Methods for Easing Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. It’s that feeling of uncertainty about what’s going to happen next, whether that’s in the next few minutes, days, or months. That’s completely normal.  But it’s important to know that if this feeling of anxiety sticks around for a while and doesn’t seem to disappear – you may have GAD. 

What Is GAD?

GAD stands for generalized anxiety disorder. It has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other types of anxiety, but they’re all different conditions.

Some common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

• Feeling nervous, restless or tense
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
  

You might never be able to fully eliminate your disorder, but you can manage it.

From GAD to Glad – Methods for Easing Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

• Deep breathing
• Regular exercise
• Journaling
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Reading
• Healthy socializing
• Speaking with a professional

Depending on the severity of your anxiety, a behavioral therapy plan, anti-anxiety medication and/or coping mechanisms may be directed to your personal situation. But recognition and acknowledgment of your anxiety is one of the most important factors if you want to move forward.

If you have any of the above symptoms or have difficulty controlling worry in your life, ask yourself if it could be anxiety you’re experiencing. It’s important to share any concerns of excessive worry with your health care provider so they can help you identify ways to address your anxiety and move past the debilitation of excessive worry.

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