Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Do you feel like you’re constantly on edge, worrying excessively about everything from daily tasks to future possibilities? You’re not alone. This state of persistent worry and anxiety is a common condition called Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

What is GAD?

GAD is characterized by:

• Excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of things: This can include finances, health, relationships, work, or even seemingly trivial matters.
• Difficulty controlling worry: Despite wanting to stop, the worry feels overwhelming and intrusive.
• Physical symptoms: Along with emotional distress, GAD can also manifest in physical symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating.

It’s important to differentiate normal worry from GAD:

Everyone worries sometimes, but people with GAD experience excessive, persistent worry that interferes with their daily lives and well-being.

How can you seek help?

If you suspect you might have GAD, reaching out to a therapist can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you understand your anxiety and offer valuable tools and strategies to manage it, such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns that fuel worry.
• Relaxation techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety symptoms.
• Mindfulness: Learning to focus on the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgment can reduce worry and promote calmness.

Remember:

GAD is treatable, and with the right support, you can learn to manage your worries effectively and experience greater peace of mind.