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We're All Mad Here: The No-Nonsense Guide to Living with Social Anxiety
Anxiety is a crafty shapeshifter that can take on many forms: the tiger that sinks its claws in with physical symptoms and distressing thoughts, the cruel and belittling bully creating insecurity and self-doubt and, worst of all, the frenemy rewarding avoidance of social situations with no physical symptoms, no cruel thoughts... and no life beyond your sofa!
This complete guide to beating social anxiety covers everything from school, university and work, through to surviving social media and making it through parties and dates (whilst actually enjoying them!) With honest insights about her own social anxiety and a healthy dose of humour, popular blogger Claire Eastham describes what social anxiety is, why it happens, and how you can lessen its effects with medication, lifestyle choices, talking therapies or even a hug from your favourite canine friend!
This complete guide to beating social anxiety covers everything from school, university and work, through to surviving social media and making it through parties and dates (whilst actually enjoying them!) With honest insights about her own social anxiety and a healthy dose of humour, popular blogger Claire Eastham describes what social anxiety is, why it happens, and how you can lessen its effects with medication, lifestyle choices, talking therapies or even a hug from your favourite canine friend!
200 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 16, 2016
Living with social anxiety can take on different forms. Not everyone's symptoms are the same. The physical symptoms, insecurity, distressing thoughts and self-doubt challenge a person to avoid social situations.
The author of the book has social anxiety and gives an insight to what it is like to live with this illness.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Jessica Kingsley Publishers for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author of the book has social anxiety and gives an insight to what it is like to live with this illness.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Jessica Kingsley Publishers for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
We're All Mad Here: The No-Nonsense Guide to Living with Anxiety by Claire Eastham is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in mid-September.
Eastham's book is an utter gift wrapped with too much tape and crinkly, refolded seams, but with the most earnest, relief-giving intentions. When she says that this a guide for those living with anxiety, she really does mean life - she's with you every tentative step of the way in the most dreaded locations where anything from sheer panic to an annoying case of the sweats is bound to happen.
Eastham's book is an utter gift wrapped with too much tape and crinkly, refolded seams, but with the most earnest, relief-giving intentions. When she says that this a guide for those living with anxiety, she really does mean life - she's with you every tentative step of the way in the most dreaded locations where anything from sheer panic to an annoying case of the sweats is bound to happen.
October 23, 2016
Finished reading: September 25th 2016
“If you have scars from the past, then bear them. We spend so much time trying to ignore pain, when sometimes the best way to heal is to release it.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
September 5, 2016
While this book is very well-written and knows how to tackle anxiety with a sense of humor, I have find it to be a very basic book. Maybe the kind of book that you can have in schools libraries and such, as a way for youngsters to have a first contact point with knowledge about anxiety.
I found that there is some useful information (again, in a basic level), but it is also a very personal book, as it is peppered by the author experiences (she says that you can skip those if you want), and tells what worked for her, which while useful and giving an idea of another person going through the same or similar, also could feel patronizing.
The book gives a hindsight on anxiety and panic attacks (and how to ground oneself during one, for instance), kinds of theraphies and medication, but it is heavily focused on social anxiety.
I found that there is some useful information (again, in a basic level), but it is also a very personal book, as it is peppered by the author experiences (she says that you can skip those if you want), and tells what worked for her, which while useful and giving an idea of another person going through the same or similar, also could feel patronizing.
The book gives a hindsight on anxiety and panic attacks (and how to ground oneself during one, for instance), kinds of theraphies and medication, but it is heavily focused on social anxiety.
December 30, 2017
2.5/5 stars.
Claire is a very personable, witty author. I admire her honesty and vulnerability when talking about her own mental health. She isn't scared to share funny little anecdotes where she might have made a bit of a fool of herself, and I thought that was great. More than once, this book made me laugh out loud. It's like you get to know Claire just a little bit better, and I really enjoyed that.
But I didn't love this book the same way as some people love this book. Even though I tried really hard. There were a couple of things in this book I took issue with.
First, it was the ratio between personal anecdotes from Claire and her advice. I actually liked reading about her personal experiences, but I thought the way the book was structured was a bit confusing. I really wish that she would've committed to writing a memoir about her issues with social anxiety, instead of a self-help guide, and include a chapter with all her favorite tips at the end - that would then be the 'guide', instead of this constant mixture of both. I expected more of the self-help and less of the rants about people at Claire's school and job who did her wrong, to be completely honest with you.
Then, there was the alcohol advice. A couple of times, the author stresses that you shouldn't use alcohol as a crutch when you suffer from social anxiety (or at all), and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. But then, in chapter five, she writes this:
''Don't carry negative feelings around with you all evening - it's best to let them have centre stage for a short period of time and then brush them aside. If all else fails, then just have a few glasses of wine and put it down to experience!''
I mean, that sounds a lot like using alcohol as some sort of crutch. I really don't mean to be nitpicky, that's just how it comes off to me. I think it's dangerous to treat alcohol as an option to feel better when you suffer from a mental condition. It promotes the unhealthy relationship that a lot of adolescents have with alcohol.
I thought this book was okay and I would maybe even recommend it to someone who is new to the concept of social anxiety disorder, but it was nothing groundbreaking for me.
Claire is a very personable, witty author. I admire her honesty and vulnerability when talking about her own mental health. She isn't scared to share funny little anecdotes where she might have made a bit of a fool of herself, and I thought that was great. More than once, this book made me laugh out loud. It's like you get to know Claire just a little bit better, and I really enjoyed that.
But I didn't love this book the same way as some people love this book. Even though I tried really hard. There were a couple of things in this book I took issue with.
First, it was the ratio between personal anecdotes from Claire and her advice. I actually liked reading about her personal experiences, but I thought the way the book was structured was a bit confusing. I really wish that she would've committed to writing a memoir about her issues with social anxiety, instead of a self-help guide, and include a chapter with all her favorite tips at the end - that would then be the 'guide', instead of this constant mixture of both. I expected more of the self-help and less of the rants about people at Claire's school and job who did her wrong, to be completely honest with you.
Then, there was the alcohol advice. A couple of times, the author stresses that you shouldn't use alcohol as a crutch when you suffer from social anxiety (or at all), and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. But then, in chapter five, she writes this:
''Don't carry negative feelings around with you all evening - it's best to let them have centre stage for a short period of time and then brush them aside. If all else fails, then just have a few glasses of wine and put it down to experience!''
I mean, that sounds a lot like using alcohol as some sort of crutch. I really don't mean to be nitpicky, that's just how it comes off to me. I think it's dangerous to treat alcohol as an option to feel better when you suffer from a mental condition. It promotes the unhealthy relationship that a lot of adolescents have with alcohol.
I thought this book was okay and I would maybe even recommend it to someone who is new to the concept of social anxiety disorder, but it was nothing groundbreaking for me.
April 1, 2017
Brilliant book. Found it very easy to read and will re-read some of the useful tips. Somewhat inspiring.
February 7, 2017
This book was a gem to read. Half of it I read and thought 'omg it me' then the other half I was like 'not quite, or not at all, but so so good to know'. I admire Claire so much and desperately want so many others to read her friendly, reassuring but also no-bullshit writing.
April 12, 2017
Good beginner's guide. In recent years I've come to suspect I have social anxiety. The book caught my eye at my local library and sounded like a good pickup. I haven't really read much in this vein of books and thought maybe I might find some useful tips. What follows is a guide on how to live with SA at work, at school (university), on public transportation, in social settings, etc. What it is, how to cope and resources to learn more.
That's basically it. If you're just discovering the concept then you might find this guide helpful. It's interesting if you're not familiar but as someone who's found information elsewhere I can't say I found the information all that useful. It was nice to read how someone else had similar experiences with say on the public transportation, (including some tips on how to cope) but overall I agree with the assessments about being a basic, beginner's guide to be on the mark.
I think there are some tips and tricks that people would find helpful and it was nice to read that it was okay to (for example) take another train if the current one is too crowded or that it's worth considering traveling to work/school earlier to avoid the rush. This might be feasible for some (cost, getting to the station, train/bus schedules, etc.) but it was affirmative for me to read that other people had similar coping strategies.
It's not a bad book but as I said, it's more of a beginner's guide. I was glad I picked it up from the library but it may not be a bad purchase or gift to give.
That's basically it. If you're just discovering the concept then you might find this guide helpful. It's interesting if you're not familiar but as someone who's found information elsewhere I can't say I found the information all that useful. It was nice to read how someone else had similar experiences with say on the public transportation, (including some tips on how to cope) but overall I agree with the assessments about being a basic, beginner's guide to be on the mark.
I think there are some tips and tricks that people would find helpful and it was nice to read that it was okay to (for example) take another train if the current one is too crowded or that it's worth considering traveling to work/school earlier to avoid the rush. This might be feasible for some (cost, getting to the station, train/bus schedules, etc.) but it was affirmative for me to read that other people had similar coping strategies.
It's not a bad book but as I said, it's more of a beginner's guide. I was glad I picked it up from the library but it may not be a bad purchase or gift to give.
November 17, 2022
A book where I saw myself in many parts of it.
If you have social anxiety this is a must read, full of stories, ways to detect anxiety, panic and ways to accept it and improve your anxious life.
It looks like there's a way out, so read it.
PS: thanks to the good soul that left this book on the street... where I borrowed it and was pleasantly surprised
PPS: it's also a funny book. (promise!) ;)
If you have social anxiety this is a must read, full of stories, ways to detect anxiety, panic and ways to accept it and improve your anxious life.
It looks like there's a way out, so read it.
PS: thanks to the good soul that left this book on the street... where I borrowed it and was pleasantly surprised
PPS: it's also a funny book. (promise!) ;)
August 18, 2023
Excellent. Very funny, accessible and helpful. I would highly recommend for anyone who struggles in social situations, sticking to social plans or suffers with anxiety. It’s a great read and I’m so glad I picked it up!
January 24, 2020
I don't know if it's because I'm not really target for this book (Generalised Anxiety is my main struggle and I've done a lot of research prior to reading this) but I didn't find it as helpful or life affirming as I was expecting
January 7, 2019
There is some enormously helpful advice in here, for sufferers and their loved ones. I will take a lot forward from this book.
I didn't gel with all of the advice, particularly the advice on diet and nutrition. Some parts felt overwhelming because there was so much advice in such a short space: I need to cut down caffeine, eat salmon regularly, start some aromatherapy, and find money to pay for therapy? Fat chance.
Claire Eastham is clearly someone who works very, very hard. She's a self-confessed perfectionist. But her attitude might be off-putting to others who, like me, suffer with depression as well as anxiety. Eastham's exclamation marks fall flat for us, because we don't often have much get up and go, even when we're powered by the adrenaline from our panic attacks.
I can think of several people I will recommend this book to, but for depression sufferers this might honestly be too positive a book. Not because we have no chance of recovery, but because we often find overly-positive messages too sickly sweet. It made me feel guilty, in parts, for not working hard enough and not believing that I can change my poor nervous mind.
I didn't gel with all of the advice, particularly the advice on diet and nutrition. Some parts felt overwhelming because there was so much advice in such a short space: I need to cut down caffeine, eat salmon regularly, start some aromatherapy, and find money to pay for therapy? Fat chance.
Claire Eastham is clearly someone who works very, very hard. She's a self-confessed perfectionist. But her attitude might be off-putting to others who, like me, suffer with depression as well as anxiety. Eastham's exclamation marks fall flat for us, because we don't often have much get up and go, even when we're powered by the adrenaline from our panic attacks.
I can think of several people I will recommend this book to, but for depression sufferers this might honestly be too positive a book. Not because we have no chance of recovery, but because we often find overly-positive messages too sickly sweet. It made me feel guilty, in parts, for not working hard enough and not believing that I can change my poor nervous mind.
August 24, 2018
I have to be honest, this was a very different read for me. I don’t normally pick up books like these but I am so so glad I did.
It allowed me to take a step back and take a whole different look at things which I have personally experienced myself. Having social anxiety is something which is different for everyone and I honestly felt as though the way Claire wrote the book showcased this. It was very informative.
Claire’s personality jumped from the pages and really made this book what it is. I have recommended it to pretty much everyone as I honestly feel that its a really relatable read and would benefit anyone who reads it.
I gave this 5 stars because well I enjoyed it so very much and I would recommend it, even if you feel that your not dealing with a high level of anxiety as it can help you view life differently.
It allowed me to take a step back and take a whole different look at things which I have personally experienced myself. Having social anxiety is something which is different for everyone and I honestly felt as though the way Claire wrote the book showcased this. It was very informative.
Claire’s personality jumped from the pages and really made this book what it is. I have recommended it to pretty much everyone as I honestly feel that its a really relatable read and would benefit anyone who reads it.
I gave this 5 stars because well I enjoyed it so very much and I would recommend it, even if you feel that your not dealing with a high level of anxiety as it can help you view life differently.
September 3, 2023
I do not suffer from social anxiety, as the author does. I can't really relate to caring this deeply about how others perceive me. I read the book, because I work with several people who have this issue. I was hoping to find something here to be able to help them. Perhaps someone who suffers as this author did would enjoy the book, being able to see themselves in the author's stories. For me, it just wore me down listening to someone who seemed so self consumed. I don't mean to be callous. I'm sure the suffering is real. But instead of making me feel more empathetic, I found myself becoming less so. I wanted to say, forget yourself and just focus on how you can help others. Instead, I gave up on reading the book. Sorry, this was not for me.
February 1, 2017
This book is really great if you're new to your anxiety. It'll tell you all about different methods to help, what the medications you're being prescribed actually do and gives great uplifting tips. However, as someone who has suffered for years and done her own research I already knew everything this book was telling me.
February 2, 2019
i don't know.
everyone with social anxiety have a special relationship with it, i'm sure, and this books shows that mine relationship and author's relationship are inherently and fundamentally different. many tips were just old, mentioned in every article in every useless online magazines, but a few were kinda cute and kinda interesting, but nothing groundbreaking ;)
everyone with social anxiety have a special relationship with it, i'm sure, and this books shows that mine relationship and author's relationship are inherently and fundamentally different. many tips were just old, mentioned in every article in every useless online magazines, but a few were kinda cute and kinda interesting, but nothing groundbreaking ;)
June 4, 2022
In this book Claire Eastham shares views, tips and experiences about her social anxiety. I don’t suffer of anxiety, but I’m always interested in mental issues and I know at least a couple of people that are affected, so thought to give this a go.
The first feeling I have after reading this book is that Claire really tries, by sharing her own experiences, to help anyone that reads her book and suffer of the same condition. So my three stars are mainly for this, for her willingness to help. There is also advice for carers of what to say and not to say while people experience either panic or anxiety attacks. I still though haven’t got much of a clue what to say to an anxious person that is obviously feeling over sensitive regarding a situation without though having an anxiety attack.
The reason why I can’t give her any more stars is because I feel the book at times contradicting: in one paragraph she is taking about schools and the pressure of exams on students. As an advice to students she says that during GCSEs just aim for Cs while for A levels, just aim for what you need. A few lines after that, she claims that she is not encouraging students to be lazy, well sorry in my opinion she is. I totally disagree on the fact that students should even study simply for results on the exams. I remember during my days at school that I would only study the day before a test and after that I wouldn’t even try to store the information studied as I didn’t think I needed it any more. This is not what school should be about.
Also, at one point she recommends in a same paragraph to ditch coffee and alcohol and then to attend more drinks after work. She keeps saying alcohol is not good but keep mentioning wine to relax and helping chill. If when she says “ditch alcohol” she means to stop getting wildly drunk, then she should simply said that.
I can’t remember whether is a paragraph or a chapter where she discusses medicines. Despite there is a disclaimer at the end of the book and she recommends to see a doctor, I always find it a bit dangerous when non-doctors try to give advice to people regarding medicines. Not a doctor? Do not talk about medicines then, end of.
She mentioned in various times in the book that “normal” people don’t understand mental health issues and who has them: unfortunately it’s true that you can’t see them. While its perfectly blatant if someone has a physical problem, it’s not visible if someone has mental problems. So sometimes people make comments that are not a 100% appropriate if directed to a person with mental health problems, but they don’t mean it as an offence as they might not be aware of the issues. So while we all need to have more patience with people with mental health problems, I’d like to ask Claire to also have the same patience with us. We might not have mental issues but we are not perfect either.
Didn’t also understand the reason why she added a few personal pictures towards the middle of the book. Sorry how is that supposed to help?
The first feeling I have after reading this book is that Claire really tries, by sharing her own experiences, to help anyone that reads her book and suffer of the same condition. So my three stars are mainly for this, for her willingness to help. There is also advice for carers of what to say and not to say while people experience either panic or anxiety attacks. I still though haven’t got much of a clue what to say to an anxious person that is obviously feeling over sensitive regarding a situation without though having an anxiety attack.
The reason why I can’t give her any more stars is because I feel the book at times contradicting: in one paragraph she is taking about schools and the pressure of exams on students. As an advice to students she says that during GCSEs just aim for Cs while for A levels, just aim for what you need. A few lines after that, she claims that she is not encouraging students to be lazy, well sorry in my opinion she is. I totally disagree on the fact that students should even study simply for results on the exams. I remember during my days at school that I would only study the day before a test and after that I wouldn’t even try to store the information studied as I didn’t think I needed it any more. This is not what school should be about.
Also, at one point she recommends in a same paragraph to ditch coffee and alcohol and then to attend more drinks after work. She keeps saying alcohol is not good but keep mentioning wine to relax and helping chill. If when she says “ditch alcohol” she means to stop getting wildly drunk, then she should simply said that.
I can’t remember whether is a paragraph or a chapter where she discusses medicines. Despite there is a disclaimer at the end of the book and she recommends to see a doctor, I always find it a bit dangerous when non-doctors try to give advice to people regarding medicines. Not a doctor? Do not talk about medicines then, end of.
She mentioned in various times in the book that “normal” people don’t understand mental health issues and who has them: unfortunately it’s true that you can’t see them. While its perfectly blatant if someone has a physical problem, it’s not visible if someone has mental problems. So sometimes people make comments that are not a 100% appropriate if directed to a person with mental health problems, but they don’t mean it as an offence as they might not be aware of the issues. So while we all need to have more patience with people with mental health problems, I’d like to ask Claire to also have the same patience with us. We might not have mental issues but we are not perfect either.
Didn’t also understand the reason why she added a few personal pictures towards the middle of the book. Sorry how is that supposed to help?
May 19, 2017
Talking in the book about her experience with social anxiety, she has hilarious stories to tell from her past sufferings as well as tip and tricks of how she manages her condition day to day.
Claire has many useful facts woven within her story, such as about how serotonin levels can be depleted by certain caffeine's or how your anxiety levels can spike due to consuming too much of it too quickly.
The importance of finding the right therapist and whether you can work with them as well as cost and long or short term affording the treatment best for you and weaving a pathway to get through and overcome your problems e.g. take CBT then progress to Exposure Therapy once good progress has been made.
Claire also raises a great point in that when we are looking back, we can see traits of anxiety in our younger selves as we grow through school. For me and Claire alike we are both more introverted and both hated being spotted in class and feared putting up our hands. It's great to realise someone else gets it even now we aren't of that age!
Claire and her university tales are a great example of how stressed any student can get trying to navigate a social life and exams etc without even the use of alcohol to relieve the pain and when you can drink, it won't help the anxiety you feel but fuel it more.
Talking of letting go of old pain, emotional or physical memories of it and liberating yourself and your mind from reliving the anxiety of the time you felt years ago, I particularly love her recommendation of listening to Frozen's Let It Go at the same time. Too right!
Claire has written a witty, informative and deeply important book for anyone else who suffers anxiety, wants to learn more on the topic or just somebody who maybe needs a deep but funny at times read too!
Many thanks to Jessica Kingsley publishers for sending me a copy to review!
Claire has many useful facts woven within her story, such as about how serotonin levels can be depleted by certain caffeine's or how your anxiety levels can spike due to consuming too much of it too quickly.
The importance of finding the right therapist and whether you can work with them as well as cost and long or short term affording the treatment best for you and weaving a pathway to get through and overcome your problems e.g. take CBT then progress to Exposure Therapy once good progress has been made.
Claire also raises a great point in that when we are looking back, we can see traits of anxiety in our younger selves as we grow through school. For me and Claire alike we are both more introverted and both hated being spotted in class and feared putting up our hands. It's great to realise someone else gets it even now we aren't of that age!
Claire and her university tales are a great example of how stressed any student can get trying to navigate a social life and exams etc without even the use of alcohol to relieve the pain and when you can drink, it won't help the anxiety you feel but fuel it more.
Talking of letting go of old pain, emotional or physical memories of it and liberating yourself and your mind from reliving the anxiety of the time you felt years ago, I particularly love her recommendation of listening to Frozen's Let It Go at the same time. Too right!
Claire has written a witty, informative and deeply important book for anyone else who suffers anxiety, wants to learn more on the topic or just somebody who maybe needs a deep but funny at times read too!
Many thanks to Jessica Kingsley publishers for sending me a copy to review!
May 9, 2019
The author was very likeable but a little naive about how effective the techniques described are likely to be for many people's anxiety problems. The advocation of the light use of alcohol several times in the book was very wrong indeed for example.
I think the author is well placed to share her experiences and did so with a lot of wit but is entirely unqualified to provide the guide/advice material. Nonetheless it was clear that she genuinely wanted to help people from her own experiences and you can't fault that.
I didn't think it was particularly well written, with a lot of dependence on swearing and lazy punctuation ('?!!?!' Etc.) but the personality of the author came through well and I liked her a lot. I did think all of this would make the book really suitable for teenagers as a top-level, heads up that they're not alone with anxiety until she advocated leaning on a small amount of booze when you need to.
Overall it was disappointing but well-meaning.
I think the author is well placed to share her experiences and did so with a lot of wit but is entirely unqualified to provide the guide/advice material. Nonetheless it was clear that she genuinely wanted to help people from her own experiences and you can't fault that.
I didn't think it was particularly well written, with a lot of dependence on swearing and lazy punctuation ('?!!?!' Etc.) but the personality of the author came through well and I liked her a lot. I did think all of this would make the book really suitable for teenagers as a top-level, heads up that they're not alone with anxiety until she advocated leaning on a small amount of booze when you need to.
Overall it was disappointing but well-meaning.
August 23, 2020
I think this book is aimed at the teenage market and I haven't been a teenager for a long time so I don't think I was the target audience.
The book has a nice conversational, friendly tone to it throughout and the author seems like a nice person. There's also plenty of basic essential information but most of it is quite basic if you have any grasp of how social anxiety works, which is why I think the book is aimed more at the teenage market. I think the book started with a nice attitude towards mental health and the focus was put on getting better, I agreed with the authors point that often online forums tend to have a lot of people in them trying to 'compete' for who has the worst mental health which isn't a particularly supportive environment. The book is then broken down in to chapters with sections on topics such as medication, how to cope in certain situations and what foods to eat (I particularly liked this section).
However, one big negative which featured throughout the book (and which makes me question the market it was aimed at) is the author constantly refers to alcohol, including using it to get through a date and at one point earlier on in the book she even advocates having a glass of wine as a method for dealing with social anxiety. She does go on to say "one glass not five" but alcoholism doesn't just appear from no where and attempting to mask social anxiety with alcohol is a road to disaster and not something that should be advocated in a self-help book aimed at teenagers.
The book has a nice conversational, friendly tone to it throughout and the author seems like a nice person. There's also plenty of basic essential information but most of it is quite basic if you have any grasp of how social anxiety works, which is why I think the book is aimed more at the teenage market. I think the book started with a nice attitude towards mental health and the focus was put on getting better, I agreed with the authors point that often online forums tend to have a lot of people in them trying to 'compete' for who has the worst mental health which isn't a particularly supportive environment. The book is then broken down in to chapters with sections on topics such as medication, how to cope in certain situations and what foods to eat (I particularly liked this section).
However, one big negative which featured throughout the book (and which makes me question the market it was aimed at) is the author constantly refers to alcohol, including using it to get through a date and at one point earlier on in the book she even advocates having a glass of wine as a method for dealing with social anxiety. She does go on to say "one glass not five" but alcoholism doesn't just appear from no where and attempting to mask social anxiety with alcohol is a road to disaster and not something that should be advocated in a self-help book aimed at teenagers.
December 1, 2021
Excellent. I've never been officially diagnosed with anxiety but have known that's what I deal with for a long time. Recently I have started to see it mainly manifests in social situations and then I read this book and it was clear as day that I have social anxiety. A real eye opener and relief to know what it is. I had so many similarities in my own life with Claire too which was a bit spooky but nice too! It's a really good introduction and working in mental health, I think her approach and advice feels measured and spot on, in particular, the advice for caregivers. I'm starting cbt soon and will read more on social anxiety but I'd recommend this book for anyone wondering if they or someone they love, has social anxiety. Also, funny and down to earth. Thanks Claire!
July 15, 2021
As a person with social anxiety, it was great to read a book that didn’t tell me everything I already knew. The witty, lighthearted humour made it an easy and fun read, plus it had some really helpful and unique advice with a fresh outlook on anxiety that I’d never considered before!
Claire has a bubbly, friendly and approachable personality and by the time you’ve finished the book you feel like you’ve made a new friend.
There was a great balance of scientific and factual information and humour that it didn’t feel like an NHS guide nor a parodical book.
Overall, I thought it was really great and I’m sure I’ll read back again for some reminders and advice.
Claire has a bubbly, friendly and approachable personality and by the time you’ve finished the book you feel like you’ve made a new friend.
There was a great balance of scientific and factual information and humour that it didn’t feel like an NHS guide nor a parodical book.
Overall, I thought it was really great and I’m sure I’ll read back again for some reminders and advice.
August 21, 2019
It's been a long time ever since i actually gave a book 5 stars rating! And i'm finally giving it to this book with a smile on my face. I truly did not want this book to end.
This book has such useful tips for anyone who's suffering from social anxiety. The tips are not listed in a boring, old way, they are listed in a light mofe friendly way!
This book will be my everyday guide through daily life.. And i will definitely read it again and again in order to take in these tips.
Definitely recommend this book!
This book has such useful tips for anyone who's suffering from social anxiety. The tips are not listed in a boring, old way, they are listed in a light mofe friendly way!
This book will be my everyday guide through daily life.. And i will definitely read it again and again in order to take in these tips.
Definitely recommend this book!
August 16, 2021
Not keen on the writing style, too many swear words.
I learnt some interesting facts about anxiety like aspartime in sugar free energy drinks and increases anxiety levels. I learnt more about CBT, therapies. drugs,
Includes lots of story telling about the authors life about how she's overcome her anxiety fears. Some jokes which I didn't understand.
Overall it was a good book, but I wouldn't want to read it again and its not changed my life in anyway. I have a bit more of an understanding of anxiety which I didn't have before.
I learnt some interesting facts about anxiety like aspartime in sugar free energy drinks and increases anxiety levels. I learnt more about CBT, therapies. drugs,
Includes lots of story telling about the authors life about how she's overcome her anxiety fears. Some jokes which I didn't understand.
Overall it was a good book, but I wouldn't want to read it again and its not changed my life in anyway. I have a bit more of an understanding of anxiety which I didn't have before.
December 30, 2021
I read this book in three days and I love it. It explains everything so well and is so lightly written. It feels like a long warm hug for an extreme social anxiety person as myself. I have done some work on my mental health for the last year already, so I can already say that I am not suffering as much as I once was, but still, this book is a must read for anyone suffering social anxiety. Very thankful to have come across this book, very hopeful and heart-warming.
January 25, 2022
I fully enjoyed this book. You can see how quickly I finished it! Anxiety can be hard to understand, especially if you’re not someone who deals with it on a daily basis but Claire breaks things down in a very simple way so you don’t feel overwhelmed with medical jargon while reading. She also puts her personality into it while defining the terms and giving advice which allows readers to feel comfortable with the information being digested. I loved it. Would definitely read more of her work.
February 14, 2024
I managed to get anxious about finishing this book, lol. I kept dreading, starting it and avoiding returning it lmaooo. Overall, it was really helpful and convinced me to see the gp despite my parents. I cried several times reading this book and may have finished it at 3 am. It made me realise how long I've suffered from anxiety, 10 years old having a panic attack about my bloody build a bear party.
March 1, 2018
I love the authors blog, so when I found out she wrote a book, I had to read it. I am glad I did, because I could totally relate. As I read, I kept saying to myself, wow, that is me. She writes with such honesty and compassion, and seems totally down to earth. If only I lived in England, we could be friends! I also loved her British humor. Probably one of the best books I have read on this topic.
January 23, 2019
Un libro demasiado útil tanto para las personas que padecemos este tipo de condiciones como para personas que tienen familiares, amigos, conocidos, vecinos que las padezcan; al menos a mí me ayudó un poco a entender mejor mi ansiedad, e inclusive realicé terapias de exposición. Muy buen libro, honestamente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
I found the author quite funny. This book wasn’t really that useful for me, (all this Seretonin stuff is utter nonsense for instance) but I feel less alone as a result of reading it, so that’s a win.
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