ABSTRACT

At this point, you may be finding some comfort in reading the words in this book, yet you still wonder whether the thoughts you are having are really okay or if something is really wrong. Remember that, to a large extent, you are the ultimate judge as to whether the scary thoughts you are having are troublesome enough to warrant further attention. If you are not comfortable with the level of anxiety that you are experiencing along with your scary thoughts or if you are not comfortable with the manner in which scary thoughts are affecting your behavior, then it is reasonable to consider taking some action. Action could mean reading this book and implementing some of the coping strategies. Or action could mean seeking treatment from a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist who prescribes medications or a therapist who provides psychotherapy. We discuss these options in greater detail in Chapter 9, so you will have some background information and guidelines in making an informed choice.