Everyone has had moments in their life in which they have felt a sense of anxiety to one degree or another. While this is generally nothing to worry too much about, many experience anxiousness on a day-to-day basis. This is frequently excused as simply a personality trait or tendency, but depending on your symptoms and the length of said anxiety, you could very well have a generalized anxiety disorder.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder is, as mentioned above, the feeling of severe anxiety for long periods of time without end. It can get to the point of interfering with everyday activities such as sleeping. Many who suffer from this disorder also experience compulsive overthinking, inability to decide, inability to relax, and anxiety attacks (along with the symptoms they alone entail). These symptoms, and many others, do not always have to have a reason behind them, rather can stem from feelings. For example, the inescapable feeling that something bad will occur for no given reason.
What causes generalized anxiety?
While generalized anxiety may just simply come from an overload of stress, it can also originate from a certain medicine/substance, family history (if people in your family had it), and even another chronic illness.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of generalized anxiety may differ from person to person depending on the different factors which may contribute to the anxiety.
If you have a generalized anxiety disorder or believe that you might - keep in mind that you are not alone. You don’t have to feel any guilt or shame for reaching out to a trusted individual or (more importantly) a healthcare provider for help. Generalized anxiety disorder is a disorder which must be taken seriously. Please, reach out to a healthcare provider, or anyone who might be able to help you.
References
“Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-anxiety-disorder#:~:text=Generalized%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20a,muscle%20tension%2C%20and%20trouble%20sleeping.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Oct. 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803.
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