It was 2011 when I became ill. So how did this happen? Well, I had nearly completed my teacher training and although I had looked after my family during this time as best I could, I had neglected my mental health. For this I would spend two weeks in a mental health unit in hospital and will probably take medication for the rest of my life.

New contracts had been issued at work and I was already in a heightened state of stress. The contracts were incorrect and I had worked hard to get them changed. School had finished for the summer and I failed to rest as I pored over the emails. Quickly a conspiracy theory developed in my head. This theory involved the safety of my children and government agents in an elaborate plot. The day I was taken to Accident and Emergency in a police car I thought I had it all worked out, but it would be years before I came to terms with what actually had happened.

The first part of this book looks at how quickly I was taken into hospital and describes what I remember about my stay there and indeed how necessary it was. The second part looks at a few years later and how I was doing working in a school. It was up to me to remain calm and to carry on in my job.

My anxiety tablets were helping but I could feel anxiety running through my veins at some points. Living day by day helped, and talking things through with my colleagues. We were all in the same boat and surely things could only get better. There had been numerous cutbacks and this hadn't helped student behaviour and workload.

The final part brings in science and looks at the detailed reasons for my poor mental health and the steps I could take to improve it.

This is book 1 of the 'Voice for Anxiety' series. Please see the Peace Unplugged Podcast 'How can I cope with anxiety' for more information.