Thanks Lisa and Anthony.

The news doesn't help at all you're right. Theres never any GOOD news on!

i have tried on many occasions to try and think rationally and try to overcome the fear of being in the house alone. Sometimes I do quite well, reading seems to work to try and divert my mind. But then it just takes one noise in the house to ruin anything and the terrified feeling washes over me and there is just NOTHING I can do to make that go away.

I have read information on the exposure therapy after your suggestions Anthony and agree this mentality and approach seems right. The mentioning of relaxation practise and techniques I think will be particularly useful for me to do as I am quite an anxious person in day to day life, even when I'm not feeling fear.

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.