Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their:
- Health
- Family
- Work and/or school
- Relationships
- Finances
What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
The hallmark symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is constant, uncontrollable worrying. Many people with this condition know that their concerns are unfounded but can’t stop worrying about them regardless, often to the point where the worries begin interfering with their relationships and daily routine. Some individuals report feeling anxious for no apparent reason, as if they sense that something terrible is about to happen, but they can’t put their finger on what it is.
If you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), you may also experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Hot flashes and sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle tension and aches
- Trembling and twitching
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty relaxing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being easily startled
How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treated?
Many options exist for managing anxiety, and a trained provider can recommend the best approach to your needs. For example, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder may involve:
- Taking medication
- Attending counselling sessions
- Learning coping skills
- Using relaxation techniques
- Making specific lifestyle changes (i.e., stop the excessive use of substances such as nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, etc.)
Your Top Choice for Anxiety Disorder Treatment
If you think you might have Generalized Anxiety Disorder or another type of anxiety, I can help. Contact me today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
Take the following screening tool to help you determine if you might have the symptoms of GAD—the GAD-7 (free domain online).
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