What is generalized anxiety disorder?
“I’m just afraid of being alone at night. I don’t know why, but I do…”
“My thoughts won’t turn off. They’re constantly running around, making me worry, worry, worry…”
“Will I ever be the same as before?”
“I don’t remember ever feeling relaxed and calm… What would that be like?”
“I’m always on edge…”
“I hate having to go to work anymore. I haven’t always been like this…”
Generalized anxiety disorder is a relatively common anxiety problem, affecting 3-4% of the population, which turns daily life into a state of worry, anxiety and fear. Excessive thinking and dwelling on “what ifs” characterize this anxiety disorder. As a result, the person feels that there is no way out of the vicious circle of anxiety and worry, and then becomes depressed about life and the state of anxiety in which he finds himself.
Generalized anxiety does not generally cause people to avoid situations, and there is also no “panic attack” element involved in the prognosis. It is the thinking, thinking, thinking, dwelling, dwelling, ruminating, ruminating, and the inability to turn off the mind that incapacitates a person so much. At other times, the thoughts seem almost nonexistent because anxious feelings are so dominant. Feelings of worry, dread, lack of energy, and loss of interest in life are common. Many times there is no “trigger” or “cause” for these feelings and the person realizes that these feelings are irrational. However, the feelings are very real. At this point, there is no “energy” or “zest” in life and no desire to want to do much.
This emotional fear and worry can be quite strong. If a loved one is ten minutes late, the person with generalized anxiety fears the worst: something is terribly wrong (he or she is ten minutes late, after all!), there has been an accident, the paramedics are taking the person to the hospital. and his wounds are too critical to resurrect him… “Oh my God!… WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?” Feelings of fear and anxiety arise from these thoughts, and the vicious cycle of anxiety and depression spirals out of control.
Some people with generalized anxiety have fluctuations in mood from hour to hour, while others have “good days” and “bad days.” Others do better in the morning and others find it easier at the end of the day. These anxious feelings and moods feed on themselves, leading the person to continue the pattern of worry and anxiety, unless something powerful breaks them.
Physical manifestations of generalized anxiety can include headaches, tremors, twitching, irritability, frustration, and an inability to concentrate. Sleep disturbances may also occur. Sometimes elements of social phobia and/or panic may be present, such as high levels of shyness in some situations and fear of not being able to escape from closed spaces.
It’s also common, but not universal, for people with generalized anxiety to experience other problems, such as being quick to startle, not being able to fully relax, and being in a constant state of motion. It’s hard for some people with generalized anxiety to calm down enough to have a quiet, reflective moment where they can calm down, relax, and feel some peace and quiet. Strategies to calm down and relax peacefully are a part of overcoming this problem.
The stress of normal life aggravates generalized anxiety. The person who normally performs well at work and receives a sense of accomplishment from it suddenly discovers that the work has become drudgery. If work is perceived as a negative environment, and the person no longer feels fulfilled, then there is great concern about these situations. As a result, anticipatory anxiety about going to work can become quite strong.
Generalized anxiety has been shown to respond best to cognitive behavioral therapy, an active therapy that involves more than just talking to a therapist. In CBT, the person gradually learns to see situations and problems from a different perspective and learns the methods and techniques to use to relieve and reduce anxiety. Medication is sometimes a useful adjunct to therapy, but for many people it is not necessary. Research indicates that generalized anxiety is fully treatable and can be successfully overcome within about three to four months if the person is motivated and works to recover.
Generalized anxiety needs to be eliminated from all sides and that is what CBT is designed to do. No one has to live with a generalized anxiety disorder… treatment for GAD has been shown to be effective and successful.
Find a therapist who understands anxiety and anxiety disorders. Remember that just because someone has a college degree doesn’t mean they understand and can treat an anxiety disorder. Don’t hesitate to ask questions of any professional and make sure your therapist understands and knows how to treat generalized anxiety. It’s usually a good idea to see a specialist in this area (they don’t charge extra), but they do have a practice geared towards anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by 6 months or more of exaggerated, chronic worry and tension that is either unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety experienced by most people. People with this disorder often expect the worst; They worry excessively about money, health, family, or work, even when there are no signs of trouble. They cannot relax and often suffer from insomnia. Many people with GAD also have physical symptoms, such as fatigue, tremors, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, or hot flashes.
Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), effective treatments have been developed to help people with GAD.
How common is GAD?
About 2.8% of the US population (4 million Americans) have GAD for a year.
GAD most often affects people in childhood or adolescence, but it can also begin in adulthood. It affects women more often than men.
What causes GAD?
Some research suggests that GAD can run in families and can also worsen during stress. GAD typically begins at a younger age and symptoms may develop more slowly than most other anxiety disorders.
What treatments are available for GAD?
Treatments for GAD include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Can people with GAD also have other physical and emotional illnesses?
Research shows that GAD often coexists with depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders. Other conditions associated with stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome, often accompany GAD. Patients with physical symptoms such as insomnia or headaches should also tell their doctors about their feelings of worry and tension. This will help the patient’s healthcare provider recognize that the person has GAD.
anxiety and sleep
Sleep – is a basic human need at any age, as essential to good health as proper diet and regular exercise. A good night’s sleep recharges the body’s energy, gives our active brain a break, and puts us in a better mood mentally.
One of the biggest frustrations we all face at some point is not being able to fall asleep. We go round and round, worrying about the next day’s activities.
anxiety and sleep
National Sleep Foundation
sleep for children
drowsy driving
Clock and count how many minutes we have left before morning. For many, however, insomnia is much more than a one-night nuisance. Insomnia is the clinical term for those who have trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning. Caused by a multitude of physical and emotional problems, insomnia can be diagnosed in the short or long term, depending on when the patient feels sleep loss is a problem.
For people with an anxiety disorder, insomnia ends the vicious cycle of symptoms that can exacerbate these disorders. Many of the culprits that prey on anxiety sufferers (excessive stress, persistent worry, obsessive thoughts, gastrointestinal issues, and nightmares) also rob them of their precious sleep. Also, certain antidepressants often prescribed for the treatment of an anxiety disorder can cause difficulty sleeping.
On the contrary, research has shown that chronic sleep problems are associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome also interfere with good sleep habits, contributing to the potential for mental decline. The vicious circle continues.
Whether insomnia causes anxiety or the disorder causes insomnia, the risks of inadequate sleep go far beyond just tiredness. Skipping the necessary hours of sleep can have many negative consequences, such as poor work or school performance, increased risk of injury and health problems, as well as impaired judgment and moodiness. In children, sleep disturbances are linked to learning disabilities, slow growth, bedwetting, and high blood pressure.
Do’s and Don’ts for Sound Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends an average of seven to nine hours of sleep each night for most adults, and even more for children and teens. Yet nearly 25% of adults in the United States (47 million people) don’t even get the minimum amount of sleep they need to be fully alert the next day. To manage anxiety symptoms and ensure good health, make sleep a priority for you and your family. Here are some tips from the NSF for better sleep:
behind
Make time to sleep. Reserve seven to nine hours for a full night of uninterrupted sleep.
Establish a regular bedtime routine for children that includes 15 to 30 minutes of quiet, relaxing activities.
Set the stage for a good night’s sleep. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Go to bed only when you are sleepy.
If you don’t fall asleep within 15 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room, and do something relaxing.
Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping. A doctor can discuss with you the number of herbal and prescription sleep aids available. Sweet dreams!
not to do
Do stimulating activities just before you go to sleep.
Watch TV or use the computer before bed.
Eat or drink before bed.
Exercise within three hours before you want to fall asleep. The ideal time to exercise is early in the afternoon, as 5 to 6 hours later your body temperature will drop and this will help you sleep better.
Consume large amounts of caffeine, such as soft drinks and chocolate.
Use nicotine products. Nicotine is a stimulant.
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