Generalised Anxiety Disorder feels like your brain is constantly stuck in worry mode. It's like having a smoke detector that always goes off, even when there's no fire. This makes everyday life feel stressful and tiring.
Everyday Examples
Work:
You might worry a lot about how well you’re doing at your job, even if your boss says you’re doing great.
Small mistakes can make you feel like everything is going to fall apart.
Health:
You might constantly worry about getting ill, even if you feel fine.
You might also worry about your family’s health, thinking something bad might happen.
Money:
Even if your finances are okay, you might stress about what could go wrong.
Paying bills or managing savings can feel overwhelming.
Physical Symptoms
Restlessness: Feeling like you can’t sit still or relax.
Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even if you sleep a lot.
Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus because your mind is always racing with worries.
Muscle Tension: Feeling tightness or aches in your muscles.
Sleep Problems: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or not feeling rested after sleeping.
Behavioural Examples
Avoidance: Staying away from situations or places that make you anxious. For example, avoiding social events because they make you nervous.
Over-preparation: Doing things like checking your work multiple times, making detailed lists, or rehearsing conversations in your head to feel in control.
Everyday Scenario
Imagine planning a family holiday. Most people feel excited with a bit of normal stress. But if you have Generalised Anxiety Disorder, you might worry about every little thing that could go wrong, like losing your luggage, getting lost, bad weather, getting ill, or having an accident. These worries can make the holiday feel more stressful than fun.
Symptoms Summary
Persistent Worry: Worrying a lot about many different things.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, or unexplained aches and pains.
Sleep Issues: Having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or not feeling rested after sleeping.
Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus or feeling like your mind goes blank.
Irritability: Getting easily frustrated or annoyed.
Restlessness: Feeling on edge or unable to relax.
Managing Generalised Anxiety Disorder
GAD can make life feel really hard, but there are ways to manage it. Talking to a therapist, taking medication, and making lifestyle changes can help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by worry, reaching out to Wellbeing Practice can be the first step to feeling better and improving your life.
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