then some nights I got no sleep at all! Why? Too scared to go to sleep! I have had all the symptoms of anxiety, the churning stomach, pounding heart, clammy hands, odd thoughts. This past year was the absolute worse, I uncovered a very traumatic memory which was like being sucked back in time and couldn't find no relief or comfort. I was so afraid and felt so lonely. I just knew I was losing it. I was so worried I went thru a deep depression, feelings of unreality, my body would constantly jerk and twitch and I was so jumpy.

When going the feelings of unreality I become so hopeless I decided to go get some help. I went to church and felt so out of place and carry this deep sense of guilt because I couldn't connect with the world around me. So I tried therapy, which is going much better now, I'm getting better at getting my feelings out. I tried meditation to try to calm myself and it didn't work.

Reading this book and listening to her audiobooks has helped me in ways I never imagined I see myself in the pages of the book. It's like she is there talking to you, gently taking you by the hand. Hearing her kind voice made me realized how much I needed a maternal figure in my life so I have made her my spiritual mother. I was diagnosed with PTSD and if you are dealing with any kind of panic or anxiety disorder this is the voice you want to hear, the words you want to read. This will get you to the other side.

I'm getting better with myself, learning to accept myself, my situation..acceptance, TRUE ACCEPTANCE was not easy. I'm learning to understand myself too. I hope that this book will help you as much has it helped me. I carry it with me everywhere I go. It had been the only thing to give me honest relief. Good luck!

Update: I have also purchased Essential Help for your Nerves and the Peace from Nervous Suffering DVD! I highly recommend those two items. I got in contact with Claire Weekes niece Frances I emailed her and she helped me purchased the DVD :) I have been able to do so much thru her teachings, and have confidence within myself and I learned what letting go means. I really enjoy the peace of mind that comes with understanding! I'm in such a better place mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Yes I have had dark days but I'm better for it. Recovery was like taking off a mask and wiping this daze from my eyes! I wish I had found her teachings earlier in life!

3 years ago I began suffering from extreme anxiety. I had always assumed that meant just "worrying", which of course would have a simple solution -- learn not to. But things were off balance in my mind, and I was really starting to lose, quite literally, my grip on reality. I experienced frequent panic attacks, a feeling like I was going to implode or lose my mind, and an intense need to 'get out' of whatever situation I was in -- at a restaurant, in the car, wherever I happened to be. The more this happened, the more I feared it happening, which naturally caused it to happen all the more often. It was a terrible cycle, and although I identified it I still could not overcome it. In addition, I felt what I believe is called 'disassociation' with my self. I remember feeling as if I was not in control of my own mind, as if I was watching the world through someone else's body.

To make a long story short, nothing made sense to me anymore. The whole world seemed bleak and not worth the trouble. I had trouble relating to people and understanding emotions that I had handled just fine as a 3 year old. People laughing at a joke would completely throw me off. The constant fear I lived in because of the panic attacks was literally driving me crazy. I worried that it would eventually make me suicidal, and as soon as I considered that possibility I began worrying that having the thought meant I was. It was a downward spiral, and clearly things were not right. It was nothing like "just worrying" -- my whole world was upside down.

But, I knew enough to try to get some help. And one of the things I did was to look online. I stumbled upon this book, and read the top-rated review "this 25 cent book saved my life', and thought it was worth a try. I drove downtown and picked up a copy so I could read it that day, and I finished the book and started it over again. I probably read it through about 5 times that first week. I began to understand what was going on for the first time, and was able to take a few deep breaths about things.

It did not cure me. But it set me down the right path. I began practicing what she suggested, and about a month later began seeing a psychologist. He had never heard about this book, but agreed with almost everything in it. He worked with me for a few months and encouraged me to try to recover without medication. I gradually got better through these appointments, and after that I had maybe another 3 or 4 months of working through it on my own. But after that...I feel normal again. And having gone through many major life changes in the last few years without having problems (things that I thought I would never be able to face -- marriage, having a child, public speaking, you name it) -- I am at peace. I recently told my psychologist, who I haven't seen in 2 years, that he gave me my life back. But this book tied me over and started me in the right direction.

Everything that happened to me now seems like a bad dream. And I am so thankful I woke up from it. Occasionally, say two or three times a year, a hint of the old feelings will come back. But with the confidence I gained from this book and from seeing my psychologist, I don't worry about them. After a few minutes, they are gone.

If you are in the midst of anything like what I went through, do yourself a favor and get this book. Read it, let it assure you that you are not insane, and take a deep breath. Then take the next step, whether that is seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, opening up about the problem to friends or family, or making progress on your own. And please know that it can get better.

Anyone who suffers from an anxiety related disorder will benefit from this easy-to-read helpful book. Dr. Claire Weekes demystifies the root that causes panic driven disorders. She explains the way our bodies at times become over-sensitized which causes nervous illness, an over-stimulated anxious state like a bad case of nerves. The nerves cause a frightening set of physical sensations. These are compounded by the mind's relentless reminder of their presence. The author offers key solutions that offer a turn-around from the constant suffering. Panic attacks, severe anxiety states, heart pounding and racing, fear induced sensations of nausea, insomnia, agoraphobia and such can be highly constricting to the enjoyment of life. Those of us who have suffered in such a way, know that symptoms caused by the anxiety can derail the pleasure of the smallest outing. The heart begins to pound, the stomach begins to churn, the panic begins to surface, the fears begin to make us want to escape. We want to get away from those who might see us, and we wish to return back home to our place of safety. Weekes shows us that panic attacks and heightened anxiety is related to a constant and reinforced fear of the physical symptoms. The sufferer learns that they can breathe through and accept their panic and quit being afraid of it. By not fighting the panic and realizing you will be fine, by letting the panic run its course and not being frightened by it, the sufferer is able to begin shedding the layers of fear that are connected to the panic. It worked for me. A friend gave me this book in 1987, when I was suffering from insomnia and sensitized nerves brought on by a negative personal experience that had shocked my emotional and physical being. Waves of blackness accompanied me where ever I went. Things like overhead fans twirling would make me feel dizzy and sick. I could not look at them. Going any place was met with unpleasant physical sensations. My body was on alert, and it could not relax. Hope and Help for Your Nerves guided me to a return to health and normalcy. Once in awhile I will have anxious moments, but I am now able to recognize them for what they are and self-talk my way through them. They no longer imprison me.

This book completely changed my outlook on the way I approached my anxiety. I thought I was going insane. I'd sit in bed with my heart pounding so fast that I thought it would pop out of my chest. I'd walk around during the day all spaced out and so fatigued wondering what was wrong with me. I went to my doctor who checked me out, did some blood work and concluded that I was suffering from anxiety and had mild panic attacks. He prescribed some generic xanax that I could take on an as needed basis. The medication helped tremendously, but this book helped SO MUCH MORE!

The author gives you assurance that what you're going through is not unique to you and confirms that all the symptoms you have developed due to the over stimulation of your nervous system aren't abnormal. After reading the first few chapters I felt like I had just read a detailed synopsis of my entire story. It was truly comforting to know that you're not alone.

Her coping techniques worked wonderfully for me and gave me new perspective on how to approach my anxiety and panic attacks. Realizing that I shouldn't "fight" things and that the more I fear what "might" happen the worse things will get. I've completely memorized her "Facing, Accepting, Floating, Letting Time Pass" coping mechanism.

She covers a variety of secondary symptoms associated with "nervous illness" including depression, feelings of unreality, obsession, apprehension, and much much more. If you were really to put a cost on this book it should be somewhere in the thousands of dollars. That's just how valuable the information is. If you're not willing to invest $8 to better your mental state, well I don't know what to say.

If you ever have suffered from any sort of "nervous illness" you DEFINITELY need to buy this book!

Anyone suffering from anxiety has to read this book; it is a true life-savor! It was written over 40 year ago, but she knew what anxiety was doing to our bodies/minds way back then and can explain it in such easy to understand terms. The doctor had prescribed meds for me but I didn't want to take them. This world is way over-medicated. There is a medicinal "fix" for everying, when we really just need to change the way we look and deal with things. If we are willing to change our life, we can. Reading this book helped me understand and I did change my life. I am anxiety-FREE!!!

Amazing book!!!!! She pin-pointed exactly what I was going through- the "fear-adrenaline-fear cycle". Mine started with severe heart palpitations, waking me from sleep, and propelling me into a night after night pattern of no sleep due to fear of what my heart would do (irregular beats, palps, racing pulse, chest pains). The lack of quality rest lead to extreme fatigue, depression, and more fear/anxiety. Her clear and concise explanation of how the body works and how physical manifestations of nervous illness can put a bluff on you that you're really sick was spot on!!! Also, her advice on how to cure this was so right. Our tendency to fight through or "fake it til we make it" isn't recovery. Facing it (as well as other things I won't give away, so you'll buy the book) was the best advice yet. GET THIS BOOK if you struggle with anxiety/panic disorder/fears and the physical manifestations that come with (heart palps, etc). She communicates a full understanding and thorough explanation that just reading the book alone, gets you 75% there!!!!!!

After having serious panic attacks and developing phobias and OCD behaviours since 2007 life seemed to be stuck in the past and it seemed to hurtful to continue even living.
I never thought that stopping medication after 6 years could be so difficult really, so I stopped and everything seemed OK, but 2 months later PUM!!! the big shock I had the biggest relapse ever! couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't drive, work, or anything, I was just NOT self sufficient and yes I was completely in a downward spiral towards the most hurtful place a human being could ever experience.
I end up in the hospital for the 5th time in my life 'cause this anxiety was something I just couldn't cope. I was admitted in psychiatric help and I just remember screaming "Please put me back on meds or do just something to remove this nightmare I am living in!!!". The doctor didn't seemed to impress with my desperation and she just told me: "I can't medicate you, this is a battle you need to overcome just using your mind and no medication is necessarily, but wait, she said: I have a plan for you, go back home and read this book starting tomorrow and come back in a week"
It's been 3 months since that happened and even though I am not completely fine, I could say I feel 80% better, I haven't been so disciplined applying the techniques either because I feel that I can cope with the way I am feeling now. It is really sad but you have the tendency of feeling just bad and you just get used to.
Other thing that has really helped me has been mindfulness meditation, and I think that this kind of meditation is exactly what Dr. Weekes meant when she said on the chapter that talks about Masterly Inactivity it is exactly what mindfulness meditation is about. This meditation has been shown by scientific proofs that not only change the way you perceive the world it actually does change your brain wires or whatever physically.
Conclusion. As the Dr. Weekes said: The first step for your recovery is the understanding of your illness, and this part is given by the book the second half is definitely the practice. I will update my review once I feel 100% cured, because I know I will be there soon.
Dr. Weekes truly truly truly saved my life. I know everybody wrote the same but I don't feel any way different than this. God bless this lovely woman.

Okay, if you have an anxiety disorder and are reading all these reviews you are probably quite confused, which is the last thing you need if you are anxious and desperate. Just for background, I battled severe agoraphobia and n GAD beginning in early childhood and finally ending after many different kinds of therapy and drugs. I eventually ran a support group for people with anxiety disorders, so I know what I am talking about.
Claire Weekes ' books are being unfairly reviewed here because the reviewers do not realize a few things. First, the age of her books. They were written in the 1960s so the verbiage people are taking offense to is simply a reflection if mid-century European culture. Also, Weekes was the first one to really sink her teeth into this subject, whereas before she came along people with anxiety disorders were lumped in with people with major mental illnesses.
Yes, much progress has been made since her work but ALL OF IT is based on her ground breaking research and techni,ques so do not be so quick to criticize. She was a pioneer in this field. If you do not believe me, just read all the letters she received from people she cured.
SO here is a piece of advice, from a person who battled anxiety her entire life before finally kicking it to the curb:
Do not do this alone. I cannot recommend a book to you and I don't think anyone else should. The fact is you cannot do this alone. The good news is that anxiety disorders are the MOST curable of all mental/emotional disorders (and she says "illness" in her book. We now say "disorder" but it means the same thing, remember she is post "everyone has to always feel good about themselves" era.)
Find a therapist that specializes in anxiety and do the hard work. It will pay off and it will pay off fast. If you do not you will jump from book to book your entire life and never get off this merry-go-round
Find a support system at home and a local support group if you can
Now, why do I say this and still give this book 5 stars? Because, though outdated now, if used in conjunction with a GOOD therapist, Claire Weekes" books can be of great comfort at 2AM when you are all tied up in knots. It is so easy to forget what the therapist said to think and do when you are in a panicked state.
Claire's books, any of them, will provide comfort. If you study her books she knows what you feel, she understands and by the end of her life admits she was a sufferer and created this system to cure herself when no one else could so she can comfort you with her words because she knows how you feel when others can only guess at your pain. Use it as a crutch, practice what she says. It will not go against your therapist and will help you realize what even therapist today know....it's only fear of fear.
Get a therapist, buy a Weekes book for those rough times, and get a buddy who understands or find a group.
You can do this. You really can.

Wow! I cannot believe I have not ever seen or heard of this book until last week. It helped me calm down a little instantly after reading it. Basically, it helped me to understand that my nervous system is very sensitive to every little thing now and anything can set it off causing more anxiety..and then fear b/c it worries me that I feel this way all the time and cannot calm down. So everytime something causes me anxiety or fear or any other strong emotion which is extremely often throughout the day I accept it and float through it. I feel SOOOOOO much better and calmer. This is such a simple book and I am very thankful that I read it. It really helps. I highly recommend. It deserves more than 5 stars as I am amazed at what a difference it has made for me right away. I also bought Pass Through Panic CD which I just started listening to in my car. So far I like it also.

I waited a year to write a review for this book as I wanted to make sure that what while reading made a lot of sense it actually works. Well It does. First Dr. Weekes describes symptoms of anxiety disorder (at least mine) better than any other book I have read, and most important it does provide a path for recovery. While I was going through a period of intense anxiety, I did see a psychologist who treated me using what is clinically called cognitive behavioral therapy as I was creating most of my own anxiety. The only problem is that as Dr. Weekes mentioned during the period of intense anxiety your mind plays tricks with you, and she teaches you not to pay attention to these thoughts other books teach you how not to identify with your thoughts (its the same thing). This is very important since it is very difficult to reason with your thoughts when you are in such a state. Cognitive behavioral therapy is very important and in fact will eventually help you in other areas of your daily life, but you need to first calm down to see it.

Another extremely powerful message of this book is how to react to a potential panic attack, it teaches you how to let it be, yes it is true we feed are own panic attacks with resistance, if you let it be it will eventually loose it power, and the more you practice the better you get at it. I just finished an MRI and though I was going to Panic, but remembered what Dr. Weekes said and I almost fall as sleep inside the tube. I have read more updated books, such as Calming your Anxious mind that use mindfulness meditation as a way to help with Anxiety, and realized that in fact that is what Dr. Weekes teaches just with another name. Mindfulness teaches you to accept and not resist the now without judgement, well that's the same thing that Dr. Weekes teaches you when she says just float through Panic.

Consistently practice what she says, and you will "continue" enjoying your life.

This book, this author is the BOMB!

I have been painfully suffering from anxiety for over 20 yrs, Escalating to a nervous breakdown for the last 7 yrs. Extremely bad over the last 2 yrs. I have been on zoloft, welbitrin, and lexapro. All of which made me a numb or worsened anxiety. I have spent money in thousands on supplemens, herbs, self help books, and seeing a homeopath to find a natural remedy. I literally could not leave my house without my rescue bag full of creams, vitamins, herbs and what not that gave me some relief in past just in case.

Finally, read on a forum about on going anxiety after stoping lexapro one person recommended highly this book. the only " if only's" I have now is not finding this book years ago. it has literally saved my life and my family.

I bought this on kindle 5 days ago and have read it through twice. On the 3 rd day I felt as if I crossed a line with my nervous illness on the other side. Everyday I'm feeling my old self again, I'm talking the me 25 yrs ago when I was a teen. Or should I say the young me again.

I'm so elated by this book and grateful to Claire Weeks!!! You saved my LIFE!!!,

I was struggling through my second period of crippling anxiety attacks in my mid-thirties when I discovered this book. Claire Weekes clearly explains the physiology of what is happening to your body and offers solid, common sense methods of how to cope. Absolutely a turning point for me. That was 20 years ago and since it's been so long since I worked with the book (I read and re-read different chapters) I no longer remember the specifics but maybe that's the point of my review: the book was so key to my recovery that I still remember its affect 20 years later. I had suffered with anxiety attacks off and on for 20 years, been prescribed many (awful) medications, struggled through different misguided therapies -- chronic panic attacks affected my life in very negative ways. But even though I haven't looked at the book in 20 years, I still remember that it was an absolute guiding light. Claire Weekes writes as a qualified professional but it feels like she's a friend who understands. The experience of panic attacks can be very lonely because it's very hard for others to understand but Claire gets it. ***Read this book and you'll feel more hopeful and safe.***

Listen over and over and over again. Imbed the info into your mind. Don't be afraid of the initial adreneline with anxiety. If you can do that, you can heal your troubled nerves. It's hard, but you CAN do it if you try. Let that panic flash right through you!! Great job Claire!!

I'm not a reader, but I've tried so many routes that haven't worked over the last 6 years. I thought about trying some of the expensive self help programs like Panic Away, and others like it. After doing a lot of research I found out about this book. I also found out these expensive programs based a lot of their techniques on her teachings. I found out Claire was a pioneer in the field, she was genuine and helped many people. In her will she even stated she wanted her work to remain easily accessible. I just got the book a few days ago. Each chance I get to sit I'm reading it. I'm already to chapter 9. I know the book was written long ago, but it's still applicable today. I feel almost like she's a grandmother figure sitting there encouraging me. For the first time I am understanding things very simple and straight forward. I feel a sense of hope to face my challenges, not trouble free, but with a new perspective and hope. That as I press forward I will get better over time. Hope is moving in where dread has been stuck too long. I finally feel like someone understood, and told me exactly what I needed to hear. I plan to finish her book and buy her other resources too. The book is a worthy purchase.

After dealing with Anxiety, Panic and PTSD for much of my adult life, I have read many of these books. Most of the idea's put forth are valid and they work, so why the lower rating? I believe this material is much better stated in the "Mental Health through Will Training" book by Abraham Low. It is hard to recover from these types of issues without a support group and while the book is helpful, more helpful is specific training along with the encouragement that Abraham Low Self Help systems (aka Recovery International) provides. So while I could recommend this book, the following idea's come from Recovery International including:

1) It is distressing but not dangerous, take the danger out of the situation. No one dies from a panic attack.
2) Comfort is a want, not a need and it is hard to be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation
3) We must do the things we dread to do, fear to do and hate to do, the body is a self-healing organism. In other words, the more we avoid a situation, the smaller our world becomes and the result is an increase in anxiety overall.

I would strongly encourage anyone dealing with chronic anxiety, panic , anger and other mental health issues try the recovery method and their program. I have found it the most effective and its free.

Buy this book! It may take a while for the teachings to sink in so thats why it's often repetetive. I went through months of disabling anxiety, lost 15 pounds (got extra anxious when I ate because I wasn't hungry but knew I needed the nutrients), couldn't sleep without the aid of a sleeping pill, couldn't get a grip, didn't leave the house for days on end but this all started to get better as soon as I started chapter one. Briefly, it helps you get rid of the fear and lets you start to see things realistically. Anxiety is just physical feelings and they won't hurt you. Best $10 I ever spent!

This book has been a considerable help to me and my nerves. Suffering from panic is hard, but Ms. Weeks has helped me so much. She is such a great writer and you can tell she really understand those of us who suffer from various nervous illness.

Having said that, let me say this: I only WISH I had had this book years ago when my panic started. I would have avoides so many of the pitfalls that come with it if it had ever been explained to me in this way. It's just over-stressed nerves, she says, and that leads to all these different forms of panic. If only the title had something about panic attacks, it might have been one of the first books I turned to. Alas, no, and I had to discover for myself that it was about panic and not just "nerves". Still, tho, I am so glad I took the chance.

All in all, I could not recommend another book to fellow suffers of panic. I would say, buy it now. You have nothing to lose but some of your suffering. Take it from me, I know this first had.

This book was a GODsend for me. I was suffering with crippling anxiety for the longest time, and I was at my wits end. Life had no meaning other than fear. I felt like fear and terror defined my very being. I hated life and I developed problems with depression.

This book calmed me down right away simply by the fact that she went into detail explaining the hows and whys of anxiety and its symptoms. Her reassuring style and clear kindness and understanding also helped me. It was like she truly truly cared.

There have been some who seem to dislike how simple some of her suggested methods sound, but I have to say that in my case, the simplicity of it all was a plus. If it had been long, drawn out and complex, it would have terrified me at that time in my life. If not for this book, to this day, the quality of my life would be nonexistent.

And for those who are confused by the word when you get to it in her book, the word "Brainfag" means simply "exhaustion that affects mental keenness".

If you suffer from any kind of anxiety disorder, do yourself a favor and read this book. It changed my life for the better.

One of the most important books I've ever read. I was a wreck. When my panic attacks came upon me I would have trouble breathing, my face and arms would go numb, and my heart would beat erratically. I was always sure I was going to die every time it happened, but I never did.

A family member heard about my struggle and gave me this book. What a godsend it was! Thanks to this book I now have control over my attacks and haven't had a severe one in years!

If you suffer from mild to severe anxiety attacks, BUY AND READ THIS BOOK! It will set you free.

There are many self help books on the market, but none are written with more compassion and insight than Dr. Weekes does in this wonderfully supportive book.

Dr.Weekes, the renowned Australian pioneer in Panic Disorders and Agoraphobia, has a special way of relating to her readers- a way of talking as if she was sitting there besides you. Anxiety in it's many forms, can be a lonely, isolating illness. And the sufferer well knows how difficult it is for one other than himself to understand what they are going through. Dr. Weekes though, truly understands and appreciates the mind of the sufferer.On page after page she articulates feelings and thoughts only vaguely aware to the sufferer themselves.

This connection -the awareness that Dr. Weekes really understands you- lays the groundwork for acceptance of the method that Dr. Weekes then enunciates. A simple, yet ultimately profound, 4 step approach to Panic Disorders and Phobias, that effectively deals with the devilishly paradoxical nature of the diso

When I first started getting anxiety attacks back in 2001, I had no idea what was happening to me. All I could think about was how much of a burden I would be on my family if I couldn't live my life like a normal person. Then by chance I came across this little book. Let me tell you, it changed my life. As I was reading it, I read passages that were almost verbatim to the thoughts I was having about myself. It was like this book was written for me personally! That's when I KNEW Dr. Weekes knew what I was going through. After finishing the book, I lost a lot of my fears as I now knew what was happening and why. It didn't cure me on the spot, but it gave me some knowledge to work with. My anxiety attacks lessened, then finally stopped. I still get anxious moments, but remembering back to the lessons in this book make them more bearable. I highly recommend it!

As a panic disorder therapist I recommended this book for my patients. Excellent. Written a while ago but still very revelant. Today.
Excellent advice and steps to help overcome panic disorder and agoraphobia.

I began to have severe agoraphobia in 1974, but I had no clue as to what was happening to me until, by sheer accident, I came across this book. I believe that it was the only book on the subject at that time. I discovered what the name and nature of my disorder was, and that there were a lot of people who had the same problem. Unfortunately, I gave up the struggle in 1975 and did nothing about it until 1992. From then on, I slowly managed to desensitize myself to the world outside of my neighborhood. I can now make trips of hundreds of miles without a reaction. It is my own fault for not trying harder or sooner. This book could have saved me twenty years of suffering if I had only had the guts to try it out. And yes, it does take guts -- a lot of guts and a lot of faith in God.

I love this book. The author has such a dear way of "talking to" the reader, as though she were right there, guiding you through the steps to overcome your anxiety. Some things in it are out of date. For example, she talks about ECT, and how her methods will help overcome anxiety without it. She talks about heavy sedation, under a doctor's supervision, in order to rest up and recuperate from "nervous illness". But all in all, she talks, throughout the book, about concepts which are used today. Without using the same words, she is talking about acceptance, mindfulness, and stress management techniques. One thing to be aware of is that the author describes some symptoms of anxiety, which could mimic a serious health crisis, yet reassures the reader that it is not to be worried about. She reassures the readers that they won't die, that nobody ever died of an anxiety attack. Yet, in fairness to the author, she also emphasizes that this advice applies only if someone has actually seen a doctor and had other medical issues ruled out. Overall, the book may be seen as very soothing, comforting, and pleasant to read. Kate Boswell MFT

This book gave me life BACK. It's like the Bible for anxiety. It changed my whole life. I was even afraid to swallow my own SPIT, I was so riddled with panic and constant anxiety. This book explains, in simplistic terms, why it happens, which removes the fear and mystery from it, taking away it's power. Xanax, nothing helped, like this book.

This is a super old book with a whole lot of antiquated ideas about anxiety disorders (which I doubt were even defined when the book was written). If you don't want to think your mental illness is your fault, don't bother buying this book.

This book will change your life! This book explains what is going on in your body and how to deal with it. I started having anxiety when I was in my 30's after going through surgery. I had made myself so afraid of having this surgery that it triggered something in my body that caused me to start having panic attacks. I was affraid to leave my home, I was affraid to drive, I would get shakey, my ears would start burning, my vision became blurred sometimes, I would feel nausious, my heart would race, among many other horrible feelings. I did'nt know what happened to who I used to be. It is scarey! I read different books but NONE of them explained to me what was going on in my body causing me to have all these horrible feelings. THIS BOOK WORKS!!!!!!! Read it and get your life back. Who cares how long ago it was written. This is 2012 and it is the best book to read for those suffering from anxiety. Don't wait any longer, buy the book and live a happy life. Don't be affraid to do what it says. IT WORKS!!!!! I wish I could thank Dr. Claire Weekes, may she rest in peace. God Bless!

Great book if you struggle with panic! I have recommended all of Claire Weekes' books (the audio books are read by her and are wonderfully calming in addition to having helpful information) to all of my family and friends who struggle with anxiety.

This book was written quite a few years ago and; honestly, it saved my life! The doctor showed a NEW (AT THE TIME ESPECIALLY) HOPE AND HELP FOR people who thought the panic attacks, anxiety, etc. were mere 'silly' and simplistic over-whelmed mothers or neurotics who needed a cup of tea or slight tranquilizers (Those available at the time!) Shock therapy and even commitment (!) -- for God's sake -- were done at the time! Look up HISTORY before you comment on this innovative, life-saving doctor. Thank God for her!!!! Now they say "mindfulness" and "one moment at a time" -- Well, she was well ahead of her time and she was brilliant!!!! Her use of he word 'floating' is so similar to mindfulness -- Breathe, use her method and God willing, you will be helped. I understand the person who gave the book less than a five star review -- They; perhaps, are in need of more help than can be given by anyone but a really good, drug dispensing doctor -- Certain drugs can help; then prayerfully the person will 'get it'. Love to all! Be Well!

I can't stress enough how much I recommend this book to people who suffer from all types of anxiety disorders. This book simply changed my life. I have suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) for over 15 years, and have been on anti-depressants for 10 of those years. It was only when I came upon this book that I began to make an active effort in changing my way of thinking--and it actually works.

Her method may go against your normal grain of thinking--but you must trust her--she knows what she's doing. She asks that instead of running from your fears, you face them head on, feel every last drop of panic, and then marvel as it automatically floats away. I know it sounds terribly simple, it did to me as well and I began reading this book with a lot of trepidation.

However, Dr. Weekes takes you step-by-step through her process, and you'll be amazed at how wonderful her methodology is. It's not easy, but if you're tired of dealing with your anxiety--put some effort into this and you will be rewarded.

What struck me more than anything was how *well* Dr. Weekes understands anxiety disorders. She knows it like the back of her hand. As I read it, I keep a pen in my hand and underline the symptoms that match my own--and I'm shocked at how in-depth she "knows" my problem. It's an amazing relief to know that someone out there knows what I'm going through and I'm not alone.

This book had a big impact on my own life and I've recommended it now to 2 of my close friends and family members who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. It's THE must read book for anyone suffering from these serious conditions. It was written decades ago and still to this day feels like the author knows my condition better than I do. I got immediate relief... 3-days after reading it, my anxiety began to drastically improve and is now like I never even had anxiety/panic. This book works.

I had been suffering from anxiety disorder for 10 years before I found this book... and it was a great gift that I gave to myself on my thirtieth birthday!!! I am not using a hyperbole if I say that this book has changed my life. I was thinking that I was suffering from something that nobody understood and nobody went through. After reading the book for the first time on my birthday night, I instantly felt relieved, joyous to know that I was not alone, that the "disease" is not mysterious, that the solution is in my hands! And, for you people who suffer from anxiety related issues, just know that I am writing this review full one-and-half years after purchasing the book and so, this is not written out in an emotionally upbeat moment. I practised the techniques given in the book, and, as so many reviewers have written, they work!!! You have to take my word for it. Doctors can be of some help... but this book alone can do more work than all the doctors you would have visited! Good luck for a peaceful and productive life ahead!

Reading it- opened my EYES, It made me accept my anxiety instead of run away from it, I feel 100% cured!
What helped me was: eating healthy, exercising, sleeping/meditation and educating myself about my mental illness. This book really shows you how your panic and anxiety are nothing and harmless, just don't pay attention to these feelings that will pass! Trust me - BE PATIENT!

If you're suffering from anxiety or panic attacks (no matter how severe) buy this book. I can't believe I waited 2 years to read it. It completely changed the way I look at my panic attacks. The advice and techniques offered are extremely practical and easy to follow. I believe, with practice, I can deal with my panic attacks (and hopefully have less of them) without the help of medicine.

Some 25 years ago, I suffered from deep depression and anxiety. I hated to go to work because it reminded of my depression but I didn't want to go home for the same reasons. When my wife and I went anywhere, I would position myself by the door so that I could leave when the panic hit. Well, this went on for 2 years until one night while lying in bed I decided that I had had enough.Either I was going to get my life back or it was going to end. I got up and headed for the door when I had an impulse to (sorry about this but it happened just this way)get on my knees and ask for help. Nothing extraordinary happened(no voices,etc), but I did feel a little more relaxed, so I went back to bed. This happened on a Thursday night. The following Sunday, there was an ad in the paper for a book about the problems I was having. The ad was for Dr. Weekes book. I ordered the book and it arrived 2 weeks later. I had often heard the phrase,"it felt like a ton of bricks lifted off of me". When I read the first paragraph, I actually had that feeling.That was the first feeling of peace that I had had in a long time.Just knowing that what was happening to me was like being on a merry go round and that I could get off by floating on a pink cloud whenever I had panic attacks was rather simplistic but I was certainly going to try it. Dr. Weekes said that the time between each panic attack would get father apart until the last one in about a year. And that was about the time of my last panic attack,some 25 years ago. I have never been depressed or had an attack since then. There were times during that year that my wife could tell that I was depressed and she would ask me how it felt. I would describe the feelings and the depression would lift. I don't know why but perhaps I was separating the emotions from the physical sensations. I just know that it worked. I truly hope that my story will help someone else. For me, the book was truly a life saver. My younger brother became depressed several years later and I offered the book to him but he refused because" when I read I get sleepy". He is still on medication.

This is a wonderful book for anyone suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. It is written compassionately, and with a clear desire to help all who
suffer from this disorder. It is very easy to read, and she explains everything and why you feel this way !

this book honestly changed my life. in the best way possible. i've always suffered with really bad general anxiety, but this summer it reached an all-time high. waking up every single day was a struggle and doing small tasks seemed almost unbearable to me. the anxiety was consuming my life. i became very depressed. i even considered ending my life when things got really bad. thankfully, i found this book while searching the store. i had gotten desperate and i was ready to try anything. i read the first half of the book in about five hours, and in the weeks that followed, i fought hard with my anxiety and won. it was about a month ago that i first opened the book, and since then, i've felt better then i ever have in my whole entire life. my anxiety is no longer consuming my daily activities, and i can enjoy things again. i am so happy and i am so glad that i could learn to accept and live with my anxiety while still living my life to the fullest. if you are also an anxiety sufferer, i urge you to buy this book and help yourself. it really works. all you have to do is put in the motivation and keep a positive outlook, and you will feel like you are in control of your emotions and life. i want everyone who has anxiety to experience the kind of recovery and post-recovery happiness that i have experienced. please, know that it gets better and that this book is the first step toward living the life you always imagined, without your anxiety getting in the way.

I've been meaning to write this review of this lifesaver of a book for some time now. I had come across this book over 10 years ago while I was frantically looking in the bookshop for some explanation of why I was 'going crazy'. At the time I didn't know I was having a panic attack. While I was a college student in LA, I was suddenly taken over by this feeling I was going to die and lose it at the same time. It was a freaky experience to say the least, something I had never experienced before. I had remembered a friend mentioning she had had panic attacks before and at the time I had no idea what she was talking about, I couldn't relate at all...until that night I had experienced it myself! I was studying for finals and had been dealing (or rather not dealing) with family problems, emotional problems, etc. When I flipped thru the first pages I felt the writer was speaking directly to me and telling me to relax and fear nothing cause this will pass. This was the mental crutch that carried me thru over 2 months of not being able to sleep without prescribed medication. Now I realize it was my body telling me that I had to slow down, stop and really look at myself, my life and learn to understand and recognize my feelings instead of stuffing them down inside, ignoring them, hoping they'd just go away. Claire Weekes' words of wisdom and compassion helped me to see I wasn't going mad and to understand my panic attacks and to let them just be and 'float' thru them. Since then I haven't had any attacks, but when I feel I'm on the edge of one, I go back to this book and remember to float and not fight. Fortunately I've been able to pass this book on to 2 people who had been going thru similar attacks and they were just as relieved and grateful that they were going thru something quite normal and natural. Thank you Claire Weekes for writing this book which I hope will find its way into those hands in need.

Suffering with this disorder for over 3 years really bewildered me into having no idea what was going on anymore. Here I am, 3 years later feeling alot more relieved that I think I've felt in a very long time. I never relized why my moods were continously going on and off all the time. Why one day i'd be anxious, then next I wouldn't be. Dr. Claire Weekes book really is my light of hope. I first ordered her audio cds, which were a blessing in itself. I then decided to order her book, which has been more indepth and just as helpful. It really puts into perspective just exactly what it is your mind and body is going through. I'm glad I choose to go to her first and nobody else. I pull out her book each night, or anytime I feel slightly anxious. I was so elated after reading her book one night, I actually began to cry. Tears of joy that is! When you have such anxiety and panic, you really feel like there's no way out. It's not fun - and nobody should ever have to experience it. She really made me understand everything and help me feel alot better about myself. I've been following her method ever since.....and I will continue to do so ...most likely the rest of my life. God Bless her!

This book was recommended to me many years ago when I was diagnosed with panic attacks- it was before people talked about it very much. It is a little dated in places, but well worth it if you suffer from anxiety disorders of any kind. I have held onto it, and read through it when I am having a hard time. I feel like this book gave me permanent helps to my problems. I very highly recommend this book.

Having suffered from anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, and other anxiety-related ailments throughout much of own my life, I found this book to be both an excellent reference and an inspiration. Everything is explained at a comfortable level (in my opinion) and I was able to read through it relatively quickly.

At the height of my treatment, also the peak of my anxiety, I referred to this book almost daily, and it provided me with confidence and relief, mostly as far as my symptoms went. It made me able to say to myself, to this day, when I get an uncomfortable or scary anxiety symptom "It's okay--it's just my anxiety."

And anyone who has experienced anxiety and panic knows that that in and of itself is a breakthrough.

Overall, this book has been a great tool and reference in learning to cope with an rise above my anxiety. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for the same.

This book has become my "teddy bear." It goes with me everywhere, whether I feel anxious or not. And should I feel the need for help, Dr. Weekes always has just the page and chapter that puts everything into perspective. Her style is warm and accessible and she is especially interesting to read because her Australian English, with its own idioms and accent, has such a positive, friendly tone. I treasure my dog-earred copy and am glad to know that should it fall apart,the store will always have another for me.

Dr. Claire Weekes had an understanding not only of medicine and the human body, but people as well. In particular, she understood those who suffered with nervous symptoms and illness. She promised no magic secret or elusive cure known only to her, but set out in a sensible, realistic way to explain just how nervous symptoms 'trick' the body.

So many people are pushed to the brink because they don't understand what the body can do under prolonged stress, or as Dr. Weekes calls it, 'sensitization.' The heart skips a beat, you can't catch your breath, the pulse races, the stomach churns, you feel constantly off-balance, your hands tremble and on and on. Until you think you are some sort of mental case. Not so.

Because of the different personalities of individuals, (we all see and feel things differently), our thoughts and emotions can greatly enhance our lives and conversely they can make us miserable. It is interesting to note that most people who suffer from nervous disorders are quite feeling, kind, sensitive people. Those who suffer the tortures of an overloaded mind and nervous system often suffer quietly and believe that no one ever has suffered as they have.

Not true. You can get through it and this easy to use and practical book shows you how in great detail. The answer is simple though often not easy. It takes committment and practice on a daily basis to 'retrain' the brain and muscles that the terrifying feelings are just that, feelings. Depression, anxiety, phobias, and fears of all sorts are the product of a heightened sensitivity that can be overcome with understanding, patience with yourself, and a willingness to change.

When I first read this book, I was convinced that the symptoms I was experiencing were mine and mine alone. No one would or could ever understand, and to a large degree that is true. We are all different. It can be a living nightmare to go through prolonged symptoms and at the same time try and get those close to you to understand them. But the honest truth is that the way out of suffering is through it.

Of course, medication can help greatly. Some people may need it a short while, and others for a long time. It doesn't matter. You wouldn't tell a diabetic to just 'straighten up' and throw their insulin away unless of course, they no longer needed it. If it sounds as if I am a fan of medication prescribed under the right conditions by a competent doctor, I am. No one should feel guilty for trying to tackle nervous symptoms in whatever way they feel comfortable.

But you may also find that with the tools you will learn about in this book, the need of medication dramatically decreases. The key point is not to let the opinions of those without experience in what you are going through to dictate how you 'should' be. Be kind to yourself. You are a human being and deserve the right to live a life free of the agony of nervous symptoms. This book will show you how in a remarkable way. Yes, it really works.

Dr. Weekes was far ahead of her time in so many ways. But she also stands on a solid and timeless foundation of understanding and common sense that sets her apart from others in the field who claim that cures can be effected in strange and bizarre ways. Get this book, do what it says, and practice, practice, practice. Then endorse yourself for the effort win, lose, or draw. There is a way out and with Dr. Weekes' methods, you will learn how.

I bought this book based on its reviews. I was diagnosed with GAD 3 years ago. I completed a trial of antidepressants and have been medication free for a year and five months now. When I experience a life-changing event, my anxiety spirals out of control. This book helped me understand how I was perpetuating my panic attacks by putting myself in a fear-adrenaline-fear cycle. I learned how to stop the cycle by separating myself from the sensations (Face-Accept-Float-Let Time Pass). I learned what it means to accept the sensations and not fight them.

Although the book was written some time ago, the principles it teaches still apply today. This book is a quick read and you can apply the techniques immediately. You can start feeling better today!

I bought this for a friend who is always stressed and anxious. I read it before buying it, and found the writing to be very caring and gentle and compassionately encouraging. Dr. Claire Weekes' methods to battle anxiety is what we call Zen Mindfulness and (ACT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy these days. I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from anxiety.

I am not one of those people who has read multiple self-help books, in fact-- I've read two, this one and Robin Sharma's The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (which i highly RECOMMEND). I am 18 years old.

I began looking for a self help book after having a good 8 months with light to chronic insomnia. I've had difficulties with anxiety for the past 2 years, have had harsh panic attacks (and sometimes trips to clinics and the hospital), but it wasn't until I had began having trouble with sleep that I had sought help. This was the first "nervous illness" that I could not get a grip on on my own, and after reading reviews here and by various other people, I decided on this book.

I like: That it's not a high-tech vocabulary book. It's simple vocabulary, written carefully by a woman who understands what I was feeling. This is the first time I finally got perspective on what was happening with me, mentally. She deals with various issues, every fear, and describes them fairly accurately. What's best about this book, no doubt, is how it's written. I felt like I was having tea with the lady the whole time.

I didn't like: How it affected me in the beginning. It brought back really harsh and ruthless memories which made me pretty vulnerable. I suggest reading it with someone you trust, or maybe even just in their company, whatever might make you feel more comfortable. I'd also suggest to read it consecutively, maybe not all at once, but I wouldn't stop until you feel soothed and calmed. (because it did eventually calm me)

Her concept of "Floating", which I practice almost every time I'm panic-stricken, takes practice. I still don't have that down, but I feel it work the more I practice. I think "floating" could have been explained better, and elaborated on its definition because it took me a few reads to get even a glimpse on what she meant and what it meant to myself.

I do recommend this book, regardless of age, intelligence, and sex. Definitely worth giving a shot.

This book should be required literature for anyone suffering from anxiety or panic attacks. I was diagnosed with panic disorder over 4 years ago. If I had read this book back then I probably would've saved myself a lot of worry and a lot of money on therapy. I haven't even finished the book yet and I've been recommending it highly on Tapir - the anxiety chatline. I will most likely buy Dr Weekes other books and probably the tapes, too.

I wish Dr Weekes were still alive today. I would fly over to Australia just to thank her for writing such a wonderful book. It's clear, easy to read and puts things in such a way that anyone can understand. I've already been able to put a lot of it into affect and my anxiety has gone WAY down. I also like the fact that she doesn't waste time trying to figure out why we developped nervous illness (as therapists tend to want to do for hours on end) so much as to what to do to overcome it. I needed a plan of action. I know why I am the way I am and that knowledge was of little comfort. Dr Weekes tells you what to DO about it and her techniques are simple. I feel more serene.

This is the bible for people who have anxiety or panic attacks. Dr Claire Weekes was, in my opinion, the first who started with the floating and acceptance technique.

Others have since followed and perfected the technique (I specifically like this book How to Stop Anxiety & Panic Attacks: A Simple Guide to using a specific set of Techniques to Stop Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Fear of Driving or Flying and Stress )

But Dr Claire Weekes lays out the foundation. So I highly recommend this book.

This book helped me understand that panic, anxiety and nerves are nothing more than a biological response to stress. My panic attacks decreased when I understood how to identify that I was about to have a panic attack and the techniques I could use to control them. Knowledge is power........don't let issues with your nerves control you, read this book. It helped me ;0)

Thank God for Claire Weekes and this book. I feel it IS the answer. Like so many others have said, I felt like she was talking directly to me, not at me. I just got this book over the weeked and read it cover to cover in two days. So much related to me and my condition. I can't believe so many others have experienced the EXACT same things I was/am going through. I now know the cause of my condition and the terrible feelings and thoughts that go along with it and I am already feeling better. Knowledge is power! I know it will take time before I'm all the way healed, but until then...I'll just float!!

If you've tried other methods (or haven't tried anything) and feel there is no hope, I beg you to read this book.

p.s. She talks about the supervised use of sedatives if needed. This book was written in the late 60's, so they didn't have as many options then, but I would recommend trying herbal remedies first. I am seeing a Naturopathic MD, and she has helped me alot.

Before I read Claire Weeks book, called Hope and Help For Your Nerves, I was taking anti-depressant medication and I was afraid to walk to the mailbox. This period, that had lasted 3 years in my life, felt like a bad time. During this time I had 5 or 6 severe panic attacks a day inside my house. Most of the day I felt too panicky and emotionally worn out to complete my chores, like cooking dinner.
The panicky and emotionally worn-out feeling I experienced were symptoms of Panic Disorder. This is the illness my psychiatrist diagnosed me with.
My psychiatrist lended me Claire Weeks's Book in one of my our appointments. She said that some of her patients had found the book helpful for their panic attacks. I read Claire Weekes's book 8 months ago.
I read the book, that contained information on how accept and float with your panic attacks. I practiced some of the skills, that were mentioned in the book.
After practicing the skills, that are in Claire Weekes book, the edge came off my panic attacks. My panic attacks didn't feel incredibly unbearable any more. The symptoms of my panic attacks reduced by about a quarter.
When the edge came of my panic attacks I was able to do more activities. I was able to complete the activity of my chores, such as vacuuming the house. I was also able to volunteer 3 1/2 hours one day a week at a volunteer organisation. I was able to exercise every day and paint paintings once a week.

This book is a blessing. It is real insightful as to what is going on with you. I grew up with some understanding as to what anxiety was, since I have family members who have suffered, but that doesn't make you completely understand. PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR CONDITION!!! I was suffering from mild anxiety, but I thought I was going crazy. Every time I would read about someone else's condition I felt worse thinking that would happen to me. I was actually nervous about reading the book, because I was afraid of what else I would "create", but whenever I started reading I couldn't stop. This book helps you understand what is going on with your mind. Whenever I start feeling anxious I pick up the book, and read, and it eases my mind. Trust me, if you suffer from anxiety it helps to read and understand. Medication helps, but if you don't understand what is going on it is harder to heal your tired mind. I pray that doctors would understand the importance of a patient understanding rather than just prescribing medication. I ordered a second copy to give to some family members who are having the same problems. Remember to PRAY, and you will get yourself back. God bless you!

At the time I purchased this book, I was in the midst of a bout of anxiety. After 4 weeks of nervous suffering, I bought this book(not being one to seek out drugs to help me with my issues). After only the first few chapters(!), I felt loads and loads better!
Dr. Claire Weekes has written a book in a way that soothes and relaxes you. If you are willing to try to beat your illness without psychiatric help or drug therapies, this is the book to read!
She lays out fundamental principles on dealing with anxiety to relieve your agoraphobia, panic attacks, somatic illnesses, obsessions and more.
Really a great book!

After my brother was diagnosed with the anxiety disease he believed that he would never feel good or happy again and was not even looking forward to the birth of he and his wife's first child. I ordered the book and had it mailed to his home. After reading just a few pages of this book on the day it arrived in the mail, he realized that things would be okay and developed an understanding of this disease and how he could deal and cope with it and live a happy and productive life. He called me the day he began reading the book to tell me how incredibly relieved and at peace he was upon reading the first few pages of Dr. Weekes book and that rather than hide from the facts of his illness he was able to face and understand his condition. I cannot thank Dr. Weekes enough for writing this incredibly helpful and life saving book and encourage anyone that has a family member or close friend suffering from this condition to get this book to them right away!

When I read her book for the first time I ended up throwing it in the trash can. The techniques she suggested seemed to simple for my "complicated" problems. Eventually I read this book again and understood that that was it: face-accept-relax and be patient. Claire Weekes is one of the few who really understands the mind of anxiety sufferer. Some people recover using this book alone.

I read this book many years ago when it first came out and then again recently. While Dr. Weekes has an interesting writing style and a lot of advice-it is really from a different time and a different philosophy. Dr. Weekes talks about going to patient's houses and helping them get their life together during their I'm-too-anxious-to-do-anything stage. Imagine! Now you can't the vast majority of psychiatrists to help you with your health insurance. But she basically has one theme: sure, you are wobbling around and dizzy and scared silly, but just go on with your life, even if you have to go a bit slower and make lists because all your neurons are in spasm. That's it, folks. As a person who has had severe anxiety problems throughout his life, I'm not sure that advice works very well when you are staring at the wall for two hours at a time because you are too scared to do anything else. It's an interesting book and easy to read, I'm just not sure it's of much use if your anxiety is severe....if you qualify as "nervous", maybe you'll be inspired. Maybe. Certainly many of the reviewers of the book were.

If only I could find a therapist with the sensibility of Dr. Weekes. Both of her books provide me with great comfort - for two reasons. First, she writes with great compassion and empathy. Rarely do you read a book from this genre and feel as though she is sitting beside you and talking to you. This makes her words much easier to digest. Second, the medical explanation is so compelling that it does allay your fears, or at least your questions to some degree. Finally, she promises no easy cure, does not dismiss the notion of setbacks and makes it clear that it is all up to you - but it is done with such a degree of empathy and admiration for each of us that you are less afraid. Will this cure me, I don't know - but it will always be on the nightstand or packed in my travel back and what greater testimony to those of us attempting to accept and move on.

If you have read other people's reviews of this book they pretty much capture everything that is great about this book. I think that most of the reviews are so long because we all want more than anything to thank Dr. Weekes for saving our lives.
We all get asked the question if you could have anyone in history over for dinner who would it be? My answer is absolutely Dr. Weekes but it wouldn't be because I was interested in picking her mind some more; it would simply be a dinner that I would have so lavishly prepared and serve to her in my greatest appreciation of her work. I would hope that she enjoyed every bite.
The book really is that good.

This book definitely deserves 5 stars! Yes, it is outdated with the language, but it doesn't matter - it still does what it's supposed to - cures panic attacks. I'm serious. I've had them for years. I still don't trust my nervous condition, but the panic attacks are practically GONE. Reading this book, along with putting my trust in God has made a complete difference in my life. I wish I had known about this book years ago. I've been suffering with panic attacks for easily 13 years or more. There were times I wished I wasn't alive. If you have panic attacks, the shakes, unknown cause palpitations, etc. please read this book. It WILL change your life.

i owned this book many years ago when i thought i was the only person in the world who felt the way i did. the book was very helpful in letting me know i was not alone. it eased my mind and i carried it around with me everywhere i went for support. i lost my first copy in one of our moves and as my life got better i forgot how helpful the book had been. well my shrink brought the book up in one of our sessions and i knew i had to own it again. i still feel the same peace when i read about symptoms and feelings i believe are only my own. i reccomend this book very highly. it is really on target with anxiety and panic disorders. you will not only receive helpful information you will also realize you are not alone in your struggle. m/a 2007

This book was recommended to me about 10 years ago by my family physician, and I recently turned to it again when my trouble reappeared. It was more helpful and more comforting than ever. I admit that the writing is dated to the point of being quaint, but dear Claire Weekes "gets it" in a way that few people do, and it comes across in her writing.

I also recommend Dr. Bourne's "Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" (ISBN 157224223X). It offers many more things to try, and has the advantage of recent research. The two books complement one another very well. But if I could only have one of them, I would keep "Hope and Help for Your Nerves."

I am a clinical psychologist who has treated many people with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Claire Weekes' books are remarkably helpful. I ask every patient with panic disorder to read this book. It is interesting to me that the book was written before the term "panic disorder" was a common term and the book does not say it is for treatment of "panic." The descriptions of the panic experience are so descriptive, however, that every patient recognizes immediately that Dr. Weekes knows about panic. I have often heard patients say something like "it seemed like she was in my mind and body because she knew just what I was experiencing.
The terminology is out of date. However, the wisdom is just as useable now as when the book was written.

On the anxiety message boards that I visit, this book is recommended over and over again by people that have been helped tremendously by it, so I finally had to see for myself what all the hype was about and buy it. Right from the beginning of it I was comforted by the fact that there was someone out there who understands what I am going through, and more importantly, that can EXPLAIN what exactly is going on inside my body, and why there is a constant loop of fear that one can't seem to break out of. Since reading this book I have felt tremendously better, and I have a much more positive outlook for the future. :)

Had I not stumbled upon Claire Weekes book thirty years ago I can safely say I would be in an insane asylum today. I was an absolute emotional wreck at 36 years of age, terrified of bodily symptoms that I now know were brought on by years of prolonged inward stress. I devoured Dr. Weekes book, seeing myself on every page and feeling more calm with every explanation given by this dear lady. My copy is dog-eared now and has been loaned out more times than I can count but I hold it in reverence almost as much as I do my Bible. Please, please, if you or anyone you know has ever said, "I feel like I'm losing my mind," run...not walk..to the nearest bookstore and get this book! It will change your life.

This book does help a little, for Anxiety/Panic Attacks. I'm not real sure how long ago it was written. In the book it says you should not get any different symptoms than what you have already dealt with. I don't think that is true because I did produce more symptoms about 4 1/2 months into this illness. And I talked to other people and they also had different symptoms than I had that were not in the book, one lady said she went temporarly blind. That is not one of the symptoms listed in this book. And it also talked about having Nervous Breakdown's alot, which has nothing really to do with Anxiety Attacks that I know of. But it does list and talk about some of the common side effects of the illness and explains about them.

Hello. This is a very sick world. And it is getting sicker. This is a review on this book. And on some of the problems that you may be facing. But remember, this is a very sick culture. Allow me to explain.

We all have sensations in our bodies. Some of them are pleasant, some are neutral, some our unpleasant. EVERYBODY HAS THESE! But along comes the intellect. The intellect is a labeling device.
The intellect labels everything inside you and outside you. In the old days, this was just fine. There were not that many descriptions. But now, with so many labels from the internet, TV, and self-help books; people are going insane. Dr. Low, along with the author of this book, was a pioneer in nervous illness and cognitive psychology. He did not want his patients to watch TV. Or even read the newspapers! Why? Because he knew that labels kill. Take a little girl. She stubs her toe. It hurts. She grabs her toe. The pain goes away. Now take an adult who has been bombed intellectually by the internet, self-help books, and TV. An adult stubs their toe. It hurts. Then the intellect blurts out, "Ow! It hurts. I think I broke my toe. The pain is not leaving. Do I have gangrene? Do I have cancer? I'm having an anxiety attack! I'm dying! My depression is coming on. And my OCD. And God I am dying!"

The problem is really with the intellect.

Weeke's book is for those in intensive care. Nervous illness is a "thinking" disorder. Once you are clear medically, you must decide if you want to continue to torture yourself. You are really reacting to suggestions brought on by the media and books. These ideas have been stated by Tarthang Tulku and Yongey Mingyor Rinpoche. They state that there is energy, and then you label it fear!!! Weekes wants you to bypass the intellect and get busy. FACE these symptoms of distress. ACCEPT them. FLOAT past them. And LET TIME PASS. You know, you may be watching the TV. All these politicians may seem calm. The President, Newt, Romney, and so on. This is because they keep busy. But this may not always be so. There is always the hospital and sickness. Perhaps you will be able, as Weekes points out, to float past suggestions and sensations. But they will have to be coddled by their wives and advisors. HA! So you are doing just fine. If this review has helped, then good. If it has not, then do as Weekes suggests and just FLOAT on by it. Thank you.

This book literally saved my life when I was in the depths of anxiety. The method works. It is simple, and presented in a compassionate and clear way. This is the one that will actually help you. Take a leap of faith.

This book is one of the two best books that exist regarding anxiety and panic. The other book is one of Claire Weeks' other works! If you suffer from anxiety/panic this book will be priceless to you. You will feel like the book was written about you and for you. It is so comforting to hear your own "craziness" and thoughts described and explained within the pages. Dr. Weeks' strategies WORK. It isn't easy at first, but with perseverance and belief, her instructions can guide you to recovery. I have an copy that is 8 years old that is very dog eared and highlighted. I have a brand new copy I keep in my safety deposit box "just in case"....it is THAT important to me. If you suffer from anxiety and/or panic, DO NOT hesitate....buy this book and Dr. Weeks' other selection.

THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN IN A WAY THAT ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND, EVEN SOMEONE WHO IS IN A ANEXIETY STATE AND VERY NERVOUS. IT HAS CONTENT THAT CAN BE PUT TO USE IN A HELPFUL WAY ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. IT IS ADDRESSED DIRECTLY IN A "PERSONAL" WAY TO THE READER WHICH GIVES A FEELING OF COMFORT THAT SOMEONE KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE READER IS EXPERIENCING. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF SELF HELP FOR JUST ABOUT ANYONE OF ANY READING LEVEL. I HAVE PURCHASED THIS BOOK MANY TIMES THROUGH THE YEARS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IN AN ANEXIETY STATE, AND HAVE HAD THE SAME POSATIVE RESPONSE FROM EVERYONE THAT HAS USED IT AS A SELF HELP TOOL.

Considering that this book was originally published in 1969, HOPE AND HELP FOR YOUR NERVES was way ahead of its time. It is practical, honest and to the point (it's only 224 pages in a mass market paperback with a reasonable sized print).

Currently there is this whole craze for Mindfulness and ACT therapy books when Claire was saying all the basics about acceptance, relaxation and taking action years ago. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed. It is too cheap!

Dr. Weekes gave me further insight to what was happening to me. After I listened to her audio tapes and read this book, I instantly understood how I was letting fear in. I would recommend this to anyone with an anxiety disorder.

I have not read this book, as it was purchased as a gift. I am disappointed with it because the typeface is small & bold: making the individual letters 'bleed' together. This is not a critique of the seller, just that this printing of the book is hard to read.

This book has saved my life. If you or any one you know are experiencing panic attacks, this is the book that will change that forever. You must read this book with an open mind and be willing to apply the technics that Dr. Weeks discusses. If you follow her instructions you will be in control of your panic attacks - they will not control you, I have purchased this book several times over for family and friends so that they can experience the healing powers this book offers. I recommend it with all my heart and wish all that read it much success.

This book, along with Dr. Weekes other titles have been the most helpful to me. I had my first panic attack at age 15. I lived in fear on and off for the next 3 years until I finally sought help from a therapist who recommended this book. After reading the book, I have never had the same intensity of anxiety, and I was able to recover and enjoy life again. I am now 32 years old and have lived anxiety free for the most part. When I do have an occasional setback, and slip into the old patterns, I reach for this book and gain the reassurance and refresh myself on the ways to reverse the anxiety cycle.

This book is simply a classic. Dr. Claire Weekes is considered a "pioneer of panic disorder". Although originally written in the 1960's it is still perhaps one of the best books ever published on anxiety. It is a simple read, which is the hallmark of Dr. Weekes inner genius. She doesn't speak complicated and does not try to impress you. She simply takes you by the hand and walks your through life with panic disorder. RIP Dr. Weekes, the world is a better place for having known you!!

After suffering for many years with panic attacks I decided to see a psychiatrist, he recommended that I read Dr. Weekes book. I honestly have to say that after reading this book again and again that my attacks started to disappear. It was the first true understanding as to what was happening to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from any kind of panic disorder. There was a time in my life when I never thought I would be able to leave my house, now ten years later I am traveling around the world on business (by myself). If you think that you can not be free from the awful state of panic please read this book. It can change your life, it did for me.

This small book is very informative and helpful. it tell me how panic generate in your mind and badly influence your health. it provide practical strategies to control your negative thoughts and eventually recover from anxiety and panic attack.

I liked Claire Weekes writing style, she is very down to earth and yet seems to truly understand the plight of anxiety disorders. Her identification of symptoms is right on. When I read it, I found myself saying, "That's me." Her simple approach seems just that, simple, but it is a powerful tool in recovering from anxiety. I have read many books on anxiety disorders and this is one of my favorite little "nuggets" of wisdom. Dr. Weeks provides hope to those who desperately need it.

I have been studying Dr. Abraham Low's "Mental Health Through Will Training," which is along the same lines as this book by Dr. Claire Weekes, which I just recently read. I find Dr. Low's book superior because it is more detailed, gives far more examples and more self help techniques. I am also a member of Dr. Low's Recovery Inc meetings, which have been a big help. The book by Dr. Weekes is ok if you are looking for a summary type book; for a "full length" version minus any religious references, go with Dr. Low.

I have had this book in my possession for aproximately twenty Years. I refer to it quite often. In this book I feel that Dr Weekes is speaking directly to me. That is a big help when the Anxiety and Panic take hold. Why am I ordering another copy?? I have given away about 15 to 20 copies over the years to those who are hurting the way I did. Read it---the help is there for the taking.

Buyers of "self help" books about anxiety, of which I am one, are serious customers. They are not buying to amuse themselves with a tale of espionage or high drama. They are not buying to inform themselves of the complexities of world politics. If they've reached the point where they feel they must buy a book to "help" themselves, then the book they buy is not a book at all. It's a "religious" tract to save themselves from the daily torment that serious anxiety (GAD, PTSD, OCD, etc.) may bring. It's a serious purchase filled with hope that the next book holds the secret to normalcy. A life without anxiety. I've bought literally dozens of books on anxiety and find they are well meaning, well informed, and mainly (not always) ineffectual. Along these lines I have developed an invaluable tool which reliably predicts the relative value of a self help book: It's called "underlining". In this regard, Claire Weekes is without peer. The well worn, tattered and underlined books of Claire Weekes are well known to those who read her little books (Mainly: Hope & Help For Your Nerves and Peace Through Nervous Suffering) And why? Because you sense in every line she writes a person who understands the mind of an anxious individual and who more importantly can transmit a positive message that affords the anxious mind a comfort that no other book can. Is the book dated? Yes. No GAD-OCD-PTSD But that's part of its charm. Instead, she uses the language of comfort. And that's a word that a serious customer can relate to.

I"ve read in these revuews some pros and cons, to which I'd like to respond:

1. Con: This is a book about dealing with anxiety. It's not about trying to solve the problem that initiated the anxiety. For that, Dr. Weekes, talks about "need[ing] a wise counselor" who will give to a "point of view" that you can "glimpse" to get a "new perspective".
Pro: YOu may trivialize this approach, but the anxiety problem becomes an issue in and of itself, and sometimes drawfs the original problem. Sometimes, as in the case of a Panic Attack, there may be no reasons causing you to be nervous, just body physiology and biochemical interactions. In either case, the anxiety becomes the issue. You may feel anxious for no special reason, and then attribute whatever you were thinking or whereever you were with "danger". You feel fear, and then you feel fear about feeling more fear. And try to avoid that thinking or situation for fear of duplicating that experience. She calls this "second fear". It hits the nail right on the head.

2. Con: It has a quaint anarchronistic approach:
Pro: Enough can't be said about the tenor of the book. No anxiety book I have ever read has taken a non-clinical way of describing a problem. This factual approach may describe the problem and profer a solution, but reads like a veritable textbook.I wonder how many of you out there started reading a self help book, and came away with a jumble of facts, and more nervous than before, Claire Weekes wrote a book. Factual yes, but couched in such a way to think you were listening to a wise old Grandmother at he fireplace. I can't underestimate how reassuring this is.

3, Con: It's not sophisticated enough. It's superficial and does not benefit for advances in psychology:
Pro: I've read the book literally dozens of time. You can hardly pick up a page that doesn't have a nugget of wisdom. It really feels -and I can't overemphasize this- that's she KNOWS what you're thinking and how frantic you are to find someway out of this maze. Her answer to this is always simple, enlightening and to the point.

4. Con: She doesn't differentiate between the various anxiety disorders.
Pro: These anxiety problems all have the same thing in common: anxiety! This is their common thread. The individual has conditioned themselves to superstiously associate anxiety with a person, place or thing. And nobody views the issue of anxiety with more insight than Dr. Weekes.

5. Con: She doesn't talk extensively about depression
Pro: She does but not in an comprehensive way, true. If you are suffering just from depression you may look somewhere else (David Burns for example), However, if the depression is secondary to anxiety than the chapter on depression (which she likes to call "depletion") can be your guiding light.

(...)

The author has a wonderful ability to speak to the reader as if she was sitting right across the kitchen table from them, sipping a cup of coffee. It is an easy book to read- which is great when a person may sometimes have trouble concentrating and keeping focused. The content is very helpful and it allows a person to feel hopeful that they really might actually get better. I recommend this book to anyone with anxiety, panic or fears - and anyone who is trying to support them.

This book is an excellent source for people suffering from anxiety and depression! It helped me come out of my depression. One thing that the book taught me is that when you are suffering from depression, you think the world is an awful place...when in fact it is just the way you are seeing it for the moment...they are just feelings, not reality. It helped me get through the day, and it will help you.

This book is extremely detailed and the author is right on with symptoms and the emotions attached to panic and anxiety. It really helps you understand what your body and mind are going through. It is very comforting to know that someone can explain your feelings and physical symptoms because when you suffer from anxiety and panic you feel as though you are the only one and that no one understand.

This book is beyond great! It had a very good approach in tackling anxiety. It is strictly scientific and I am impressed that such work is considered the most valid in our times today even if it was written 40 years ago or so.

Claire Weekes is so on target for anyone suffering from nervous anxiety, fear, panic attacks & phobias. I have read & been ivolved with other information on these topics and nothing has helped as much as her book. I highly reccomend not only this book, but her other book call "Peace From Nervous Suffering". They are excellent.

I really enjoyed and received great help from this book. Dr. Claire Weekes was a remarkable physician with an uncanny understanding of anxiety and depression. Whether you are treating for or being treated it is a great read. Good Luck...This is the first book I have left feedback on...I just felt strongly about my opinion.

I own this book and It has helped me in so many ways. This book is great for people who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders. My life has changed after I read this book. And so will yours when you read it. You will understand your situation more.
I am doing things I had been wanting to do for years.

I have had years of anxiety, bought this book and it has taken some of it away. Not all but at least I can function. Some of the things the author says just hits home, this book is so cheap and so helpful you would be silly not to buy it

This book is absolutely horrible. It is filled with old myths about the causes and treatment for anxiety. It reminds me of my grandmother who had "bad nerves" and was hooked on benzodiazepines. The author reiterates the whole "just relax" and "stay occupied" as treatment without going into the real causes of anxiety and panic attacks. I was offended in the chapter where she chooses a woman as a character instead of a man "because a woman's life at home is more conducive to depression than a man's life in the outside world". Furthermore, I don't care for the religious slant, especially, when she infers that people who are not religious and are reluctant to put their faith and trust in god would have a very difficult time recovering, and only if they did, would they recover. Besides hyperthyroidsim, she doesn't mention any physical ailments that can cause anxiety and panic attacks in a negligent manner. The author even goes so far as saying that if you've seen a doctor to rule out physiological illness and he/she does not find anything, do not see anymore doctors as though you would be a hypochondriac. I would seriously advise against wasting your time with this fossil of a book.

If you are an atheist not ready for conversion, steer clear of this book. Aside from the outdated unscientific insights, albeit well intended, I was put off by the "Leave vengeance to God" (p 108) and "So to tell people to put their faith in God and let Him cure them works only for those who have such faith and know how to apply it. These are indeed blessed. The others must be shown the way." (p 180). What? MUST be shown the way? Proselytizing to the core. Sorry atheists, no hope for you. Any self help book worth its weight should be devoid of such deriding religious bias lacking practical scientific application. I recommend reading David Ramsay Steele instead.

This book I must say was just ok. I mean there are more updated techniques.You always learn something new with every book you read about anxiety, panic attacks & agoraphobia. Lucinda Bassett has been a great inspiration for me. I truly enjoy her techniques and way of teaching. I am glad I read this book anyways.

This book is great when it came out, but a lot of the information inside is really out of date. The terminology is funny and noone, but noone utilizes supervised sedation or ECT to treat panic disorder anymore. I recommend that the publisher revise, revise and revise before they reprint this book.

After reading so many rave reviews of this book I purchased it as an audiobook. I couldn't be more disappointed and frankly listening to this made me nervous and agitated. I found the author's voice annoying. I do feel rather alone in my taste for this book but I guess it just wasn't for me and I learned nothing from it. Perhaps I will find one that is more useful to me.