It is perfectly normal to feel anxious from time to time. Whether you have an important interview, a meeting, an exam, a new social situation or event, we all feel anxious and worried. However, if you find it difficult to control your anxiety, or it you feel constantly anxious and on edge, it may be a sign that you have Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
What is GAD?
Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a long term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event. It can affect both adults and children, and if left untreated, it can affect your relationships, you job and your overall wellbeing.
What are the symptoms?
When you are suffering with GAD, you may feel constantly worried, even when you’re aware that there isn’t a reason to feel anxious. It is an excessive and unrealistic worry that can be very frightening.
You may find it difficult letting go of your worries, making it difficult to concentrate and maintain your focus. You may find it difficult to relax and sleeping may become an issue. You may find that you are easily startled, or irritable, which can leave you on edge and constantly exhausted.
With GAD, there is also a range of physical symptoms that may affect you, preventing you from living your normal day to day life. Muscle tension, especially around the back and neck is a sign of anxiety, as is a racing heart, sweaty palms, and twitching or trembling uncontrollably. GAD can also make you feel nauseous; you may suffer with cramps, stomach ache or diarrhoea.
Aside from the physical symptoms, suffering with GAD can prevent you from leaving the house, it can make you avoid social situations or meeting new people. Left untreated, GAD can have a huge impact on your health, your relationships and your career, preventing you from living the life on your terms.
How to cope with GAD?
Living with GAD can be a challenge but there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. Looking after yourself is a great way to help. Staying fit and healthy, exercising regularly and eating well can all help. Cutting caffeine out of your diet, or just lowering your intake will also help which is the same for alcohol.
Finding ways to relax your mind can help you cope with feelings of anxiety. This could be practising yoga, mindfulness or breathing exercises will all help stay calm when you can feel your anxiety taking over.
Other things you can do include buying a self help book or joining a support group. However, the most effect way to control your GAD and find healthier ways to cope with it is to reach out to a professional. A counsellor will help you explore your feelings and get to the root cause of your anxiety, helping you to develop ways to manage your emotions better so you can achieve your goals and fulfil your potential.
If you are suffering with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and you would like to find a way through your difficulties, please get in touch with Hope and Harmony to see how counselling can help you.