Worry & Generalised Anxiety Disorder
This is perhaps due to the fact that Generalised Anxiety Disorder, or GAD for short, is not as well-known an anxiety disorder as, say, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
GAD, however, is not an uncommon form of anxiety. Many people simply are unaware of this more clinical name for “debilitating worry”.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a common, recognised mental health issue, effecting 4% of all people in their lifetime (DSM-IV; APA, 1994), and makes up 12% of all cases of anxiety issues.
Signs of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Mind going blank
Sleep disturbance, including difficult falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleeping.
Feeling on edge
Feelings of unreality
Persistently worrying about different things
Constantly seeking reassurance.
Avoiding situations that might cause worrying, such as the news or uncertainty.
Trying to avoid worrying using various forms of distraction, such as watching TV or focusing on work.
Checking. For example, checking where a child or partner is.
“I can’t control or stop worrying”
“If I don’t worry something bad will happen.”
“I’m going crazy with worrying.”
“What if X? What if Y?”
“If X, or if Y, then something terrible might happen.”
“I can’t cope.”
Next Steps: Recovery is Possible
If you live in the UK, the BACP’s Find a Therapist Website is a useful place to start if trying to find a qualified, registered therapist in your local area. Outside the UK it may be useful to contact your local doctor or GP for further information.
Of course, if you live in Bristol and wish to make an appointment to see me, you can visit my contact me page here, or check my website’s main page for further information on my counselling service, Your Voice Counselling, Bristol.
Below is a YouTube video briefly describing GAD:
Recovery is possible.