Are anxiety and depression inherited?

We know, for example, that children of parents with panic disorder are seven times more likely to be anxious themselves. . Similarly, children of parents that have suffered from a major depressive episode are 1.5 to 3 times more likely to develop depression.

But you don’t need to be predisposed to anxiety or depression to develop anxiety or depression. Stressful life circumstances, especially loss, chronic pain, or ongoing struggle can initiate the same reaction. Anyone, given enough stress and insecurity, is susceptible to developing problems.

Regardless of their origins, anxiety and depression can be stopped where they begin, in the insecure, stressful thoughts (doubts, fears, and negatives) that you allow to float unchecked in your mind. Thoughts that generate stress which eventually depletes the brain chemicals responsible for emotional balance.

Keep in mind that adversity, loss, even a psychological disposition, aren’t necessarily life sentences, they’re ONLY tendencies toward anxiety or depression.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a biological predisposition, a learned pattern of reflexive insecurity-driven thinking or unwieldy life circumstances, there’s always choice.

Whether it’s alcoholism, obesity, or any other predispositions, it’s not the tendency you have to worry about, it’s whether you feed that tendency or starve it. Always keep in mind that you are not a victim and you’re NOT powerless.

#depression #anxiety