No Time to Panic

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

By: Matt Gutman

Narrated by: Matt Gutman

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

Honest, courageous account of panic attacks

I have been a fan of the ABC correspondent group and this book has opened my eyes to the difficulties and challenges of panic and Gutman’s courage in sharing his story. I think this will help many people. Highly recommend

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

Great book

What a great book. It was pretty much exactly what I was looking for as someone who also lives with panic.

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!

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.

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.

Interesting. Good

Thanks Matt for sharing hour story. I listened to your book all night. Now I need to sleep & exercise and keep the faith. Saw you interviewed on Kelly & Mark. Glad the subject of anxiety and panic are more out in the open.

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.