No Time to Panic

How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks

By: Matt Gutman

Narrated by: Matt Gutman

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

By ABC News’s chief national correspondent, an unflinching look at panic attacks by a reporter whose career was nearly derailed by them, offering listeners a guide to making a truce with their warring minds

"Brave, reassuring, and practical...A balm for anyone who has ever suffered panic attacks and who longs to be released from their grip."—Dr. Nicole LePera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Do the Work

“Seamlessly weaves page-turning personal experiences with scientific discoveries…A tour de force."—Ethan Kross, bestselling author of Chatter

Matt Gutman can tell you the precise moment when his life was upended. Reporting live on a huge story in January 2020, he found himself in the throes of an on-air panic attack—and not for the first time. The truth is that Gutman had been enduring panic attacks in secret for twenty years: soul-bruising episodes that left his vision constricted, his body damp, his nerves shot. Despite the challenges, he had carved out a formidable career, reporting from war zones and natural disasters before millions of viewers on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and 20/20. His nerves typically “punched through” to TV audiences, making his appearances kinetic and often unforgettable.

But his January 2020 broadcast was unusual for all the wrong reasons. Mid-panic, Gutman misstated the facts of a story, a blunder that led to a monthlong suspension, not to mention public shame and personal regret.

It was a reckoning. Gutman’s panic attacks had become too much for him to bear in secret. He needed help.

So begins a personal journey into the science and treatment of panic attacks. Gutman would talk to the world’s foremost scholars on panic and anxiety, who showed him that his mind wasn’t broken; it’s our perception of panic that needs recalibration. He would consult therapists and shamans, trying everything from group treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy to ayahuasca and psilocybin. And he would take a hard look at the trauma reverberating inside him—from his childhood, but also from his years as a conflict reporter.

Unsparing, perceptive, and often funny, this is the story of a panic sufferer who took on the monster within. Filled with wisdom and actionable insights, it’s at once an inspirational journey and a road map—if not toward a singular cure, then to something even more worthy: peace of mind.

©2023 Matt Gutman (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"No Time to Panic is a necessary book. Brave, reassuring, and practical, Matt Gutman candidly shares his own journey of empowerment and healing which will be a balm for anyone who has ever suffered panic attacks and who longs to be released from their grip."—Dr. Nicole LePera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Do the Work

“A gripping account of a descent into personal bedlam, this vividly written book also provides a fascinating history of a malady that has long plagued humankind. Extensively researched and rich in illuminating anecdotes, No Time to Panic may provide no magic cure but inspires with its depiction of courage and profound healing.”—Gabor Maté, M.D., New York Times bestselling co-author of The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture

"This is a brisk and gripping read from a courageous author. As somebody who has also suffered from public panic attacks, I found this book both triggering and deeply reassuring. If you’re suffering from panic, you’re not alone, and you’re never out of options. Matt takes you into his mind and then into an intriguing world of potential fixes."—Dan Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 10% Happier

It’s not just me

I was anxious to read this book thinking it was going to intensify my anxiety but it actually gave me some techniques to help when I feel the panic coming on. It’s going to come no matter what, but trying to be prepared and roll with it is something I will continue to work on

Very good listen

This is relatable, clear and digestible
I believe a wide variety of people can benefit from the journey the author shares with us. I'm a little over halfway through and am inspired already, looking forward to hearing the rest.

Gutman demystifies panic attacks

Matt Gutman does a fantastic job explaining panic attacks and his journey in curbing his own panic! Very informative and entertaining! I hope everyone who experiences panic attacks, or knows of someone who does, will read or listen to No Time to Panic.

What an important and beautifully told story!

Thank you for your willingness to share your arduous, often painful, sometimes hilarious, adventurous tale of trying to unlock the source and remedy for panic attacks. You are a brave journalist, and an extraordinary storyteller. What a wonderful read in every way!

Informative Book

This book is so helpful to those who suffer from panic disorder. I love that Matt is so open with his struggles. We need more of this level of openness to remove the stigma that is attached to mental illnesses.

He tells his story in a very open and honest way - a true storyteller.

Matt shares various methods of treating panic disorder that many may not know is available.

I wish there was this level of information available 40 years ago when I began my journey with them, but I’m happy it’s available to folks now.

For anyone suffering - know that there is hope and life beyond panic attacks.

Important and Crucial Story Telling

Matt is doing what he does best, completely empathizing and looking for every angle of a story, then provide a gift that conveys such important information. I have been experimenting with my own medicine experiences and found Matt’s story very relatable. His performance makes the book so much better and I loved every moment. I laughed and cried with him.

Very informative, very compelling

This is the book that I needed, and I'd go so far as to say that this is a book that should be read. People who would truly benefit from the increased legalization of psychedelics are met with murky senselessness in too many countries--the US being one of them, surely. LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin were all legal until a certain period in the lifetimes of Baby Boomers. It is a shame that real relief met with a wall of Puritanism, which is very much alive and well in the USA. It is also a shame that until this book came along, the only two people I had heard speak about ayahuasca on a national stage were John Fetterman and Aaron Rogers. (In the case of the latter, even a broken clock is right twice a day.)

Aside from Gutman's masterful descriptions--relevant, moving, and funny (especially the notorious Chapter 8)--what really impressed me was his tone of humility. He never professed to have all the answers, even for those things which worked for him, and even for those things which did not work for him (or work as well), he gave their due. He said that he cherry-picked what he found beneficial in CBT, which is not only intelligent but one of the foundations of CBT. I would contend that CBT is probably the water that a soul in the desert needs, while psychedelics are more like food. Both are necessary, but one is more foundational. Gutman understood this, accounted for it, and gave CBT its not insignificant due.

Lastly, for someone who reads so melodically, it is hard to believe that Gutman ever shudders or falters. Even this he made light of, taking his own advice, and finding wisdom in laughing at himself.

Relatable and very human

Really enjoyed this book and thought it was honest and raw and hit all the right notes! I actually think I’m going to have my teenagers listen to this as well.

Informative and emotional

Excellent book narrated by the author. Sensitively written. A real inside to the world of mental health, panic and anxiety.

Hard to put down.

Quick read hard to put Dow, Matt is a awesome reporter with a soothing voice and great vocabulary. I suggest the audiobook.