Title: A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear
Subtitle: Using Psychology, Christianity, and Non-Resistant Methods
Author: Stanley Popovich
Publisher: Mountain View Publishing / Treble Heart Books
ISBN: 1512007803
Genre: Self-Help / Christian
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Hollywood Book Review
Good advice, well taken, is the sign of an intelligent person. Learning from others in ways and techniques for handling fear are explained in simple terms by author Stanley Popovich in his book titled A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear. Popovich’s subtitle, Using Psychology, Christianity, and Non-Resistant Methods, sums up what is in store for readers. In a clear and unpretentious fashion, Popovich breaks down many of the essential elements which result in fear and anxiety in people, exposing those situations and recommending practical remedies.
By the use of examples, the various types of fear are explained as third-party use cases. John, for example, is a student of engineering who is facing his fear of failure. In this case Popovich outlines a decision-tree as the many avenues of alternate pathways John could take if his “worse-case scenario” comes to fruition; that being flunking out of school. Another example is of a person being laid off from their job, and finding difficulty in landing a new job in the same industry. As young adults fear manifests itself often in the form of rejection, as we grow older, there is the fear of failure, and as older people fear often develops as the fear of loneliness.
Whatever the fear element is, the pathway to reduce fear tends to be a 3-part method as explained in this book. First people need to identify their fear and explore their alternatives. Secondly the “Non-Resistant” method needs to be employed; which is to ask, “What if?” and put thoughts away in a mental “Freezer,” to enable people to not think about certain alternatives. Yet most importantly people need to seek God’s help to handle the stress. Popovich delves deeply into this alternative by instructing those affected to go to a church, where the ambiance of the religious spirit surrounds you. Christians also know that God is with you wherever you go, so being outside still is an environment to pray. Sometimes it helps to have a symbol or artifact, such as a cross, rosary or even a Bible to reference. In fact, Popovich lists quite a few Bible verses which are comforting for those experiencing fear in their lives. Finally it is important for those whose fear persists to seek professional help.
What began as a booklet has been expanded into a guide by the inclusion of the Bible verses, a list of professional services available, and even some empty pages which can be used for personal notes. All in all, A Layman’s Guide To Managing Fear is an ideal gift for a friend to read in their own privacy to help them deal with these issues. I would recommend the book to everyone whether or not you struggle with this very natural feeling in the human body – fear. It is vital to survival but could also be a hindrance to success in your life. If you are someone dealing with fear, please don’t hesitate to get your copy of this book as it will help all readers in good ways.