Thank you for your response Im-suffering, but I'm afraid I find your comments very unhelpful. I've had no choice but to move to another place, and so the train journey really is the only way to get to work. I've been avoiding travelling by train for four years now, and if I continued to listen to my feelings and avoid the things that scare me, then I'd still be standing at the station with tears in my eyes.

Don't get me wrong - if I suddenly decided to travel to Paris on the Eurostar then that would probably be too much too soon, but these are short train journeys with my partner. This is something I can do and we anxiety sufferers have to work through these overwhelming feelings if we're going to grow and progress.

And believe me when I say that I do love myself and the choices I make. I have no problem with self-esteem and confidence, or that acknowledging anxiety is just a part of my wonderful make-up. I'm also proud that I've been brave enough to take these first steps.

So I'm sure you thought you were being helpful, but I'm afraid that if I took your advice it would be a case of undoing the good work I feel I've achieved this week. However, I appreciate you responding.

Alice