When Anxiety
Runs in the Family

Audio Version

If you have family members who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder you may be predisposed to anxiety as well. You are likely wondering what that means. 

A predisposition means you have a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder yourself. While you may be more likely genetically, this doesn’t mean you are powerless. Anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming; however, anxiety is treatable. 

Recovery Begins with Empowerment

Knowing you are genetically predisposed to anything can leave you feeling anxious. This can make for further complications when it’s anxiety that you are predisposed to. However, the knowledge can also be liberating and allow you to make decisions. This knowledge can lead you to learning more about anxiety and healthy coping skills.

Knowing that anxiety disorders run in your family allows you to focus on stress management, coping skills, self-care and more to set yourself up for success. This can be empowering and lead you to being even healthier mentally than the average person. 

Talking Helps: Processing Experiences

Bottling up negative experiences is not a good way to handle stress. When you experience worry and fear, you have to find a way to find calm and keep a positive view of your experiences. Talking to a therapist can be an effective way to process your fears, emotions and worries in a healthy way.

Science supports the idea that talking or verbalizing your emotions can make you feel better. The studies of UCLA psychologist Matthew Lieberman, Ph.D., show that talking can subdue that part of the brain where emotional pain is produced. According to Dr. Gayle Brewer of the University of Central Lancashire, “[Talking] may be particularly useful when it’s difficult to change [a] situation.”

Anxiety and Therapy

Talking to a therapist can be healing, as it helps transform your experiences and perspective. Talking can give shape to your fears, worries, and other emotions. It helps you derive positive value even from unpleasant experiences, pushing you forward, rather than letting them hold you back. It is also the beginning of learning to resolve what contributes to your anxiety.

If anxiety is preventing you from living your life as you’d like, counseling can help. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with counselors that know how to treat anxiety. Call CCS today to get started.

Related Articles: