Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a normal emotion. You are anxious when faced with problem. You feel anxious while taking a test or when making a decision. It’s normal to feel anxious every now and then.

But the normal feeling of being anxious is different from Anxiety disorders.  Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses. It involves excessive anxiety or fear. Anxiety disorders can keep us from carrying on with normal life.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder? 

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder. A person with GAD experiences extreme anxiety and worry for months. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms may include:

• Finds it hard to concentrate as if your mind goes blank
• Persistent worrying
• Unable to make decisions because of fear in making a wrong one
• Lack of ability to let go of a worry
• Restlessness

Physical symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Irritable
• Headaches
• Trembling
• Muscle tension
• Difficulty controlling the worry
• Sleep problems
• Sweating
• Nausea

What are the causes of generalized anxiety disorder? 

The exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder is unknown. But it may involve a combination of genetic, surroundings and other risk factors. Specific factors include:

• Family history with anxiety disorders
• Being female
• Behavior
• Exposure to stressful life events
• Poverty

Diagnosis and Treatment

The first step is to see your doctor. Your doctor will examine you and will ask for your medical history. A mental health worker can work with you on the best treatment for your anxiety disorder. Unluckily, many people with generalized anxiety disorders don’t seek help.

The two main treatments for generalized anxiety disorders are:

• Psychotherapy

It is a “talk therapy” with a mental health specialist. Your specialist helps you by talking   how to deal and understand your anxiety.

• Medication

Anti-depressant like Buspirone is an effective drug to treat generalized anxiety disorders.

Talk with your doctor about the benefits, risks and possible side effects.

Managing generalized anxiety disorder symptoms

Here’s what you can do to lessen your symptoms:

• Get enough sleep- Make it a priority to get enough sleep.
• Have a healthy diet- Avoid drinking coffee. Coffee can trigger anxiety.
• Talk to someone- This person will listen to you without judging.
• Quit smoking- Alcohol can make anxiety symptoms worse.
• Exercise regularly- Go for a jog or walk. Dance. Get moving.