[purvis]

> It's important to remember that anxiety and panic are neurochemical responses and can have strong physical and genetic components, they don't always need to have a psychological "cause."

Agreed. Members of my mother's side are especially known to be "worriers". Sporadic levels of anxiety on my father's as well.

> I've come to recognize it as a sign of what's to come and take steps in advance to try to curb it.

Via therapy, I've discovered my own version of this, mostly around breathing. I tend to hold my breath as I start to go into my head. If I catch myself doing this, I can sometimes reduce most of the physical effects by focusing on breathing again. It's easier said than done.