I haven’t heard much about anxiety being genetic but it makes sense to me. I have panic attacks mostly stemming from social situations as well as general anxiety. My twin brother also has panic attacks on occasion. 

What has thrown me for a loop though is that my 10 year old brother had his first panic attack earlier this week. He attends a summer camp during the day at a local school where he’s picked up in a carpool just like during the school year. My mom showed up 10-15 minutes after camp had let out while the line was still going. Because he hasn’t the first one to be picked up his brain decided she had forgotten about him and wasn’t coming, cue the panic attack. (It’s worth saying that my parents have NEVER forgotten him anywhere). 

I’m just really sad that he’s already having to deal with panic attacks. Both him and myself are autistic so I knew he would experience anxiety and other struggles in life I just wasn’t ready for it to start so soon. 

So now I’m waiting in front of the school at the start of the carpool line 30 minutes before camp lets out so he doesn’t have time to worry. :/

*note: my mom is a therapist for children his age so she’s working with him on strategies and coping skills.