What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder in which a person is often worried or anxious about many things and finds it hard to control this anxiety. Feel anxious from time to time normal when life is stressful, but when the worry in interferes with day to day activities it is a disorder. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years. Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term challenge. So GAD can be said to have excessive and unrealistic worry which can be frightening and can interfere with relationships and daily activities. People find it difficult to control their worry, they usually anticipate disaster. A worry that does not allow you to do your daily activities. Some people can have difficulty carrying out the simplest daily activities when their anxiety is severe.
Symptoms of GAD
- There are many symptoms of GAD. A person may not have all the symptoms or two or more persons need not have all the same symptoms. If some of these symptoms persist for over six months it is time to seek professional help. Below is a list of symptoms but not exhaustive.
Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events
Over thinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes, yet most often thinking of the worst case scenarios.
Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren’t
Difficulty in letting go of worries
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty with uncertain situations
Indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
Inability to relax, feeling restless, and feeling keyed up or on edge
Physical signs and symptoms may include the following, fatigue, trouble sleeping, sweaty palms, feeling shaky or weak, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, Muscle tension or muscle aches, trembling, feeling twitchy, nervousness or being easily startled.
Behavioral symptoms of include the following, Inability to relax, enjoy quiet time, or be by yourself, putting things off because you feel overwhelmed, avoiding situations that make you anxious.
Causes of GAD
The causes of GAD can be either hereditary or environmental or a combination of both. Some of the common factors include things like genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, family background, social influence, and life experiences. The exact root of the issue may be hard to determine, but GAD is generally believed to be the result of a complex interaction of genetic, biological, trauma-related, and psychological factors. The symptoms of GAD can happen as a side effect of a medicine or substance abuse. It can also be related to medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, that increase hormones. This can make the body response more excitable. GAD can be triggered by family or environmental stress. Chronic illness and disease can also trigger GAD.
What is the treatment for GAD?
Mental health professionals are trained to diagnose and treat GAD. GAD can be effectively treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches skills for handling anxiety, which helps those with GAD learn to control their worry on their own. These lifestyle changes also help to control GAD. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, avoiding caffeine, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, avoiding alcohol and other drugs, keeping a journal to help identify anxiety triggers and coping strategies, meditation can help to ease the situation.
Here to help
If you think you are being bothered by any of these or any other mental health issues, Ananth Jeevan is here to help. Here’s how you can avail our services:
- If you want to talk to someone, there is a helpline you can contact at +918645687456. We are here to listen.
- You can check your mental health status via our AJ App by downloading it from Android Playstore
- If you want to chat anonymously, you can check out the feature in our app.
- If you want Counselling, you can ask for appointments from our WhatsApp number +917661951444
