DARE approach to anxiety by Barry McDonagh

[fromzerotopanic]

Someone mentioned they have had help using this approach to anxiety, and I must say after watching just a few of their videos (esp the frequently asked questions one), it seems like something might just 'take' with this! Seems like it has similar content to what I've read about Clair Weekes perhaps? Has anyone used their app or read the book (I have to look back but I think it was design guy who first mentioned it in a reply!) and have any comments?

[drummerboy1]

do u have a website on these videos or another source/i want to take a look at what you have seen and heard/thx man

[fromzerotopanic in reply to drummerboy1]

I tried to link the youtube video but it wasn't wanting to work. So just go to youtube and search 'dare anxiety program by barry mcdonaugh' and you can even add in "frequently asked questions', or then just search through the playlist. Something might jump out at your you'd rather start with!

They have an app which is free (I just downloaded it so can't really say much as I haven't had a chance to really explore), but they do have a premium membership if you want additional benefits. They have a facebook page with videos, announcements as well as what appears to be a private FB group for those who pay for the premium app. But it seems like there is plenty of info out there free for the general public.

The website is: dareresponse.com/category/s...

Hopefully you'll gain some insight as well, but if not, keep checking out the suggestions others on here have made!

[Beevee]

Not read Dare but would recommend any publication that teaches acceptance to cure chronic anxiety and all symptoms.

If I'm not mistaken, Dr Claire Weekes was the first write about acceptance more than 50 years ago (following her own experience) and others have followed in her footsteps.

Apart from buying a book, dont spend your money on anything else. Nowadays there is a mass of information on the internet. For example, check out anxietynomore.co.uk. This website was created by an ex sufferer who recovered by following the principle of acceptance. He also wrote a couple of books. The website is free and provides alot of information that will help you to recover. It helped me.

[fromzerotopanic in reply to Beevee]

Beevee, it does appear DARE is an extension of Weekes philosophy. I read your posts about C Weekes and it seems that is the way to finally live without being in a constant state of fear/dread. I think the videos from DARE seem to hit home and I seem to be a visual learner more so than just reading! Perhaps since you are familiar with Weekes, you might take a look at a couple of the Dare videos etc to see if you feel they follow the same approach. I don't want to do anything that's not going to be effect! You can either access them on Facebook under "Dare" (not their group you have to join, just their business page) or google them on youtube. I'd be interested in your thoughts! Thanks!

[Beevee]

Telling anxiety that "it can kiss my ass" was all I needed to hear in the first video I found (Dare - Overcoming the fear of anxiety) to know that this is the attitude required.

A businessman had been in a meeting with a client which felt disastrous because he could not concentrate because of self absorption with anxiety and panic (I know the feeling!). Despite this he met the client again 4 days later at the same venue with that kick ass attitude, knowing that he would probably feel just as bad but went any way. That is acceptance.

Speaking from experience, all those small wins achieved by carrying on regardless, will eventually add up to victory. Confidence gained will never be lost, despite setbacks. Your inner voice will grow in strength too and you may even catch yourself muttering those same words the businessman mentioned!

Kick ass!

[Shnookie in reply to Beevee]

Love 💕 that attitude. Even tho my beloved mother who had mental health issues including hospitalization, she came from a tough neighborhood in Bronx,NY and had a kick ass attitude at times. It toughened me up a little bit which was a good thing.

[es27]

I have dare and Claire weekes book. Would say that dare is an updated version for the modern age . Dare has apps and Facebook groups which if I remember correctly you get an invite code in the book . Some of it is free after the purchase of the books others I think are subscribed. Dare also run bootcamps or retreats in Europe and USA. Both are a good read and promote acceptance as a route to recovery .

[fromzerotopanic in reply to es27]

Did you ever attempt the bootcamp? I see it's available online, but can't seem to find any actual reviews from the bootcamp itself.

[es27 in reply to fromzerotopanic]

No . I just remember seeing it on the Facebook page . I don't think there has been any close enough to me also I think it was a lot of money the one I saw must have been pre covid because it was physical not virtual

[Kamgal5]

I just read the book, and it is basically Claire Weekes approach with a slight twist. He does credit Claire Weekes with his approach in the book. The book is very good and worth a read. I haven’t had to use the full approach yet ( thank goodness!), but have used the thought processes to defuse the anxiousness I have gotten with my usual troublesome sensations. I haven’t looked at the download yet- but get almost daily emails since I did. There is a “ tool kit” that they try to get you to purchase as well. It is a little annoying to keep getting the emails, but they also have some inspiration and reminders in them. I won’t purchase anything, so I will just unsubscribe- but read the book. It is empowering.

[fromzerotopanic in reply to Kamgal5]

Great to hear another review and how it is working for others. It is a bit of a pain when you start to get slammed with emails, but if it's going to help, I'll tolerate it!

[cheekalo37]

I bought the book and was so impressed by how it was written. I signed up for the full app which opened up many more helpful resources that I use daily. It doesn’t cost much for a year subscription and is well worth it to me. I’ve also joined their Facebook group. Connecting with others who share similar issues and reading about how they handle anxiety is helpful…much like this forum, healthunlocked.com.

[fromzerotopanic in reply to cheekalo37]

I didn't think the monthly price for the premium upgrade was bad either. Im just working through what's available for free right now, but will most likely sign up, esp to have access to the group!

[EndUser13]

I read the book and tried their program. I was underwhelmed and felt like the book was full of filler with vague ideas Barry (admittedly) borrowed from others but failed to flesh out. I can see where the DARE response might be helpful for someone with general anxiety (in a milder sense) but as someone with PTSD and panic disorder I felt like the book was out of touch with my needs and a bit annoyed that it has great reviews but never made sense.

[fromzerotopanic in reply to EndUser13]

From what I'm gathering, we all have to research until we can find 'the' one approach that will help us! THankfully there seems to be many out there from which we can choose. Hopefully we can all find 'the' one!

[designguy]

Yes, The DARE program is based on Dr. Weekes work and he credits her in his book. The thing I like about the DARE program is that it has an "active" aspect to it by actively engaging the anxious thoughts and feelings and "daring" to bring it on and even make them more intense. It's a means to get you to embrace them, tolerate them and ultimately accept them. The majority of anxiety sufferers are intelligent, problem solvers wanting to know how to do or fix something and this approach can offer that. I love the youtube videos of Michelle Cavanaugh, his assistant and coach, she is so good at simply explaining things.

For me, getting over panic attacks was easy by following Dr. Weekes approach and just letting them float over me but I still continued to suffer from anxiety. I was diagnosed with general anxiety, tried meds which helped some but I still had anxiety. I realized that I was actually suffering from social anxiety and c-ptsd from childhood bullying and growing up in n emotionally repressive home environment. I was shamed and punished for expressing anger and standing up fr myself. I did a social anxiety self-study program because there were no social anxiety therapists near me and started working with a trauma therapist who used emdr therapy. I also started practicing mindfulness which has been very helpful for learning to detach and observe my anxious thoughts and feelings. I also found the book At Last A Life by Paul David to be helpful.

Investigating and knowing why and how you developed anxiety disorder can be valuable also for getting the appropriate knowledge and therapy. Learning that anxiety's role is to protect us at any cost is important in understanding it and therefore learning to never believe your anxious thoughts and feelings is key to recovery. It's a part of us that we have to accept and not constantly try to reject. I think whatever means you use to realize this for yourself and have it become real for you is what is important.

[fromzerotopanic in reply to designguy]

I am really enjoy listening to Michelle on Dares videos! Very down to earth, simple explanations. I’m sorry you had such a rough time in your childhood. It’s amazing how much damage can be done to a child without laying a hand on them. I’m glad you’ve found the help you need, and this shows just how many different avenues we might have to try before we find the one that sticks!

[designguy]

Thanks and I'm glad you're enjoying Michelle, she is great at simplifying and is funny too. One of the things i've also found the DARE program good for is using it to remind me when I get stuck or in a setback, as a reference as to how anxiety works and to get back on track.