I am new to PC, I came across this website after searching ways to cope with anxiety. I was getting by like a normal person but around this time last year I started feeling anxious and worried. I am 23 years old. I come from a loving family. I had to grow up quickly because my mom was really ill. She was always in the hospital for long periods of time. My brother and I were partly raised by family members like my grandparents, aunts and uncles. I came to the US to get an education (8th grade) in hopes of getting better treatment for my mother. Unfortunately, she passed away 5 years ago right after I graduated highschool. I never talked to anyone about my feelings until I met my girlfriend. She has really helped me a lot especially by listening to me. It was thanks to her that I picked up my grades and graduated college (first one of the family!)

I was getting by but last year, I started feeling anxious and sad. It came unexpected. I woke up from a dream scared and really nervous. I spent weeks like this and I went to see a counselor at my school. He helped me get back on track and I got my degree recently. In July, my grandfather had a heart attack and passed away unexpectedly. I feel that his passing brought me back to feeling the same as last year.

About a month ago, I started feeling very anxious on some days. On and off throughout the day I experience this. Some days I feel unwanted thoughts pop into my head and that worries me. I would never act on the thoughts especially when they have to do with hurting others.
This has been a hard week for me. I broke down 3 times this week crying because of how I felt in front of my girlfriend for the same reason that I don't know what is happening to me.

I am having trouble understanding why am I feeling anxious . Is it because of the death of my loved ones?

I should also add that:
I haven't been diagnosed with anything
I worry but not to this extent
I don't do drugs or alcohol
I don't live with my parents since the 8th grade

Any input is highly appreciated