Words used as tools to overcome worry are commonplace in the Johnston household, even before son Bailey was diagnosed at five years old with general anxiety disorder.

"It has been a battle fighting the anxiety, but through expressing his feelings Bailey has learnt one of the important strategies to overcome his disorder," Mrs Johnston says.

"GAD makes Bailey obsessively worry about everything. It had a dreadful impact on our lives. We couldn't go out because Bailey would start worrying about what could happen.

"The strategy was to get Bailey to change his negative thoughts, to control his own feelings to make himself happy."

It proved the inspiration for Mrs Johnston writing and illustrating two books that show off Bailey's tools against anxiety.

Go Away Mr Worrythoughts is about Mr Worrythoughts, a monster who tries to sneak up on young hero Bayden.

But Bayden has super powers that can make Mr Worrythoughts disappear.

"Worrythoughts was Bailey's name. The book was for his use, written in a loose leaf binder with his own list of what worried him. People at school borrowed it so I thought I'll publish the book to share with those who need it."

Recently, Mrs Johnston published a follow-up book, Happythoughts are Everywhere, and now mother and son are finding themselves in the public arena sharing Bailey's experience with others.

"Children experiencing anxiety is a massive problem. It is a traumatic experience. It can be fearful because the person could be worried about something which may appear simple and illogical to others.

"But to the person it is psychologically real, and they suffer all the physiology associated with fear - rapid heart beat, [shortness] of breath. The treatment is really - change your thoughts to change your feelings."

Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria will launch Happythoughts are Everywhere at Cranbourne library from 1.30-3.30pm on Saturday November 21. Bookings: ADAVIC, 98538089 or email adavic@adavic.org.au