There can be so many things to worry about in daily life; family, finances, friends, health, the list can seemingly go on and on. It can be considered normal to feel anxious or afraid in reaction to stress or perceived danger. Who wouldn’t feel mounting fear walking down a dark alley or apprehension while waiting for the result of a medical procedure? Anxiety and fear can be essential for one’s survival. These feelings can help you respond appropriately to danger, keeping you alert when faced with a genuine threat or challenge. But what about extreme anxiety or fear that is not related to a serious threat or danger?

Anxiety as a Family Legacy

If you and other family members tend to be more fearful or have developed a phobia, there may be some genetic factors involved. Studies suggest that genetics play a role in the development of phobias. Anxiety issues have been found in some cases to have been handed down by parents who also have the disorder. Genetics, combined with psychological and environmental factors, have been seen as some of the factors that can predispose certain individuals to anxiety disorders. These disorders can include, but are not limited to; Separation Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Anxiety and Avoidance

Whether you or someone you love has anxiety disorder, it can affect the entire family. Ideally, the family can be a wonderful source of support and help, however, there can be a tendency to isolate the one who is anxious. Whether this is done by the family or by the family member experiencing anxiety themselves, the results can be detrimental.

When experiencing anxiety it can be a relief to avoid the source of fear and worry. While avoidance may seem to be the only way to reduce anxiety, it can actually increases fear. In time, it may become increasingly difficult to feel the same relief when the feared object or situation is encountered again. This excessive and seemingly unreasonable fear can escalate to an overwhelming level, interfering significantly with life and even causing intense distress.

Sometimes it can even be difficult to justify the family member’s absence at pre-arranged events or functions. It can be a struggle to explain that your loved one feels fearful in social situations or may even feel threatened at times. People may noticed that your loved one does not go out to socialize and may even ask questions you feel unable to answer.

Conquering Fear as a Family

When it comes to treating fear and anxiety disorders, therapy is recognized as one of the most effective options. Your family can find evidenced based treatment at Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC, where you can benefit from individual therapy, as well as sessions involving the whole family. Licensed, independently contracted therapists at CCS – Southern Pines, NC will empower you to conquer your fears and take back your life, one day at a time.

Related Articles:

• Understanding Anxiety: A Step Toward A Better Life
• Controlling Anxiety/Fear/Phobia/OCD with Help