Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The Generalized anxiety disorder, also knows as GAD, is like "the common cold" of all anxiety disorders. This type of anxiety affects more people in the world that any other type of anxiety. It is characterized by a long-lasting, almost constant state of tension and worry. This worry most of the times results exaggerated and it usually interferes with your normal activities.

You may have GAD if your anxiety has shown up almost everyday for the past six months. You try to stop worrying but you just can't!

Realistic worries don't mean you have GAD. For instance, if you just lost your job and your house is on the verge of foreclosure, well, it is absolutely normal to be extremely worry but if you happen to be a very wealthy person that has never had to worry about money, yet you are absolutely obsessed with the idea that you can be having money problems, the answer would be:

Yes, you are suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder!

But, because each person experiences anxiety in a different way, only health professionals are able to diagnose this disease but let's take a look at the most common symptoms...

What are the Symptoms of a Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

People suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) anticipate to events and worry too much about trivial matters. They foreseen disasters everywhere they look and spend their days filled with abnormal fear.

Sometimes, just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety.

These are some other physical symptoms:

• Fatigue and apathy, you get tired easily

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Numbness in hands and feet

• Muscle tension specially your back, neck and shoulders

• Difficulty breathing or a sense of choking

• Difficulty concentrating

• Twitching

• Irritability, feeling on the edge constantly

• Agitation

• Copious sweating

• Restlessness

• Insomnia, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Rashes

• Social withdrawal

• Feelings of worthlessness and low self esteem

• Despair and hopelessness

Treatment Options

Cognitive therapy is a psychotherapy method that is based in the understanding of how thoughts and feelings influence our behavior. This method is very effective for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

With cognitive therapy you identify the harmful thoughts that are causing your anxiety and learn to replace them with positive, more realistic thoughts. Little by little, the therapy will help you confront your anxieties and feel more comfortable in anxiety-provoking situations.

Developing mindfulness and practicing meditation techniques can also be of enormous help to keep the generalized anxiety disorder and depression under control. You can also combine these methods with natural remedies for depression and anxiety.

Remember always that the power to heal your life is in your hands. Trust yourself and be gentle to yourself all throughout the process.

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