Dare

The New Way To End Anxiety And Stop Panic Attacks Fast

by Barry McDonagh

4.7(6,418 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book introduces a powerful method for facing anxiety head-on. You’ll discover how to stop battling your worries, transform fear into bold action, and restore your confidence when panic strikes.

Introduction

Have you ever felt the grip of anxiety tighten around you, leaving you exhausted and unsure of how to move forward? This introduction sets the stage for what’s to come: a method that challenges our instinct to run from anxiety and instead teaches us to face it courageously.

Rather than relying on strict coping tricks or endless distraction, this approach invites you to change your relationship with fear. Imagine no longer shrinking from the thought of panic but welcoming it, and through that welcome, taking away its power.

You’ll learn why anxiety isn’t simply an enemy to be conquered at all costs. Instead, it can become a guide, pushing you toward growth. Above all, you’ll see that a life free from the limitations of panic and dread is within reach, ready to welcome you back.

The Nature of Anxiety and Panic

Anxiety can feel like a storm arriving without warning. Your heart races, breath shortens, and fearful thoughts spiral out of control. In reality, these sensations are part of your body’s ingrained fight-or-flight mechanism—meant to keep you safe but now triggered by threats that exist mainly in your imagination.

Panic attacks, specifically, often erupt when adrenaline surges inside you, yet the mind can’t find a tangible danger. Because there’s no real calamity, the body’s protective response flares until it’s impossible to ignore. This mismatch of real feelings and perceived threat can leave you doubting your own sanity.

Remember that no matter how intense these waves of fear feel, you’re capable of riding them out. Heightened anxiety isn’t proof of a dire problem—it’s a temporary state resulting from an overprotective and exhausted mind. Recognizing this alone can ease the panic’s grip.

What you fear most is not the sensation of anxiety—but the fear of fear itself.

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What is Dare about?

This book offers readers a practical framework for transforming anxiety into a manageable experience. Instead of battling every worrisome thought, author Barry McDonagh helps you see that allowing anxious sensations to surface can actually loosen their hold on your life. With his clear, four-step DARE method, you learn to approach anxiety with acceptance rather than fear.

By switching from a mentality of avoidance to one of strategic engagement, you discover a fresh sense of freedom. This shift doesn’t ignore the weight of panic attacks; it provides concrete steps for reducing their intensity. In a straightforward voice, the book maps out exactly how you can return to normal routines and rebuild your confidence, even when worry strikes unexpectedly.

Review of Dare

One of this book’s main strengths lies in its accessible formula that readers can apply in any anxious situation. Rather than merely suggesting stress management tricks, McDonagh teaches how to respond directly to anxious thoughts and bodily sensations, so you gradually rewire your reactions. His examples feel realistic, and the DARE sequence is simple enough for daily use yet comprehensive enough to address severe panic episodes.

Throughout its pages, the book remains focused on practical steps—like confronting fears in manageable stages and staying present when symptoms arise. The writing style is conversational, ensuring that anyone living with anxiety, uncertainty, or panic can easily follow the insights. If you’re seeking a proven method to dial down panic and regain confidence, this is a strong recommendation that speaks to both beginners and those who’ve struggled with anxiety for years.

Who should read Dare?

Working professionals with high stress demands who seek effective techniques to manage anxiety and maintain productivity.
Individuals dealing with frequent panic attacks looking for a structured, step-by-step approach to regain control.
People searching for alternatives to medication and quick-fix methods, eager for a deeper understanding of anxiety responses.
Therapists or counselors who want to explore fresh strategies to complement client treatment plans.
Anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant worry and needing a clear, compassionate guide to daily mental calm.

About the author

Barry McDonagh is a best-selling author and creator of the DARE program, specializing in helping people overcome anxiety. He holds a BA from University College Dublin and an HDip in Psychology from The Open University in the UK. With over 10 years of experience, his work has been featured on television and radio across the US, UK, and Australia, and his book "Dare: The New Way To End Anxiety And Stop Panic Attacks Fast" has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide. He is also the author of "Panic Away," which has sold over 80,000 copies.