Dear Kaushambi:

Anxiety is “catching”, spreading from one member of the family to the others. This is why it is important for each member of the family to contain his/ her anxiety so it doesn’t spread like wild fire. You are doing your best in this regard but everyone should. Everyone in the family should help the other members be as calm as possible. Fear is very powerful and excessive, ongoing fear (anxiety) is damaging.

If I was you, I would tell my mother how much I love her and how much I am worried and I will add to it that it is better she contains her anxiety more because I … just care too much and am worry way too much, so much so that it disrupts my life. Let her know, seek her cooperation in all the members of the family helping each other and not over burdening some of the members.

Hope I am communicating clearly here (tired this evening)- do you think you can have such a talk with her?

anita