Anxiety Disorder Book By Lee Wellman
How an Anxiety Disorder Knocked Me Down,
and How I got Back Up

A book by Lee Wellman, Published by Tucket Publishing, LLC.

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Have you ever felt like you were having a heart attack? Have you ever felt inexplicable worry or irrational and overwhelming panic and fear? If so, then chances are you’ve had an anxiety or panic attack at some point in your life. Or perhaps you cannot relate to what I describe. Anxiety might simply be a part of your personality and your everyday demeanor, what you might even consider to be a positive trait. For those of you it may be a matter of time before this “positive” anxiety becomes a problem. Without the proper education and knowledge, healthy anxiety can very easily become a disorder.

I struggled with anxiety, panic, and fear for some time, never knowing it was driven by my quarter-life crisis. Some of you may ask: What is a quarter-life crisis? Well, to start, it is a distant relative of the mid-life crisis. It’s a term, coined by psychologist Elliott Jaques in 1965, applied to the period of life immediately following the major changes of adolescence. Many times it relates to life in our twenties and thirties—when some of us think life actually begins and we set out to seek purpose. I was just about to turn thirty when I experienced a quarter-life crisis of my own.

I was at the stage in my life when I was stressing about potential career moves, professional pressures, future financial stability, and finding the right person I might one day marry and potentially start a family with—essentially, I was worried about my life. In addition, I had reached a point where most, if not all, of the goals I had set for myself had been achieved. And unfortunately, at that time I lacked a new set of goals. Unbeknownst to me, the stress and worry I was creating for myself were leading me right down the path towards anxiety, fear, and panic.




I want to share with you my story about how a quarter-life crisis and an anxiety disorder blindsided me and knocked me down one idle winter afternoon. Most importantly, though, I want to tell you how I got back up! I put it all on the line for you to read—my inner thoughts, feelings, fears, and worries. I did so in hope that perhaps you can learn from me and avoid your own awful battle with anxiety. I am confident that this candid memoir will help you do just that. If I had known all that I know today in regard to anxiety, I would never have suffered the way that I had. My ignorance was my downfall.

This book is for any of you who feel that anxiety rules your life. It’s for any of you who feel that your mind may sometimes control you rather than you controlling your mind. This book is even for those of you who feel that you spend too much time worrying and stressing about things to come—events and situations that are in your future (especially things that you can’t control). More generally though, this book is for everyone! Don’t let the title mislead you. Although specific to my thoughts, worries, and lifestyle in my twenties and thirties, this book is for all ages and personalities. A book club comprised of ten sixty year old women said it best, “This book is helpful and insightful whether you are 29 or 59 years old. It’s a great read regardless of whether or not you struggle with an anxiety disorder. Chapter ten, The Cheat Sheet, is some of the best advice I’ve ever read.”

This just goes to show that anxiety affects all of us—just in different ways. For many, it can be controlling, debilitating, and even captive. For others, it might be a lack of appetite or the reason you didn’t sleep well last night. Regardless, this book will help give you a better understanding and perspective about how anxiety is produced by your own thoughts and worries. And, at the very least, it will teach you how to take control of those thoughts and direct them to a healthier place.

This book can educate you, your family and friends, your partner, and even your colleagues—with no bias to age, gender, ethnicity, or background. Whether we talk about it or not, most of us have struggled with anxiety at some point or another. Whether you’re vocal about your issues and battles with anxiety or conform to the societal stigmas that keep most people hush about the topic, rest assured that this book can help you. Perhaps for those of you who do not suffer from anxiety or panic this book will simply highlight what you’ve been doing correctly your entire life (whether innately or subconsciously). At the very least my story will educate and inform you while the skills discussed in this book will solidify what you should continue to do, and that will only make you stronger! For it’s these skills that have been proven to help you live a healthier and happier life—take the first step today.



What People are saying about My Quarter-Life Crisis

What Readers are saying about My Quarter-Life Crisis

  • I read your book - you did a great job on it. It was very well written. I actually plan to read it again. I felt I connected with you from the very beginning, and at some points, I felt very emotional - tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt that your story can help anyone, it does not have to be anxiety but rather any medical issue that one my suffer with. Even people who don’t suffer, it would save them from such suffering down the road. I haven’t been able to stop talking about it. I plan to share it with everybody I see, especially family as I will see them this weekend for the Holiday. I wish you well with your health and your future - you are an amazing guy - be PROUD!!!!!!! Thanks for your words - you are a blessing.
  • I just read your book cover to cover from NY to San Fran and I can't articulate how moved I am. I am so impressed that you owned your feelings and found tools to manage your anxiety. This book meant more to me know than ever since I have been feeling more anxious with the engagement and a promotion at work.......seems odd since I feel that I have "arrived" but as you explain in your book, the more opportunities you have in life the more complex the decisions.

  • I can't thank you enough for laying out the steps to help manage this anxiety/depression. Going forward, I will try not to rush to compose my life... But instead take a moment to breath and enjoy the present. You deserve a standing ovation!
  • Lee, your book came at a time in my life when I needed it most. I had been dealing with overwhelming anxiety for some time now and never realized what was causing it, how to manage it, and most importantly what to do about it. After reading your book not only did I no longer feel alone and depressed, but I felt inspired and full of hope. I hadn’t felt this way in almost two years. The fact is: I was a short while from giving up! Yes, giving up. Without sounding too dramatic, Lee, your book and your story saved my life! Thank you.
  • This is a great book! It speaks to something that a lot of people—including me—can relate to. Worrying about the future, not the present, basically describes my life. I try to force myself to enjoy now—especially with the kids—but I struggle with it. Anyway, love the book. I am proud of you for being so brave.
  • Best book I’ve ever read, seriously! I commend you for breaking the stigmas in which society views anxiety as something that affects weak or timid people. You are anything but! I think that is why I resonated and loved your story so much. You are the type of man who many, if not all, of us aspire to be. Don’t let anyone tell you differently, you are one of the strongest young men I have ever met and have accomplished what some of us can only dream about and wish for. And to share your story to help others only speaks volumes about you and morals. I applaud you.
  • WOW. It’s so relatable.…..and in a sense, more then that. It’s nice to hear a point of view from someone that is around your age that really knows what its all about. I was sick of reading books by people who were twice my age and mostly doctors trying to empathize with me. its more like having a chat with a friend who really relates. I have my good days and bad…and mostly, I keep it to myself these days. In a sense, it’s my way of dealing with it. It’s something I deal with internally and probably will for the rest of my life. Thanks for sharing it with me. It hits home….
  • Your book brought tears to my eyes. I truly loved it. I especially loved the quote you shared from your college graduation—something about those who plan their lives too carefully will be hit hard once reality sets in. Everything I expected and planned for my life has blown up into pieces, and year after year, it doesn't seem to get any easier or ever fall into place. Your book really spoke to me and made me feel better that I'm not the only one shocked by my inability to control the direction of my future. I'm very impressed.
  • Hats off to you, man! A remarkable feat in the book itself, but simply an exceptional effort in what you accomplished with the book - and in your life! Forget the fact that simply authoring a book would go down in my book as remarkable - but you have taken it up about 10 notches by writing such a touching and relevant book that will undoubtedly forever change the lives of so many people who will have a friend care enough to recommend it or find it during one of their Google searches trying to learn about the feelings that are causing them concern.
  • I admire you, and I am proud to work for the same company as someone with such deep self-awareness and then the guts and initiative to help others on their journey
  • I’ve never read a book that had such an impact on me and my life. I’ve never suffered with an anxiety disorder (especially to the level you did) but find anxiety presents itself in my life to a point that affects my mood, demeanor, and sometimes even my decisions. After reading your book I am going to change my life, both my perception and the way I approach situations. The Cheat Sheet Chapter truly opened my eyes to a style of living that was leading me down the wrong path. Thank you for your book, here’s one guy whose life you changed!
  • Lee, I read your book in a day and thought it was FANTASTIC. You are right when you say you do not want to go back to the person that you were before the panic attacks, it makes you a better and stronger person. Now you can enjoy life in a better way and relax and let things happen. It is exhausting trying to control everything around you. I too have suffered from those attacks. When reading your book it was great to see that you had the insight and strength to help yourself and learn about this disorder. It is not a weakness to take medication or to ask for help. There are so many of us that suffer from this disorder, and with books like yours so many people will be helped. It certainly helped me to reach out to friends and family to talk about what was going on with me. No, I wasn't going CRAZY! Someone once said to me that there is no such thing as "being normal", and that certainly is true. No man is an island and we all need help along the way. Life sure gives us some speed bumps, we must make the best of them good or bad. I wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year
  • I just finished reading your book this morning. It has been a tremendous help to me so far. I had my first attack in September of 2005 and had no idea about anxiety/panic or its effects. I have taken the same course over the past year in educating myself, therapy and corresponding with the wonderful people on this board. The one mistake I feel I have made over the past year is that this will simply go away. Your book really enforced what I knew in the back of my mind, that this is a continual journey of getting better and maintaining. The cheat sheet and the list of life goals are great. Also your openness with those around you regarding your anxiety disorder should be commended. Thank you.
  • A friend of mine forwarded me this e-mail. I had no idea you wrote a book. Anyway, good luck with that, I hope it becomes a top seller. I bought it to read. I suffer from anxiety too, I got rushed to the hospital once thinking I was dying...it's pretty scary when you lose control of your body. I still fight with it, but it's gotten a lot better! I think being in your twenties is tough for a lot of people, especially over achievers...so I'm glad you touched upon it. Looking forward to reading your book.
  • Lee, you are seriously the most incredible kid I have ever come across. I am so proud to call you my friend and am even more proud of you to that you worked through a difficult time in your life.
  • I sent one of your books to my son who just graduated from college and the other to my aging mother-in-law (65 years old). I wasn’t sure if she would appreciate the book as I had expected a generation gap but I was amazed. She read through your book and found her life rolled up into a nutshell. She said she went through so many of the same things you did in her early 40s and wished she had a book like yours to help her. She has been experiencing anxiety for the last twenty years and never found a way to manage it and get it under control. She found your book very useful and even motivating, even at her age.
  • As for my son, he told me at first he was skeptical to read it but found himself drawn in two Sundays ago. He told me after reading the first chapter he couldn’t put it down and read the entire book in five hours. His personality is very much like yours (always trying to be the best and succeed in everything he does) and that is why I sent it to him. To my surprise he loved the book and found your story not only inspiring but very helpful. I’m sure that is why you wrote it, but take it from a very loving mother, your book educated my son on a subject nobody likes to talk about and I’m convinced it will keep him safe from anxiety for years to come. Thank you for your book.
  • I must say it all sounds VERY familiar...from what I have read so far, I probably wouldn't be able to put the book down either. I'm glad you were able to put into words the experience you've had with anxiety. It was/is unconventional how open you are about it. And how much of an impact it had on your life. I hope you are doing well. I can remember the worry, "if you were ever going to feel like yourself again." What's funny is, why would you? Nowadays people learn to deal and live with anxiety and in the end it only makes you a stronger person. Life will throw you curveballs every once in a while, it's if you can learn and survive them is what is important.
  • Rumor has it that you not only have an alias, but are a pretty damn good writer! I have gone to your website and definitely plan to read the book...I must say that I can relate more than you know and look forward to hearing your perspective...
  • Actually this subject hits quite close to home. Not sure if you were aware but I have suffered from agitated depression for sometime and my anxiety can be quite debilitating. That said, you have certainly hit the nail on the head and I can not wait to read it! I already bought it and look forward to reading
  • I had major anxiety disorder after my dad died and after college. I'm lookin' forward to buying/reading it!! Just went through the sample chapter I can totally relate.
  • So I am very impressed that you decided to write about this. What made you want to share your feelings on it? And, I didn't know you were a writer?! Either way, I think it's great! So I know I will prob find out alot of the questions I have after I read the book, but are you taking medicine? I have actually been on medicine since my junior year of college....crazy, huh.
  • Congratulations on publishing this book. I have an order in and look forward to reading it. I've had some conversations with “Lane” and she has shared some hints and tricks that you have passed along to her, so I'm looking forward to gaining more insight from the book. I've had kind of a rough year with my husband getting cancer right after we got married; and although he is in the clear health-wise, MY mental health has struggled. I feel like I'm on an upswing, and hope this book will contribute to that trend.
  • It wasn't until I read your book that I began to really understand that I AM in control of my thoughts, my anxiety, and especially my life’s outcome. I use your tips almost everyday (not because I need to anymore really, but I know practicing will help). I learned the roots of my anxiety. I learned how I am susceptible to being anxious. When I first found out what was wrong I read EVERYTHING about anything having to do with this stuff. But your story put a face to the problem and I found myself relating to you more than I had imagined I would. My outlook on life has evolved and I am already happier because of it. I know there may be ups and downs to come - but I'm not worried about that and I'm ready to handle them. I read your book thinking it might help me get back to how I felt the day before I had my first attack - instead it has helped me see that I can and will be more satisfied than ever before.
  • I wanted to reach out to you and thank you for writing your book on anxiety. It took me a long time to get help, but I finally got it and life has only gotten better since I reached out for professional help. Anything that breaks the silence and misunderstanding of panic and anxiety disorders is an enormous contribution. You've done a great thing.
  • Hi Lee, I like that you have strategies for change. Most help books don't seem to offer and "tricks" or methods for coping, rather they rattle on about statistics and dwell on the problem, not the solution. Or they talk about the solution in such grandiose ways that the reader doesn't know where to start. Congratulations and good luck in your career as a writer! And to think that a cutie-pie like you struggled with a problem like this... I guess it does lend some normalcy to folks who may feel isolated in their problems.
  • Lee - I am so proud of you. Not only for what you have gone through, but what you have done with your book. It is well written and will encourage people to "not give up". You did such a good job with mixing personal stories with "real" medical/Dr. info. that will make people receptive and open to reading it. Like you said in your book, you are the last person people would think would have anxiety, but once I really thought about it you are the typical person to have it. So many of my friends are dealing with anxiety/depression or have dealt with it. Most of my friends are very much like you in many ways. They usually struggle more b/c they are so against "getting" help or really dealing with it. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be interested in your book - but Lee, the thing that gets me is how candid you are about the whole thing. In reading through the pages of your site and seeing how people have be open with you, I'm sure it would come as no surprise for me to tell you that I too, have suffered from anxiety .... and I've actually been in a 5 year battle with it. You and your book gave me a new hope! Thanks Lee.

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