SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS VICTORY OVER AGORAPHOBIA PB

Around ten per cent of Australians suffer from anxiety and panic. Some, like Jan Sparks, develop agoraphobia - a morbid fear of open spaces or public places. One morning Jan's world was turned upside down by a massive panic attack - suddenly she was a prisoner in her own home. Her day-to-day life became filled with terror and guilt, as she battled against agoraphobia and phobias about exertion, food and medicine.

"Sunshine On My Shoulders" is the remarkable story of how Jan Sparks conquered her fears and not only shed her agoraphobia but found the courage and self-confidence to begin a new career as a television presenter.

Jan Sparks worked as a nurse and a medical receptionist before developing agoraphobia. After recovering she went on to be a presenter for Gloria Marshall Figure Salons on Channel 10's 'Good Morning Australia With Bert Newton'. She is married to David and lives in Essendon, Victoria.

Suzanne Pinder was an actor for many years before taking up writing seven years ago when her twin sons were born. She currently works a freelance writer and is married to Lawrence, a press photographer. They live in Vermont, Victoria.