Is Anxiety hereditary? Is this anxiety!!?

Question

well since I was a child I remember my mother being over the top stressed out. Always over analyzing everything, worrying too much, stressed to the max, everything irritated her and sometimes she'd have complete melt downs!

Well now that's me...... I'm 21 yrs old and I've been an anxiety mess for at least the last 3 years, probably earlier then that, but considerably more now.

I have a big fear with driving for some reason, I can't even be a passenger. Every time I step foot into a car its like "hold on this could be a last ride~!!!!" (at least that's how i feel) I stress out sooo much that my fiance has almost gotten into accidents because of my freaking on the side! I honestly don't know why I fear the car so much!!! but I HATE it!!! Even talking about this is making me sick to my stomach. One time I was driving to my parents house literally 10 minutes away and I had to pull over on the side of the highway for half an hour while I hyperventilated and bawled..... Why does this happen to me? (this isn't the only thing that makes me stress or get worked up, it's just the clearest example for now)

I have to take "Nite-Eze" to help me sleep (herbal supplement) I also smoke weed to keep me relaxed, also yesterday I went to the health food store to pick up some KavaKava, and apparently its illegal in Canada!!! What do I do?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Nellina,

  Yes- I believe Anxiety is hereditary. I've had anxiety and panic attacks for about 15 years now, and I do most of the things you mention to calm down- although nothing is completely effective.

My daughters now age 19 and 27 both suffer from anxiety and depression. They both need to take anti-anxiety meds too.

I think everyone has their own triggers- yours may be the car/driving. Mine is definitely about going out and being in crowds. I also worry a great deal about money.

Try to get some form of exercise every day, maybe take a bubble bath with candles (and a glass of wine), and when you're in the middle of a meltdown- try to remember to breathe slowly. You may want to talk to a doctor for something "real" to help you sleep at night, because when I don't sleep- I'm always worse!

Best of luck to you. ;)

Answer 3

Yes it is hereditary.My mom was the same.I would advise talking to someone.Then start a good exercise program. This has helped me.You will also need to re train yourself when it comes to the car.Tell yourself over and over that you are in control.Prayer helps so much.GOD has helped me with my anxiety.I still have bad times,but not nearly as much.GOD-bless

Answer 4

it sounds like anxiety to me. I was recently diagnosed as having anticipatory anxiety...I had surgery 2 months ago and that seemed to have triggered some stuff...but now i see that i had it before the surgery. I remember sometimes were i felt ill at ease, my heart would race and I would feel uncomfortable. I had no idea why...my attention was diverted and i forgot about it. Now that I know what it is I struggle to forget.

I really and truly feel I have a better handel on it now. I went to http://www.paniccure.com/ it really helped give be a different perspective on things. I also turned toward spirituality and finding myself. I will also go so far as to see my ordeal as a learning tool. I'm learning about myself, what I'm made of, how strong I am and how determined I am to heal.

Check out that website, read books/sites about anxiety, write a journal, talk to someone, exercise, eat healthy, think positive thoughts, love and trust yourself again...remind yourself of what is real and what isn't.

Lastly PLEASE understand there are things you have control over and things you don't. It is a waste of energy/time to try and control everything. God Bless

Answer 5

Regardless of the hereditary issue, I think your best bet is to seek professional help.  Not only will you be properly diagnosed, but they will be able to offer you both medication and therapy to help you through this.  Therapy works wonders for those who suffer from anxiety.  I see my therapist once a week still, and he helps keep me on track and focused and I see myself make more and more progress.  Best of luck! And don't be afraid to ask for help, the sooner you ask, the faster it can be fixed.

Answer 6

http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/e...

maybe this link will help you.

Answer 7

Yep, I got mine from my friggin mom