Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition that affects people all over the world psychologically and physiologically. Millions of people will suffer from some form of anxiety in their life and this is a fact that can go unrecognised as anxiety can create a lonely and suffocating world for many of us. GAD is defined by an extreme and excessive worry about irrational beliefs and perceptions that are not based upon reality. This worry extends into every aspect of an individuals life as the condition can spiral out of control and have a knock on effect both mentally and physically.
GAD has to be broached carefully and directly as it can interfere with everyday situations and encounters with work, money, family, relationships, friendships, finances and health. Symptoms of GAD can vary considerably due to the incredible differences that lie between our perceptions, lives and experiences. However, there are many common reactions that can be diagnosed as anxiety:
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Sickness
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Insomnia
- Fidgeting
- Chills
- Rashes
- Breathlessness
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Easily scared and jumpy
The symptoms above are the physical reactions to the psychological symptoms of anxiety which convey the irrationality of GAD, however there are also other forms of symptoms that occur under the anxiety umbrella.:
- Fear of impending doom
- Scared of everything around you
- Fear of losing control
- Unable to concentrate
- Nightmares
- Find it hard to think and express yourself
- Feel trapped and frustrated
- Everyday life overwhelms you
- Severe mood swings
- You cry easily
- Cravings
- Detached from everyone close around you
Research has shown that GAD can affect anyone from children to adults to the elderly. Anyone is susceptible to anxiety and the cause of it depends on many circumstances. Past experiences and how our mind and body have reacted towards these experiences is the fundamental reason why anxiety occurs if we let it. These experiences combined with other factors such as upbringing, alcohol consumption, legal and illegal drug use and other external influences affect how and why anxiety is onset in individuals.
GAD is a learned response thoughts and feelings so fortunately the condition can be controlled if the sufferer is open to it. The common treatments for anxiety are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy and/or medication. GAD is something that needs to be addressed today if it is a condition you think you are suffering from. It will infect every aspect of you life if it is not broached with the right information and techniques, so take action today and stop and GAD ruining you health and happiness.
