The health forum was presented by Mental Health Association NSW in conjunction with the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men (WHAM).

Associate professor of clinical psychology Dr Rocco Crino from Charles Sturt University was staggered by the interest shown in learning about anxiety disorders in the Southern Highlands.

Dr Crino has presented the anxiety disorders program for close to 20 years.

His vast experience was appreciated by both the health professionals in attendance, as well as the majority of people who were there to gather information for themselves.

Dr Crino's expertise was evident in the breadth of the areas that he covered and caused great amusement when he challenged the audience to a debate as to, "whenever worrying solved anything?"

The support speakers provided an insight into how disruptive the disorders were to their lives as an individual and as a carer, and the relief they found not only with their recovery but from the various support groups and services that they were able to access.

Mental Health Association NSW was very appreciative of the support provided by the Mittagong RSL and the services provided to enable a well-presented forum that rated as excellent or very good by 95 per cent of the respondents.

Facing Anxiety is a program of the Mental Health Association funded by NSW Health and there is a free Anxiety Disorders Support Group in Moss Vale.

The group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Moss Vale Services Club on the corner of Argyle and Yarrawa streets at 3 pm.

The meeting is for people living with an anxiety disorder and their family and friends.

Anxiety disorders include general anxiety disorder, panic/agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia.

For more information call the Facing Anxiety Program on 1300 794 992 or email supportgroups@mental@health. asn.au