Have I caused my children’s problems with anxiety?
DEAR DEIDRE: My anxiety is ten times worse because my two sons have also started to suffer with it and I am worried I have passed it on.
I’m a married woman of 58 and I have three grown up children – a daughter and two sons. I’ve been having therapy after a burglary in my home.
Thankfully, we were away in our caravan at the time of the break-in. But when I walked back into my house and saw the devastation, I had an enormous anxiety attack. The therapy is helping.
My eldest son has a stressful job as a police officer and he is currently having therapy through work after a man he was arresting pulled a knife on him. He has been given time off too, which is great.
My other son spent last Saturday night in hospital with heart palpitations and anxiety and the hospital told him this was due to the stress he has had over a house move.
He is at home now and he’s OK, but he’s arranging some therapy for himself too.
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My daughter seems so much more resilient and things don’t bother her so much, but I’m scared that my sons will always have these issues like me. Could it be that I have passed this on to them both?
Feelings of anxiety are so horrible and I’m wondering if they are suffering because of me.
MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE
DEIDRE SAYS: There’s not enough evidence to prove a genetic link when it comes to developing anxiety. Some families do suffer together and others do not.
The very good news is, you are open about your own anxiety and you’ve done something about it.
Your sons can see that the therapy has helped you, so rather than suffer in silence they are taking positive action also.
Talking about how you feel can help. You can all benefit from finding out more by reading my support pack, Living With Anxiety.
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