In the beginning…
GENETICS + LIFE EXPERIENCES + STRESS = ANXIETY DISORDERS
Genetics
Genetics is a broad scientific term that encompasses everything within our biological make-up. What I specifically refer to here is the inherited temperaments, which result from our genetic predisposition. Temperaments ultimately determine our ‘nature’; how we ‘tick’ and what makes us ‘tick’. Temperaments are fuelled by complex energy level systems and they affect our behaviour. The majority of anxiety sufferers share similar temperaments, however, it isn’t necessarily their temperament’s that cause the anxiety disorder to develop, it is more the products that arise from them, specifically, the personality and character traits. It is these traits that often leave people vulnerable to life’s stresses.
Common shared character traits;
- Intelligent
- Imaginative
- Creative
- Sensitive
- Caring
- Sympathetic
- Empathetic
- Diligent
- Responsible
- Accomplishing
Life experiences & stress
In today’s western society we are rarely taught essential life skills such as how to respect and accept ourselves and maintain good mental clarity. Instead, we are plastered with information and instructions from a young age about how we should act and what we should do. If people were taught at a young age how to deal more effectively with stress and their emotions then there would certainly be fewer cases of anxiety disorders. Certain temperaments are far more vulnerable to stressful life situations than others.
Common list of life experiences;
- Parents, siblings, grandparents or aunts or uncles who suffered from panic attacks, nervous breakdown or depression
- Alcoholism or addictions within the family of origin
- Emotional, verbal or physical abusive interactions
- Overly strict parents who over focus on religious faith
- Perfectionist parents that left you feeling ‘it was never good enough’
- Over protective parents
- Overly critical parents
- Chaotic family atmosphere
- Surrounded by extreme anger or rage
- Trauma or fear of separation or loss
- Family conflicts leaving one feeling unstable
- Family where you were not encouraged to share feelings, thoughts or ideas
- Families that were under emotionally nurtured; lack of praise and affirmations
- An overly controlling parent
- Parents that was never present physically or emotionally
Together our character traits, life experiences and stresses often lead to the following characteristics and tendencies;
- Extremely analytical
- Emotionally sensitive
- Over reacts
- Sensitive to criticism
- Low self-image
- Need to appear in control at all times
- Obsessive thinking
- Inner nervousness
- High expectations
- Easily irritated
- Worrier
- Hypochondriac
- Sensitive to negative stimuli
- Often, never feels “good enough”
- Easily hurt
- Prone to guilt and shame
- Tend to be a pleaser
- Avoids conflict
- Overly concerned about others opinions of you
- The mind races too fast
- A great need for approval
- Excessive Fear of failure
- Excessive Fear of health issues
- Work very hard to appear together
- Second guessing yourself
- Worry about being embarrassed
It is these characteristics and tendencies that eventually lead to uncontrollable WORRY and so the ground for an anxiety disorder is firmly laid!