Genetics & Your Anxiety

The Story of The Dutch Hunger Winter
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In 1944, at the end of World War II, food supplies became scarce in the Netherlands and a harsh early winter set in. This resulted in an well documented, awful famine. The Dutch kept great records so researchers have been able to study the long term effects on the children of women who were pregnant during this period.  Researchers think that these children, as fetuses,  had their nervous system changed as their mother struggled with starvation. 60 years later, these children are found to(1):
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• Have increase incidents of cardiovascular disease.
• Generally more disposed to stress, depression and other mental illnesses.

• Have poorer health than children born before or after the famine.

Dutch Food Rations From WWII
(Image: Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Commons.)

It is important to not blame your parents or upbringing on your struggle, but to accept that there could be many factors that drive your anxiety. Managing your mental health is a battle.........it helps to know the roots of what you are fighting. 

Please seek professional medical help if you are struggling.

Jay Coulter

(1) ​http://www.hongerwinter.nl/index.php?lang=english