Un-Agoraphobic - by Hal Mathew (Paperback)

About the Book

"Un-Agoraphobic offers a comprehensive, step-by-step self-help program for overcoming agoraphobia and panic attacks. Since overcoming his own disorder twenty years ago, Mathew has been leading support groups and recovery programs for people with agoraphobia. He understands what agoraphobes need and how to deliver it. No one knows exactly what causes agoraphobia or panic attacks, but it clearly involves some misfirings in the brain. The good news is that recent neuroscience research suggests the brain is retrainable?at any age.The basis for any recovery plan for anxiety disorders is a highly structured approach each day. Mathew provides a daily schedule that lays out a clear set of steps and considerations for conquering this affliction, including: writing every day -- cultivating present-moment thinking -- taking a new approach to food and eating -- choosing a therapist starting a peer support group -- using visualization techniques specifically designed for overcoming anxiety and panic taking medications, if appropriate -- dealing with children, spouse, parents, friends, coworkers, teachers, bosses, and more -- taking your first trip out of the house Mathew includes FAQs, general survival tips, and a special chapter on tips for spouses and loved ones. Un-Agoraphobic is candid, funny, prescriptive, and spot on for panic disorders - by an author with a lot of life experience under his belt"--

Book Synopsis

Retrain Your Brain and Take Your Life Back from Phobias

"Mathew not only delivers assurance to those suffering from panic attacks and agoraphobia but provides a way through difficult situations." ―Deborah Bigelow, Library Journal

Hal Mathew knows what it's like to suffer from phobias. For 30 years of his life, he could not leave his home without his phobias overwhelming him. But now, he's sharing with us how he took control of his thinking, found stress and anxiety relief, and overcame his phobias.

You are not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that nearly 1.5% of the U.S. population suffers from agoraphobia at some point in their lifetime. That's 4.5 million people. No matter how alone your phobias may make you feel, there are others out there who understand and who can help. Hal Mathew is one such individual. After three decades of fearing fear, Mathew pieced together a plan for overcoming anxiety and his phobias and resuming a regular life. And it worked.

Retrain your brain, reset your life. Recent neuroscience research shows us that the brain is retrainable―at any age. With this information in mind, Mathew reveals a new way of thinking that allows those who suffer from phobias to take control of their lives. His self-designed phobia treatment, based on neuroscience research, freed him―and he knows it can do the same for others. Mathew guides you through writing practices, visualization techniques, even cooking and eating routines to help you feel anchored and safe and ready to take your first trips out of the house.

Open up Un-Agoraphobic and find:

• Survival tips for those suffering from fears and phobias
• A special chapter for spouses and loved ones
• Freedom from panic disorder and a path to a new life

Readers of Dare, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, The Agoraphobia Workbook, or Badass Ways to End Anxiety & Stop Panic Attacks! will benefit from Un-Agoraphobic by Hal Mathew.

Review Quotes

"Using his own experience and what he's
learned in support groups and counseling sessions, journalist Mathew sets out
to assist victims of agoraphobia overcome their panic attacks and anxiety.
After giving basic information about the condition, he proposes a highly
structured hour-by-hour plan for each day, which entails journaling, performing
relaxation exercises, learning a new skill, and rewiring one's brain. The
author's advice on seeking help from therapists and lawyers as well as dealing
with partners and bosses rounds out the text. VERDICT: Mathew not only
delivers assurance to those suffering from panic attacks and agoraphobia but
provides a way through difficult situations." ―Deborah
Bigelow, Library Journal

About the Author

Hal Mathew was born and raised in Billings, MT. He began his writing and editing career at The Billings Gazette. Despite being plagued by panic disorder and agoraphobia, his journalism career included several other newspapers and a wire service. With UnAgoraphobic he has created a way for those suffering with continual anxiety and panic attacks to reclaim their lives. He makes pottery, gardens, and writes in his adopted home of Salem, Oregon. Visit Hal online at www.unagoraphobic.com.