Is Anxiety Catching?

[goodeys]

Hi Chaps and Chapesses,

I have recently gotten over a severe bout of anxiety, although I am still not 100% I am at least able to lead a normal life. I am an anxious person is general; I hate flying, don't have the nerve to drive as I don't like the fact that I could be responsible for someone's death, worry incessantly over every little pain I get etc etc
I have always been this way, I think and I worry, I worry and think and if I have nothing to worry about then I worry about it.

My question is, as 'anxiety' is part of me and I am likely to experience varying degrees of this for the rest of my life. Will I pass this onto my son, he is only a babe at the mo so he has no idea what a worry wart I am but surely in time he will pick up the fact that I worry about every little thing and then will he do the same as that is what he has been taught?

I am currently worrying that I will turn my son into a nutter like me and it worries me!

Has anyone else passed this onto their children or are you children 'normal' despite the fact that you are a highly anxious person?

[scaredjo]

hiya hun i have been anxious since my son was born 14 yrs ago, i try not to let him know the depth of my anxiety although being 14 he`s able to over hear conversations and he knows im in therapy. he doesnt worry about anything hes so laid back its untrue. i dont think you can pass anxiety on to your babe the only thing is he may pick up on your feelings just like a baby can sense if your angry or sad, so pls stop being anxious about this. taka a step back and look at what you have achieved over these last few weeks, you are a superstar be proud of yourself, enjoy your time with the baby cause before long he`ll be toddling, then school, time goes so quick
so give yourself a big pat on the back your a star xx

[lonewolf07]

What exactly is "normal"?

Anxiety can be learned and it can be learned even before birth, according to some theorists.  That means it can be unlearned - preferably without meds.

I've suffered from anxiety for years and my children are "normal" - they feel anxiety when it is appropriate.

I hate worrying all the time; it has prevented me from doing so many things I've wanted to do.