GAD treatment
Worrying is a part of the human experience. It is normal to worry about your loved ones, your job, school, and other day-to-day aspects of life. Sometimes the worrying can become excessive and irrational, to the point where it is hard to control and interferes with your daily life. This can make life very stressful and exhausting from the time you get up in the morning. If you can relate to this, you may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a type of anxiety disorder where an individual can’t help but worry all the time about daily aspects of life like school, family, relationships, health, work, and more. While this may sound normal, especially if you have a lot of stress in your life, the worrying is often unprovoked and irrational for someone with GAD. The thought of getting through every day is enough to make the individual feel anxious, and the worrying is so strong that they may struggle to work and socialize with others. This worrying prevents the individual from fully living in the moment and enjoying the positive and happy moments of life.
GAD can occur at any point in life and often develops slowly over time. However, it is most commonly triggered between adolescence and middle age. While women are twice as likely than men to be affected by GAD, anyone can develop this condition. In fact, anxiety disorders affect about 5% of the Canadian population, according to Statistics Canada. GAD can develop due to a recent experience of great stress or other environmental factors. Although, if you have a family history of GAD, you may be more susceptible to developing the disorder.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder spend most of their days worrying. They may feel more restless or tired than normal, can be easily startled or scared, and be more irritable or “on edge” than others. They may also find it difficult to control their worrying, relax, fall asleep or stay asleep, and to concentrate on tasks. People with GAD often know that they worry too much but are not sure how to stop their excessive worrying. In addition, people with GAD may frequently worry about not being in control and worry about how they will cope in these situations. They often expect bad things to happen to them or their loved ones, even though these bad things rarely end up actually happening.
There are also many physical symptoms associated with GAD, that make it difficult for the individual to go about their daily lives. People suffering from GAD may experience headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, trembling or shaking, sweating or hot flashes, a racing heartbeat, nausea or stomach pains, or feeling out of breath. These symptoms often feel worse during times of great stress, such as during exams, a career change, a family conflict, tragedy, or physical illness.
Since GAD can happen at any point in life, there are some differences in the types of worries that affect individuals at different ages. Children or adolescents with GAD may worry specifically about doing well in school or in hobbies such as sports or competitive events. They may also worry excessively about fitting in with others, being on time, and may develop perfectionism. Adults with GAD may have more anxieties surrounding the health and well-being of themselves and their loved ones, their job performance and security, money, and household responsibilities.
Regardless of age, “What if” statements are key markers of GAD. These “what if’s” often spiral into other “what if’s,” which can easily bring on intense feelings of anxiety. Here are some examples of “what if” statements a person suffering from GAD may think on a daily basis:
“What if I try this new item on the menu and I don’t like it?”
“What if I don’t study hard enough and fail this exam?”
“What if my scholarship doesn’t get renewed this year and I can’t afford to continue school?”
“What if my daughter gets injured during soccer?”
“What if my son is allergic to something I don’t know about?”
“What if my baby isn’t getting enough nutrients?”
“What if I host a party and my friends don’t have a good time?”
“What if I get some incurable disease?”
“What if my spouse gets into a car accident?”
“What if my colleague got offended by my comment, she talks to my boss and I get fired?”
Remember, oftentimes these what-if statements are irrational and unwarranted in the situation.
Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
While Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be exhausting for the individual, the good news is that it is treatable.
Relaxation training, stress management, mindfulness, and meditation are some of the strategies used to help individuals suffering from GAD let their worries go. However, one of the most effective treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as well as Depression that often accompanies GAD, is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This therapy is typically short term, ranging between just 8-16 sessions. In CBT therapy, the individual learns how to change their negative thinking patterns and their reactions to anxiety-provoking situations. They also learn a wide range of strategies and techniques to better manage their anxiety and worrying. Many clients report more clarity of mind, more energy, more control, and inner peace after practicing the strategies they learn in CBT therapy sessions.
If you think you may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and would like to experience the benefits of CBT therapy, consider booking an appointment with one of our CBT therapists. Click Here for more information on our CBT therapists.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in therapy for generalized anxiety disorder in Vaughan, Thornhill, Markham, or the GTA, please call or text 905.597.4404Â or fill out the form below and you will be contacted within 24 business hours.
