If you have health anxiety, this is the book to read. So much helpful information to help get you on your way to feeling normal again.

The Anxiety Guy podcast, books, and online videos have really been a lifesaver to me. I have suffered through health anxiety for almost 20 years and found his YouTube videos several years ago. They have really been a game changer. His positivity and helpful tips on how to calm down and breathe have really helped, while all the therapists I have seen over the years did not give nearly as much insight. Thank you!

This book was my introduction to a new life! Gentle, loving and patient therapy to start living again! Also being a part of Dennis’s health anxiety university community has been a blessing. Being amongst like minded and kind people of the group makes all the difference in the world. Safest place I have ever been 🥰 easing back into learning to trust again.

Dennis does a wonderful job guiding anxiety sufferers through step by steps to calming and reprogramming the anxious mind. If you or someone you love suffers from anxiety, I would highly recommend this book. I’m ready to read another one of his!

I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for Dennis and this book. I follow Dennis on all social media channels, which lead me to first purchasing this book on Audible and now a hard copy to highlight and have by my side. Dennis is informative and honest, he provides all the means necessary to heal, talks about wins, setbacks, and everything that is “normal” in this health anxiety journey. There is not one stone left unturned and I resonate with all of it. I’m still a work in progress but I have found the trust I need to know that by following his lead, I can finally heal. The book is easy to understand. I highly recommend it to anyone who is suffering from health anxiety. It’s like I’ve finally found someone who understands.

I read about 70 pages and still didn’t understand a bit of what the author was getting at. This is flighty, airy hocum with nothing tangible to offer anyone who isn’t similarly flighty, airy and fond of hocum. Was wondering where all the rave reviews were coming from, then sussed it: YouTube fans. Perhaps his videos are better than his writing. They must be… If you are looking for meaningful and clear direction, read a sample chapter before purchasing.

This is an amazing book! Honestly if you have health anxiety or just anxiety buy this book!

I really feel Dennis is very informative and his message about health anxiety speaks truth. I only wish he had included some actual guidance to help begin the journey to let go of the fear, and teach ourselves to self love. I know I can find that in other books, however having it all in one book could help the reader instantly start working on the change they want to see in themselves. I think the reason some people can’t get rid of the health anxiety is because they need concrete exercises to begin the process.

I have a medical degree and you still have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to figure this out.

Makes you even more anxious trying to understand it.

I highly recommend Dennis Simsek books. He can relate to everything with Anxiety because he’s been through it himself. When reading this book I finally felt understood. Great information in this book and well worth buying.

Updating this to a 5 star review even thought I disliked some of the acoustic properties (plosives) in this recording.

The content and the extremely relevant and reusable concepts are too important for a lower rating than 5. I have listened to this book like 4 times in 4 months because some of these ideas are more like mantras to be reused in a practice, vs just entertaining aphorisms. I have been getting better, but I also have been having some issues with relapse as might be expected for anyone, and this is overwhelmingly the book I turn to.

Like the author, I come from a mixed high pressure and abusive childhood background involving athletic narcissism, and many times during this book, I feel Like Dennis is living inside my head. There must be some kind of predictable neuroses or coping mechanisms that are overwhelmingly adopted by over-pressured children that give them these anxiety disorders, and Dennis seems like has done a complete exploration of the problem, in order to guide other sufferers.

I have his other books, but this is the best one. In F Coping, the vocal styling seems like he is trying to be some cheeky podcaster. I am glad he got over that. The calm, sensible delivery of this book is the perfect style for anxiety sufferers. People who are not anxious may find the delivery boring, but during over-stimulated moments, it is absolutely perfect delivery and its very shrewd of him to go in that direction. Moreover, sometimes if I am lying down, the voice will lull me into a nap, which also super welcome during any kind of anxiety situation, since sleep deprivation is part of the problem.

I like the repeated attention given to inner child work, as well. I think the concept comes from Jung originally, but it’s since been accepted and expanded on by other forms of psychotherapy, most aptly, in my opinion, Internal Family Systems. My spouse does Internal Family Systems, and I see a lot of echoes of that structure in Dennis’ work, whether intentional or accidental.

This is a great guide which takes you step by step with practical advice to get you to the other side – the side of freedom. Great work .

I have read all of Dennis’s books and this one spoke to me about the daily care we need to address when dealing with not just health anxiety, but anxiety in general. Dennis takes a comprehensive view of health anxiety and conveys to readers that there is healing. I relate to the terminology he uses in all his books and feel much stronger after reading and rereading them. This is a handbook for all anxiety sufferers and a must read for those who want to support and help. We are all warriors looking for peace.

I have dealt with health anxiety for the majority of my life. I have tried so many things to help deal with it and by far the thing that has helped the most are Dennis’ videos and this book! If you are also suffering, please buy this book, I promise it will help you!

Best book ever !!!!!

Dennis Simsek’s resources are a must have for anyone who struggles with anxiety. This book in particular for people with health anxiety. It is an easy read with practical, effective solutions that can really change your life.

I’m not gonna lie; i’m a Dennis fanboy but sometimes all it takes is a nugget of info to change everything and Dennis’ book (and other content) is filled with them. For the past 14 years, I have lived with debilitating panic attacks and health anxiety and looked everywhere for help. CBT, CBD, books, podcasts and prescribed meds but nothing made the same kind of impact as what I’ve learned from Dennis! Check this one out!

I have read all of Dennis Simsek’s books to date. This particular book is a great place to start or end your journey! He provides key insights into anxiety and most importantly, the whys and how’s it impacts your life. No matter where you are in your own anxiety timeline, this book will help!

This book is healing and also so informative about health anxiety. I have struggled for years and Dennis and his books have literally been a blessing! If you have health anxiety, get this book asap!

Dennis is a mastermind. I really enjoy his podcasts and listening to him verbally share his insight knowledge and experience so not only did I purchase the book but I went and purchased the audible as well. There is so much knowledge to gain from this book. As someone who has suffered from health anxiety for 30 years this book has changed my life, it’s given me the tools and resources to put to use to heal not only my health anxiety but my perception of my thoughts and bodily symptoms. I no longer carry the mentality of having to live my life suffering or being addicted to suffering, I can in fact heal my anxiety.

“Healing doesn’t mean happiness, healing means to trust and have faith.” As Dennis would call it, this was a more than anxiety moment for me. Living with such a fear of uncertainty and of the unknown I always based my happiness around my healing, and this clicked I can let go of worrying about never finding happiness through my healing all I have to do is trust that I can heal trust that my body is a safe space and that my thoughts are just that, thoughts. I have the power to change my limiting beliefs by trusting in myself.

This book also brought me a sense of comfort, not in a way of needing reassurance but in a way of knowing that I am not alone. So much of my life started to make sense while listening to his health anxiety podcast so I just knew that this book would really benefit me. I also am in the middle of Dennis’s Inner circle program and I have never felt more at peace in my life and in my skin in all my 36 years of life.

Dennis truly is a godsend. Everyone can take something from reading this book but a health anxiety sufferer can really change their life.

If you’re looking for a guide to HEAL health anxiety this books for you! Dennis provides a gentle and complete guide to healing yourself from the anguish of health anxiety first hand as he was once there himself. He is a 1 warrior and deeply cares about helping those of us break free to enjoy life!

He’s helping you realize what you know but don’t see. A necessary part of the healing journey.

This is the 3rd book I have purchased from Dennis, I urge anyone who is struggling mentally or physically to invest in this book. (Or any of his books which speak out to you, there all fantastic) Dennis understands and has a really special gift to be able to relay this to you through the book. The books have almost become a go to bible and probably will to you too once you have read.

Thank you personally Dennis. God bless you.

I feel immensely grateful to get my hands on this book. It has helped me through my darkest days. It allowed me to look at parts of my childhood differently and now I feel absolutely different. This book will allow you to change your meaning and perspectives around life and on your body which in turn will help you change how you feel 🙂 Thank you

“My name is Dennis Simsek and I am healed from health anxiety.”

This powerful statement begins The Essential Guide to Health Anxiety, which is, as the title promises, far more than just Simsek’s story, but a truly essential guide to what can be a stepping stone on the path to a full life, rather than an identity or a life sentence.

Simsek theorises that the pain and suffering of health anxiety is linked to our inability to connect our feelings and beliefs with our conscious perceptions. We stand permanently on guard, identifying the threat in all things – what Simsek calls “preventititis”. Stuck in this survival mode, “our mind, body and spirit never get the chance to see things as they really are.” Working with this book will change all that.

The Essential Guide consists of 19 chapters, throughout which Simsek gently guides the reader to view terrifying reactions to symptoms and panic attacks not as a catastrophe, a mental illness, or an identity, but to dismiss them as merely a bundle of habits – habits which are changeable, using the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and neurolinguistic programming (NLP) inspired concepts introduced in his guide.

From reframing, changing our mental, verbal, behavioural, and physiological habits, to mapping meditation, breathing exercises, and chair coaching, Simsek introduces the reader to a broad toolkit of small ways to make significant difference. Rather than focusing on “fixing” health anxiety, Simsek provides readers with ways become disinterested in symptoms, and reengaged in life. To question why we associate worry with care, desire control, or only hear the one negative thing mentioned among nine positive ones. To recognise that thinking is not the same as overthinking, that our body and mind are in a constant, two-way conversation.

Many “self-help” or “health-related” books are little more than thinly-disguised marketing tools for additional products. Similarly, many books by authors with a large online back catalogue are little more than a hastily thrown-together assemblage of their blog posts or podcast scripts. Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to Simsek’s book. The Essential Guide to Health Anxiety directs the reader to free YouTube resources at every turn (many of which were created by the author), with zero spruiking. Although he does offer training via his website, Simsek truly lives up to his declared goal of helping you “be your own guide”. The best health anxiety support, he assures us “is within your own conscious mind”, and The Essential Guide is truly a stand-alone resource that will help anyone willing to engage with it fully.

Some of the advice in The Essential Guide was new to me, much of it, as I have already done a lot of reading on this topic, was familiar. What was new, however, was Simsek’s explanations about why I should try these techniques. I have always considered myself more of a “words” than a “visual” person, and never really tried visualisation as a result. But, as Simsek explains, visual images are far more potent to our “reptile brain” than words and logic. It makes sense that we cannot “logic” our way out of irrational beliefs – if that were the case, we would never hold these fears after the first time we realise they are irrational. Familiarity, Simsek explains, “often overpowers logic”, and for this reason, we need to change the familiar script, the familiar images, the familiar behaviours.

In his podcasts, Simsek mentions that he was aided in his own journey by the work of Dr. Claire Weekes, and although not explicitly mentioned here, that influence is evident in The Essential Guide. Something both authors have in common, aside from their emphasis on being gentle to oneself, and having patience, is the fact that both have themselves recovered from health anxiety. Or, as Simsek phrases it “growing out of anxiety”. I see that these two authors’ books appear as frequently bought together on Amazon, and I would heartily recommend both. Weekes provides a doctor’s perspective, and has more of a focus on what causes physiological symptoms, while Simsek provides a professional athlete’s perspective, and has more of a focus on developing the tools to dismiss the symptoms once we understand them. (As a side note, I have never considered myself anything close to an athlete, so it was a surprise to discover how much I related to Simsek’s story. Perfectionism, over-achievement, and immense pressure – self-imposed and/or internalised from others – are essentially the same, no matter the field.)

Simsek knows first-hand how unhelpful it is to be given “advice” such as “stop worrying” – even though that’s exactly when anxiety sufferers need to do. Many people with anxiety lament the fact that they simply don’t know how to stop worrying. “People use the word ‘how’ to justify not knowing what to do to heal when, in fact, they simply don’t trust deeply enough in what they already know”. By implementing the simple, achievable morning and evening routines Simsek suggests, not knowing what to do can no longer be an excuse. Aligned once more with Weekes, Simsek also cautions against trying too hard, fighting, or doing too many things at once. The most important message I took away from this book was to focus on the 10-second window between experiencing a negative feeling or symptom, and placing a new meaning behind it or reaction to it.

Additionally, Simsek explains why it is important to be open to learning from unexpected sources. I’ve experimented with mantras before and found them the opposite of helpful. Having read The Essential Guide, I can now identify why – the language I was using focused too much on what I hoped for, on feelings I wasn’t feeling. The suggested “Here, now” is much more neutral. Prior to reading this book, I am certain I would have dismissed ideas like “color breathing” out of hand. But because Simsek provides all of the necessary groundwork for my logical “monkey” brain to give these techniques a chance, my “lizard” brain is now experiencing forms of reprogramming I wouldn’t have attempted before.

Although the steps Simsek recommends are straightforward, well-justified, and well-explained, simple does not mean easy. The journey is, necessarily, emotional. But as he explains, in order to truly deal with anxiety, to ensure our anxiety about health doesn’t disappear, only to pop up as a different form of anxiety, we need to stop just “coping” with it. Coping, he says, is like shoving all of the clothes and other things scattered around your house into the cupboard to give the outward appearance of organisation, when you know, in the back of your mind, as soon as you reopen the closet, the mess will fall out again.

Over and over, Simsek emphasises having patience with yourself, and patience with the process of healing. “When I plant a seed (new direction) and water it often,” he says “I don’t sit next to the flower to see if its growing”. The process, he acknowledges, is a frustrating one. Healing is not linear, and setbacks are inevitable. But when we understand these “setbacks” as opportunities to practice what we have learnt, when we have patience, the glimpses of what Simsek calls the “After Life” – a life post-anxiety – make it all worthwhile. After all, anxiety does not protect us “it just gives the illusion”.

The Essential Guide to Health Anxiety does not have a reference list. Usually, this is something I would look for, but, given Simsek’s plausible claims that we cannot logic our way out of anxiety, I wonder if this was, in fact, a deliberate choice. A list of recommended readings might become yet another excuse to feel as if I need to do more research before implementing anything. It does contain an extensive glossary to help the reader make sense of the terms used in the book, though I found it largely unnecessary as every concept was explained so well in the text (the only one I wanted to see more clarification of was “alpha/theta brainwave state”).

Dennis Simsek’s The Essential Guide to Health Anxiety is, hands down, the best book on health anxiety I have read. But I suspect it will be useful for people with many kinds of anxiety – general anxiety, dental anxiety, social anxiety – and parts of it may be useful for people with psychosomatic conditions, or indeed, any illness which is exacerbated by stress, regardless of cause. As the author acknowledges, many forms of health anxiety begin with oversensitisation due to actual pain from illness or injury.

If you have never come across Dennis’ work before, I highly recommend you listen to a few episodes of his podcast or watch a few episodes of his YouTube channel and get to know him. This helped me greatly in trusting Dennis as an author to guide me on this journey. If you are already a fan of his work, I recommend The Essential Guide to Health Anxiety without hesitation. This is a well-organised, enlightening, and invigorating book which adds so much value to the wealth of information Dennis has already put out there. Thank you Dennis!

I definitely recommend if you struggle with anxiety. Everything is explained in great detail from someone who has struggled with this. This book will also give you the tools you need to move forward.

What an amazing gift Dennis is to those of us with anxiety and panic issues,I love my life now!!!!Thank you for everything you do!!!

Another amazing book by Dennis. So much gratitude and respect for this man who has helped change many peoples lives.

You aren’t alone! First step is buying this book! Watch his videos and start his programs!

Finding Dennis’ channel on YouTube has changed my life, and then getting this book is like my handbook to the change I need to make in my life. In addition to the health anxiety course he has this has made my healing better than any paid therapy or therapist I have ever had. Look no further if you need advice on healing health anxiety.

I have read many books on anxiety, but Dennis has a way of writing that truly helps. He is very knowledgeable and has walked in our shoe’s. This is hands down the best health anxiety book out there. Nothing has helped me as much as he has.

This is THE BEST information I have ever read on health anxiety. Dennis understands exactly what I go through on a daily basis. The lessons in this guide are invaluable for helping anyone to overcome this struggle. Highly recommend! So grateful to have found Dennis and his wisdom in this book.

I am so grateful to have been introduced to you by a friend. You’ve answered All My doubts and my queationable fears. I cannot thank you enough. i have purchased ALL your books and It’s been life changing after learning so much from what your share with the world. Many Blessing to you and your amazing family Robyn and Hyatt. The kindest pure hearted people in the world because of yall I KNOW this world is a beautiful place and GOOD people are here. ALL of your books are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. We are more than Anxiety.

Dennis Simsek is an incredible author and teacher. He completely changed the way I think about anxiety and taught me so much about trusting myself. I can’t thank him enough for the lessons I’ve learned while reading his books!

The best thing I’ve ever read regarding my health anxiety I read the whole book in the space of 48 hours and felt the effects of its words on me instantaneously, obviously healing is from within but the words in this book definitely help guide you As sad as it is, I found myself crying at intervals, big of sadness but just at how much it resonated with me, made me feel I am not alone and this anxiety can be beaten.

Dennis is also very active on social media with tons of valuable insight from a once sufferer himself. Do check out his YouTube videos and other content online.

Quoting Dennis, remember “you are more than anxiety”.

Fellow Warrior.

Everything you need to know, and every question you have about Health Anxiety are answered within the pages of this book. Look no further! Dennis Simsek takes your anxiety healing seriously. Along with his first-hand knowledge, and broad education, Dennis has poured his heart and soul into this essential guide to educate you and teach you how to heal from Health Anxiety. Please don’t hesitate…this book is waiting for you!

This book and implementing what’s inside is changing my life. I once thought there was no way out. Now I know its just a bunch of lies I’ve been telling myself.

Yet another great book from Dennis! I have suffered from health anxiety for years and I am here to tell you Dennis knows his stuff. His help has been life changing for me. This book is a must have if you suffer from health anxiety. It is truly an easy read and so insightful. Those who suffer or have suffered from this affliction can relate to this book and it’s teachings. Dennis has been there and you can tell because his guidance is so helpful, insightful, and loving! Do yourself a favor and read and apply the guidance from this book if you truly want to overcome health anxiety. So grateful for Dennis and all the tools he has provided me to become a warrior in this health anxiety fight!!

I found Dennis work mid 2021 through his YouTube videos and later on moved onto his books on Amazon. Each book has taught me something else about the process and explained why I was feeling the way I was. After following his guidance I managed to heal my Health Anxiety therefore, I picked up this book as a ‘survivor’ in the anxiety afterlife (his book Beyond Anxiety talks about this!). When reading this book multiple times, both at home and by the sea….so many ‘a, ha!’ moments, moments of ‘that was me’ which was always the case when I first found Dennis on YouTube. Reading this book made me realise how far I have come since that time in my life where I was beyond repair, or so I thought. If you are suffering from Anxiety, more so Health Anxiety…please get this book and study it. I wish this would have been available when I first discovered I had this type of Anxiety.

Mathew

Dennis does he again . I’ve read all of his previous books . This one also really speaks for I am all health anxiety. I’m taking my time reading those making notes to come back to re reading . I love how he call us anxiety warriors and we can heal . Most hopeful person out there on this. I believe it ! Dennis also has many awesome podcast and videos it all goes hand in hand with his books . Just amazing.

This book along with all of his books are must reads if you’re looking to HEAL anxiety! His no fluff, get to the root cause and change anxiety at the deepest level and not just put a band aid on it….. that is why I love his work! He changed my life & if he was able to do that for me then can do the same for you!!! 10 Stars — Must Read

Grateful + Blessed

I’ve been suffering from Health Anxiety that’s been caused by Generalized Anxiety Disorder for a long time. My GAD also has roots to Borderline Personality Disorder so for me actually reading this book and understanding it deeply has had a great impact in my life.

It’s full of AHAA moments that truly inspire you to see yourself, your traumas and everything in a new light. The book also has manh great tools that are required when healing from Health Anxiety.

This is a journey, and to fully commit this book will be a great guide for you. Then your 1 healing will begin. It’s not about coping and managing. It’ moving forward and actually dealing with things that have caused you pain for so many years. Pick this book up for an affordable price and see yourself transform into the person you we’re meant to be.

A lot of love and happiness to you all.

-Anxiety Recoverer Codeej

This book is FULL of helpful information. Easy to read, clarifies the health anxiety symptoms and really makes you understand what exactly is happening and how to heal. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you, Dennis

Life long health anxiety sufferer and psychoanalysis participant here. Dennis’s personal insight via social media posts, YouTube videos and published works, have served more direct help to me than cumulative psychological copays of over three decades. Indispensable. They say the best help for an addict is a prior addict. The same goes here. The book is a fearless BLESSING like it’s author.

Thank you once again Dennis! I am very familiar with Dennis’ work and this book represents the next positive step in the evolutionary process. Dennis Simsek is sincere about helping people and tirelessly shares his insight and experience in order to help others to heal. There is great individual value in each of his publications, videos, podcasts and programs, and this book incorporates it all in some way. The information is clear and concise and efficient. It connects the dots in a way that gives you a 1 understanding of how to heal through updating your belief system while gaining invaluable knowledge about how anxiety manifests itself as a symptom. I would highly recommend any of his books to anyone who needs to heal from anxiety and other symptoms. You don’t have to neglect your emotional health anymore. Healing is more than just solving problems. It’s also about opening yourself up to many wonderful possibilities that you’ve pushed aside for too long.

Dennis understands, explains, and truly guides every reader and listener to find their path of healing anxiety. It’s a 1 blessing to have this book, The Essential Guide to Health Anxiety available where many can find the answers they seek in their anxiety healing journey.

I suffered from health anxiety for many many years. I thought it was just who I was. Reading this book made me realize it’s not who I am it’s what I’m doing and that I can be healed. This book changed my life and I’m forever grateful to Dennis! Must read!

what a wonderful book this is so helpful in healing. you went through anxiety too.

Dennis is a healer. He’s the real deal. A kind soul who has been through hell of his own and has became a master. I used to suffer from severe health anxiety many years ago, I struggled terribly for about three years until I found Dennis’s YouTube videos. I watched them over and over, took notes, implemented his strategies, practiced his mindset – I truly gave myself to his teachings. I can say, I was able to befriend anxiety and it’s not an issue anymore. Life is full of joy and I embrace uncertainty. His books are GOLD. Priceless. This one will not disappoint. His best yet – if you truly listen, implement his wisdom (he is a warrior of health anxiety himself) you WILL heal. Fully and beautifully.

I unknowingly suffered like many… with something going on health wise that would rear it’s ugly head sporadically. I would even go to the ER! And leave with no answers With the help and guidance of this excellent read, I have learned the needed steps to put the anxiousness aside… and learned that my childhood trauma, the ‘super woman’ mentality.. my perfectionism… all lead to my health anxiety issues and overwhelming dizziness etc! Excellent read. Very healing to

Start the steps. Highly recommend!

This book is a great tool for any type of anxiety. Shows you how to heal and move past anxiety and learn lessons along the way. Helpful tips to live your life to the fullest and see the world in a new way. Unlike you have seen before. Knowing that the author Dennis Simsek had anxiety and healed from it using these tools and understanding from this book is very powerful. Just Amazed at what you can learn from the right person.

Those battling with anxiety of any sort will benefit from the authentic, caring, and well thought out discussion between Dennis and the reader in this latest installation from “The Anxiety Guy”.

I personally have benefitted from working with Dennis, specifically in reading his books and listening to his podcasts.

Remember, “you are more than anxiety.” thanks again Dennis!

This is a must read if you have ever suffered from health anxiety. With Dennis’s real-life experience so similar to mine makes me really value what he has to say. I have followed his programs and podcasts and now having this book to refer to is making my healing journey so much easier. Read this book, I guarantee that once you realize the simplicity of how to heal, you will never have to suffer again. Thanks to Dennis,

I am FINALLY living the life I deserve ANXIETY FREE!!!!

I was able to get an advanced copy of this book and it has been a comforting companion on my nightstand ever since. I frequently reach for it when intrusive thoughts arise and need that kick in the pants to snap out of it. I love how detailed and thoughtful the chapters are and how relatable and understood I feel with this guide. My personal favorite chapters are The Fear of Passing Health Anxiety onto Our Children and Believing in Your Good Health.

I have been following Dennis on YouTube for years. This book is great and very helpful. It helps you figure out why you have the symptoms you have and what you can do about them. Highly recommend it.

This book has given me so much clarity on my anxiety I’m finally able to take the steps needed to heal and not just deal!