Diagonally-Parked in a Parallel Universe : Working Through Social Anxiety

Rating:
Summary: Answer to desperation
Review: My teachers got so angry and frustrated with me because I couldn't do the simplest report in front of the class or work in groups. What made matters worse is that I got so anxious I couldn't talk to them about it. They said they thought I was being a baby and should stop making excuses and shape up. I was desperate when Diagonally-Parked rescued me. Every day now I make baby steps toward my goals and this is making a big difference. A couple of my teachers have commented on the positive change and offered encouragement. I'm so glad I found this book for school and so much more.

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Summary: Empowerment
Review: Before this book empowerment was something other people had. I felt powerless and defenseless. Nothing I did seemed to work for me. I thought I had no effect on my life at all. I believed no matter what I did I never would. Amazingly this book has changed my way of thinking. I believe good things are possible for me. I am gaining control of my SP and my life. I see I do have a hand in creating my own destiny. I know better now what I want that destiny to be.

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Summary: Provides a much needed kick in the pants
Review: Getting motivated to do something about SA/SP is very tough. My problem has been that I want to change but at the same time I don't. Change means risk and I don't much like risk. But this book helped me see the pluses and minuses of changing and staying the same so I could work through my ambivalence. Then it showed me how to deal with risk and make decisions. The author's strong but gentle guidance is just what I needed to help me jump start my motivation to get me working on my recovery.

Rating:
Summary: Essential reading
Review: Whether you have SAD or know someone who does, this book is essential reading. Despite all the recent media coverage, this disorder is still mostly invisible to professionals and the public. This is a gold mine of needed information, assistance, and support for everyone.

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Summary: Another great book by Dr. Dayhoff
Review: When I was at Pepperdine University in the late 1980s, one of the required course books was "Create Your Own Career Opportunities" by Dr. Signe Dayhoff. A great book about the psychology of marketing yourself which spoke personally to me. When I saw Dr. Dayhoff had written her fifth book about social anxiety, a very important and timely topic, I couldn't have been more thrilled. Everything she writes is so informative, useful, and taps into the reader's psyche. This is without question her best book to date and everyone would benefit immeasurably from reading it.

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Summary: Definitive for Social Phobics
Review: You can keep SP books which talk generally about this disorder but never get into the nitty gritty of our lives. You can toss SP books that are nothing but exercises and give you no real context. You can forget SP books which list research study after research study. What I want in a SP book is depth of information and personal insight. This is what I have found in Diagonally-Parked. It is a good balance of facts and humanity. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Very insightful
Review: I bought this book because I had never understood why a family member ties himself in knots to avoid meeting or talking with people. All I could think was he was trying to get out of things because he was selfish or lazy or both. Most of the time his behavior angered or annoyed me and it showed. Through this book I have gained some insight into how he has suffered all these years. Now I am in a better position to help him help himself. This new understanding has significantly improved our relationship too for which I am supremely grateful.

Rating:
Summary: A Breath of Fresh Air
Review: It is so refreshing to read a book about social anxiety disorder that incorporates all the latest thinking in education, treatment, and resources - not the same old material and limited approaches. While reading this 408-page book takes a while because it has so much of substance to impart, the author's coversational style and sense of humor make it enjoyable reading. Since this is a self-help book with many useful exercises, I've found it particularly useful to read it through once then go back to work on specific areas. Dr. Dayhoff recommends keeping a journal and putting all your exercises it in. This is essential. Since it has so much to offer, this book should be read over and over again then used as a reference.

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable
Review: This book showed me that I'm not "just shy" like my family and friends keep telling me. It's so great to know that the problem I have is treatable and there are lots of ways to make it better. What a big relief! The book shows all the ways to work on it so I can choose what works best for me in different situations and different areas of my life. The emphasis on social effectiveness is a real plus because I know I need lots of help there too. I'm glad I followed my gut on this and stopped listening to my family and friends who don't understand what is really going on with me. This book is like the key to the door to a better life.

Rating:
Summary: This book turned my life around!
Review: If you even think you have SA, you should read this book before you read any other. It teaches you things that are crucial for day to day survival as a person with SA, so it's really worth reading ASAP!