What is Generalised anxiety disorder.
Generalised anxiety disorder is a mental health problem, it is shown by having persistent worries and anxiety about everyday situations. People who experienced GAD, experience uncontrollable anxiety that will interfere with everyday life.
Common symptoms of GAD are:
- Excessive Worrying: constant, overwhelming worry about things during daily life such as health, work, relationships, or finances.
- Restlessness: Feeling on edge, restless, or keyed up, often accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle tension.
- Fatigue: Feeling easily tired or fatigued, even when not engaged in physically or mentally demanding tasks.
- Struggling with concentration: you may find it hard to concentrate in schoolmarm work if you are struggling with anxiety.
- Being irritated easily: having a short temper or getting irritated easily is usually a result of constant anxiety.
- Sleeping problems: having trouble getting to sleep, due to constant worrying.
- Constantly worrying about the future: Constantly thinking and fearing worst-case scenarios, even when there is no threat.
- Physical Symptoms: generalised anxiety can also have physical symptoms such as sweating, stomach aches shacking and dizziness.
- Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for yourself to achieve and fearing not achieving them.
- Constantly seeking for Reassurance: Frequently seeking reassurance from others to calm their anxiety.
It’s important to understand that generalised anxiety can vary in how severe it is from person to person. everyone’s experiences will be different, so the symptoms you get may be different.
what can you do to help maintain GAD?
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often recommended for GAD. It can help individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
changes in your life style:
- exercise: exercise will help reduce anxiety, as it releases endorphins which are natural mood lifters.
- diet: eating a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your mood and your energy. it will also benefit your physical well being.
- sleep: ensure you are getting enough sleep. a lack of sleep can increase your anxiety symptoms.
- Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These substances can increase anxiety, so it’s advisable to consume them in moderation or avoid them.
Stress Management:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness techniques and meditation can help manage anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing racing thoughts.
- deep breathing: learning and practicing deep breathing techniques will help calm your body’s stress response.
- try to avoid triggers: try to identify the situations or the people that may trigger your anxiety. this may involve setting boundaries or avoiding the situation all together.
- self-care: remember to make time for yourself that will help you relax. take some time off work, read or spend time with friends or family.
Its important to remember that generalised anxiety requires patience. and different things work for different people. it is a good idea to work closely with a therapist of a healthcare professional to work through your anxiety disorder.