B Y Chris Parker and Philippa Bellis

JANUARY is the loneliest month of the year, according to Michael Whitenburgh, a top Liverpool psycho-analyst.

Mr Whitenburgh, of Rodney Street, Liverpool, has drawn up a calendar of phobias, based on his work with patients on Merseyside and in London.
Mr Whitenburgh who treats stress and fear with relaxation techniques, said: “I find that, every year, people complain of loneliness after Christmas.
“In February, I see a lot of people who suffer from a fear of thunder, for obvious reasons.
 
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“March is a bad time for bird phobias with pigeons a common source of fear.

“In April, many people express a fear of animals.

“May sees agoraphobics, people who have a fear of open spaces, becoming worried.

“In June, people tend to express a fear of crowds.

“July brings a lot of people suffering from fear of flying.

“In August, insects worry many people, while September is associated with fears of dark nights and school.

“In October, early nights cause headaches for insomniacs. Social phobias come to the fore in November.

“December brings extraordinary fears linked to objects associated with Christmas, such as carving knifes.”

• Anxiety clinics in doctors` surgeries are being swamped by people suffering stress, a Liverpool help group claims.

The council for Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction, based in Waterloo, says one in 10 people are seeking help from there GPs.

The tape, Coping with Anxiety, costs £6.75 (incl.p/p) from Anxiety Tape, PO Box 1, Wirral L47 7DD.