It is normal for us to feel worried or anxious during our daily lives; however, when anxiety disturbs one’s daily activities significantly, anxiety disorder is the cause.
Amongst the various anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorder is the most common one, and it affects more than three million people in the US per year. Read this article to learn more about generalized anxiety disorder, including its characteristics, symptoms, and some tips to manage stress and anxiety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. Individuals find it hard to control their worry and anxiety, and they often expect the worst outcome even though there is no obvious sign of failures or apparent reasons for concern. When the anxiety level is mild or moderate, individuals may find that they can participate in social events regularly. However, in more severe cases, individuals tend to avoid social situations or other activities due to their excessive worry. They have difficulty carrying out even the simplest daily activities.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder comes gradually and can begin across the life cycle, and the risk is the highest between childhood and middle age. Although the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, researchers believe that certain factors such as family background, life experiences, and biological factors play a role.
Below listed are some signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Feeling nervous, irritable, or on edge
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation), sweating, and/or trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Difficulty concentrating
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Generalized anxiety disorder, or just any other anxiety disorders, along with the things people feel worry about every day, affect both mental and physical health significantly. What are some ways to manage stress and anxiety, or just the negative emotions in general? Anxiety and Depression Association of America has the following suggestions:
Limit alcohol and caffeine
Get enough sleep
Exercise daily
Take deep breaths
Count to ten slowly
Do your best
Accept that you cannot control everything
Welcome humor
Maintain a positive attitude
Get involved (be active in your communities by volunteering, working, etc.)
Learn what triggers your anxiety
Talk to someone
Thanks for reading! Hope this article helped you learn more about generalized anxiety disorder!
Sources:
“Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad. Accessed 30 July. 2022.
“Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, adaa.org/tips. Accessed 30 July. 2022.