Anna’s Story: Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

I still remember the anxiety I felt each day when I first started school. This feeling never went away and only grew worse over time. At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Along with this diagnosis, I have several chronic conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which means I’ve been dealing with health issues my whole life. These challenges have only added to my anxiety.

Most of my worries aren’t specific. Instead, I feel a constant sense of foreboding, like a cloud hanging over me, whispering that something bad is going to happen. People often tell me to “stop worrying” or “just relax,” but that “just” is far more complicated than it sounds. Generalized anxiety is a difficult condition to explain. It often strikes when no one even notices I’m concerned. But trust me, it’s always there.

I’ve tried anti-anxiety medications, but they didn’t make much of a difference. I’ve also tried deep breathing and meditation, but every attempt at stillness seemed to make the anxiety worse. Believe me, I’ve tried to “stop worrying,” but the anxiety is much stronger than I am.

— Anna, 26

Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience persistent and excessive worry that often disrupts their daily lives. This condition can interfere with sleep and is usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, muscle tension, irritability, sweating, and shortness of breath. Additionally, GAD can be associated with difficulty concentrating and signs of depression.

While anxiety is a natural part of life, GAD is more than the usual concerns that people face. It is a chronic disorder characterized by intense anxiety and tension, often without a clear cause. Individuals with GAD frequently anticipate disasters and may obsessively worry about health, finances, family, or work. Sometimes, just the thought of the upcoming day can trigger anxiety. People with GAD are unable to simply stop worrying, even though they usually recognize that many of their fears are unwarranted. They find it hard to relax, are easily startled, and often have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

GAD is characterized by six or more months of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than normal anxiety. People with this disorder typically:

• Cannot Control Worry: They struggle to control their excessive worries.
• Sleep Difficulties: They have trouble falling asleep or sleeping well.
• Muscle Tension: They experience persistent muscle tension.
• Catastrophic Thinking: They expect the worst to happen.
• Excessive Worry: They worry excessively about finances, health, family, or work, even when there are no signs of impending trouble.
• Inability to Relax: They find it hard to relax.
• Irritability: They may become easily irritated.
• Easily Startled: They are more easily startled than others.
• Fatigue: They tire easily.
• Difficulty Concentrating: They have problems with concentration.

In children and teenagers, GAD often relates to performance in school or sports. It can also be accompanied by a sense of urgency and perfectionism, leading sufferers to feel so insecure that they redo tasks to achieve perfection.

Risk Factors and Causes

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing GAD, including:

• Personality Traits: Individuals with timid or indecisive temperaments, or who avoid dangerous situations, may be more susceptible.
• Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders can increase risk.
• Life Experiences: Significant life changes, painful or negative childhood experiences, or recent traumatic events often play a role.
• Chronic Medical Conditions: Ongoing health issues can exacerbate anxiety.

The amygdala, an almond-shaped part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, is thought to play a role in GAD. It can signal threats, causing fear or anxiety. Emotional memories stored in the amygdala may contribute to the disorder, alongside cognitive distortions like negative thoughts and perfectionism.

Complications

GAD can worsen or lead to other physical health issues, including:

• Digestive Problems: Issues like irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines.
• Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain without a clear physical cause.
• Sleep Issues: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
• Heart Problems: Increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

GAD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, complicating diagnosis and treatment. These may include:

• Phobias
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Substance Abuse

Treatment

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is treatable, and many people find relief through a combination of therapies:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most effective treatments for GAD, CBT helps people change negative thought patterns and behavioral responses to anxiety triggers. Studies show its benefits can be more sustained and long-lasting than medication alone.
• Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help alleviate symptoms, often in combination with psychotherapy.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and relaxation techniques like mindfulness and yoga can support treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of GAD, it’s important to seek professional help. As a psychologist with extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome the challenges of GAD. My approach is tailored to each person’s unique needs, using evidence-based techniques to foster resilience and well-being. If you are struggling with anxiety and would like to explore how therapy can help, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more balanced life.