Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an uncontrollable worry about common, everyday occurrences. 

Common symptoms include...

• Feeling restless or on-edge
• having trouble falling asleep
• Tiredness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Easily irritable
• Upset stomach
• Shaking
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Unexplained pain
• Immense worry
• Sweating
• Unable to tolerate uncertainty
• Loss of appetite
• Intrusive thoughts

How is GAD different from typical levels of anxiety?

Anxiety is a common feeling. Many people become anxious about presentations, finances, you name it, but on occasion. A person who suffers from GAD worries uncontrollably even when there is no logical reason to worry. Often times, the anxious party is aware that their is no logical reason to worry. 

So, what are these people so worried about?

Well, there is no clear answer to this. A person with GAD can worry about just about anything. There are even times where they feel they cannot describe what they are so worried about. They may be simply reporting feelings that they feel something bad is going to happen and they struggle to keep themselves calm. To those who do not have GAD this may seem like "no big deal" but to the person, it is frightening. 

Please refrain from saying the following things to someone with GAD...

• "Just relax"
• "Things could be worse"
• "Calm down"
• "Think positive"
• "Don't think about it"
• "Life's to short too worry"
• " Stop being anxious"
• "Just move on"
• "It's all in your head"
• "Just breathe"
• "You're crazy"
• "Get over it"
• "Suck it up"
• " You're overreacting"
• "We are all anxious"

Anxiety will tell you that people do not want to be around you or that you don't deserve the people/ things in your life. Untrue.

Anxiety will tell you that the worry will change things and that you are loosing your mind. Untrue

Anxiety will tell you that you are alone and that you will never get better. Untrue.

Anxiety will tell you that the worst outcome is guaranteed to happen because you are not good enough. Untrue.

Anxiety will tell you are a burden. Untrue.

People who suffer from GAD are wonderful.

People with GAD are often empathetic and understanding, responsible problem-solvers who are detail orientated but creative, hard-workers and over achievers. People with GAD can be smart, organized, and punctual individuals who often thrive in their job environment.

Sometimes when you are feeling anxious you need to remind yourself that feelings come and go. The feeling will not last forever I promise. This is temporary. Some people like to associate these feelings to visitors who come and go. Each time you overcome these feeling it makes you stronger. Try rewarding yourself after a flare. This could be anything that makes you happy like a bubble bath, ice cream or your favorite movie.