A teenager suffering from anxiety and panic attacks has started to regain her confidence thanks to craft therapy.
Last November, 15-year-old Georgia Ballantyne went from being a popular, bubbly teen, to not being able to leave the house - after her anxiety gradually got worse.
The change in Georgia came out of the blue and could not be explained by doctors or counsellors.
At one point, Georgia, from Norton, thought that she would be like this for the rest of her life but then she discovered a way to help fight her anxiety.
It was suggested that she try to find something that would distract her and take her mind off the negative thoughts she was having.
She went on the internet and found some crafts ideas and decided to give them a go,
This approach has been so successful, that Georgia and her mum, Emma Ballantyne, held a craft stall in one of the log cabins at Stockton Sparkles.
Setting up Georgia’s Gifts - a collection of handmade decorations including folded book art, rag wreaths and Christmas bunting - has involved the teenager going into shops to buy materials and speaking to customers, something she never thought she would be able to do.
Georgia, who had the stall for four days, said it went “really well”.
“It is strange to hear people talking about my work but everyone has been really complimentary about the crafts,” she said.
“I would like to do the same again next year.”
For Georgia, being out of her house and talking to people is a huge achievement.
Since November 2013, her panic episodes became so severe that she was unable to leave the house without her mum, attend school or even see friends.
But mum-of-four, Emma, has seen a big improvement in Georgia recently.
The 37-year-old said: “Over the last few weeks I have seen a big boost in her confidence which is great.
“Initially it was very overwhelming for her, but she has coped really well with it all.
“At first when we were going in to shops to get things, Georgia was stood in the back but now it has got to the point where she can go in and is able to talk to them.
“She also has to talk to customers even though she feels uncomfortable, so it has been a good push for her.”
Georgia is still unable to go out by herself but she and her mum are working on this.
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