Q & A with Jon:

Q. I have really bad anxiety from Christmas through New Years. Sometimes I wish I could just hibernate in a cave and come out about january 15th. Is this normal? Why is this time of year so hard?

A. Why this happens is difficult to explain, but I can assure you that it is VERY common (you should see my email inbox this time of year!). Even people with no history of anxiety can have fairly severe anxiety problems during the holidays.

It has to do with the pressure and unrealistic expectations associated with the holidays, and also the gathering of families, buying gifts, dealing with old sibling rivalries, and other issues. In other words: it's a combination of many factors that produce the stress. Just take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. According to a study I just read, over 73% of all Amercians report elevated anxiety during the holidays!

Q. Jon, I was reading about the EasyCalm System and then I saw you have a series called Social Strategies. What's the difference between these two? Do they work together or are they for different problems?

A. The Social Strategies audio series is complimentary to the EasyCalm System, so they work great together and it can also be used on it's own. The strategies are specifically designed for social anxiety and accute shyness. Like the EasyCalm System, they deal with changing your habits, but you are presented with specific strategies, or mental "games" to re-shape your habits in social situations. For panic attacks and other anxiety issues, the EasyCalm system is the way to go. But if you have discomfort in social situations, that's exactly what the Social Strategies are designed to relieve. Read some user testimonials and get more info here.

Q. Is anxiety something that is hereditary? If it runs in my family, does that mean I'm just going to have it and theres no use trying to get rid of it?

A. I've read a lot of research in this area, and most studies show that a tendency toward having anxiety is sometimes passed down. But it is important to understand that a tendency toward anxiety does NOT mean that you are "stuck" with anxiety and there's nothing you can do about it!

At one point in my life I felt exactly that way. I had family members with anxiety and I just assumed it was genetic, so nothing I did would make any difference (the victim menatlity). But scientific research (and my own experience) prove that this is NOT the case. We are NOT victims. Our thoughts, beliefs and habits DO make a differnce, a HUGE difference!

You've heard the old proverb, "if you think you're beaten, you are." This is never more true than with anxiety/panic issues. Your beliefs are a big determining factor in whether you move on with your life or not. So, to answer your question, NO, you are never a victim of anxiety. It can only continue to be an problem if YOU allow it. Understanding and beliving this is the first step to recovering, that's why it is among the first sessions in the EasyCalm System.