Words have always been used as tools to overcome worry in the Johnston household - even before Bailey was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder as a fiveyearold.

"It has been a battle fighting the anxiety but, through expressing his feelings, Bailey has learnt one of the important strategies to overcome his disorder.

"GAD makes Bailey obsessively worry about everything.

"It had a dreadful impact on our lives. We couldn't go out because Bailey would start worrying about what could happen. He would work himself up into such a state we'd rather not go anywhere.

"We worked with him to change his negative thoughts, to control his feelings to make him happy. There are many strategies out there - it's just this one is at Bailey's level and is his personal strategy."

Nicky ended up writing and illustrating two books showing Bailey's tools.

Go Away Mr Worrythoughts is about the villain Mr Worrythoughts, a nasty-looking monster who tries to sneak up on young superhero Bayden.

But Bayden has powers that can make Mr Worrythoughts disappear.

"Worrythoughts was Bailey's name. The book was for his use, written in a loose-leaf binder with his own list of what worried him.

"People at school borrowed it so I thought I'd publish the book to share with those who need it."

A primary school teacher, Nicky suffered both ante- and post-natal depression and learnt to combat her condition.

"They don't know if Bailey's condition is linked to what I had. There is no known cause for Bailey's condition, but I had mine before and after he was born."

Recently Nicky published a follow-up book, Happythoughts are Everywhere. Mother and son are now finding themselves in the public arena sharing Bailey's experience with others.

Nicky says hundreds of people have contacted her to talk about the condition.

"Children experiencing anxiety is a massive problem. It is common, yet most young people with GAD and other anxiety problems are diagnosed in their teens.

"It is a traumatic experience. It can be fearful because they could be worried about something that may appear simple and illogical to others."

Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria will celebrate the launch of Happythoughts are Everywhere at the Cranbourne library from 1.30 to 3.30pm, November 21.

Bookings: ADAVIC on 9853 8089 or email adavic@adavic.org.au