by Andy Orrell

Created on: May 08, 2010

Anxiety and panic attacks concern millions of people all over the world. As it’s not a physical condition, these problems can be very hard to treat. What works for one sufferer, may not work for another. There are many different methods that help people and some are no doubt more effective than others. I have suffered with anxiety in my life and I know what worked for me personally. So I have listed a few little ideas that really helped me in my struggle, they may not all work for you, but even if you can find one helpful idea, then it will have been worth writing this article.

OK if your having problems with agoraphobia, panic attacks or anxiety I recommend watch a film called 'What about Bob?'. This may sound like a very strange thing to suggest but it's all about a man named Bob (Bill Murray) who struggles with all sorts of problems. He is told to take 'baby steps'. This can really help. So for example your crossing a river, there are some very wobbly wet stones in front of you. Don't look at the far side, don't focus on the final goal, its to far, you will give way to panic. Instead take one small step at a time. Don't worry about what's to come, don't think about the future, just concentrate on the one problem that is confronting you at that particular time. Deal with problems one at a time taking 'baby steps' to deal with the issue! This sounds so simple when you hear it, but for someone with serious anxiety it's a very difficult thing to do! Don’t concentrate on winning the war, think about each little battles, you may have to win hundred before the war is yours, but slow steady progress will get you there.

Another trick is don't think about what you can't do. Think about what you can do, and what you have achieved. I play guitar, and after a few months of learning I was frustrated at my slow progress, I felt I was getting nowhere. Someone suggested I switch hands and try and play left handed, when I did, they told me that's how I used to play right handed when I first started learning. This showed me what I had achieved. So each time you do something, be proud of yourself, tell yourself how well you are doing. Coping with anxiety is all about confidence, when your confidence is low this is when you are venerable. So each time you accomplish something, no matter how small, let your confidence grow and things will get easier.

Always look to be moving forward. If you achieve something for the first time, tell your self that's it. I've done

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