(Obsessions are dealt with in the cognitive part of CBT - see Part Three.)

Once you have worked through this book you will have the skills you need to prevent relapses. And do you think that having Anxiety is all your own fault? In Apdix 2 you will find contact details for the professional bodies that regulate some of the complementary and alternative therapies available, which may be helpful in treating anxiety disorders or relieving symptoms. If it is the upper hand, the one on your chest, then you are breathing in a shallow way that isnt helpful for Anxiety. I tell myself I can only do so much. Here is an example from someone with severe agoraphobia: Physical: sick and shaky, lightheaded. Many people who are required to perform as part of their profession - actors, musicians, teachers, politicians - suffer in this way before a public appearance. I just want to be alright - can you define alright? Its the same with life experiences: if a parent dies or leaves you when you are young you may develop your own core belief that people always abandon me. As human beings we want to do more than just survive and raise our children in safety. Lets look at three very common ones: Scanning or hyper-vigilance This means watching yourself all the time for alarming bodily sensations. Anxiety/Panic Disorder This is the form of the disorder that brings on sudden attacks that paralyze you with fear for no apparent reason. If you can't lay down, sit still, close your eyes and focus on slow, even, breathing. So if you are brought up by your parents to believe that boys dont cry or if in your culture girls are second class citizens then youll find it hard to resist that conditioning. Wouldnt you like to wrest that control out of Anxietys hands? What this means is that, in 'layman's terms', if you suffer from Anxiety Disorder, or any form of it, that you will be confronted with paralyzing fear for no apparent reason that will make you feel as if there is no possible way out of it. All Anxiety is driven by the thoughts that go round and round in your head, but with OCD there is an extra element because the thoughts link in to beliefs, usually about preventing harm. Sit quietly and feel how the hands move as you breathe. Goals might include meeting friends, going to public places, doing voluntary work or doing a sport or social activity. Be honest with yourself, no one else needs to know about it.