Learning About Generalized Anxiety Disorder

May is Mental Heath Month. Since 1949 many mental health organizations have observed this month as a time to use media, local events and screenings to educate people about mental health. 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness in their lifetime so it is important for us all to be supportive of each other and those we love. This year’s theme is Tools 2 Thrive.

There are many interesting tools and links on the Mental Health America Website

This year, Jamie decided that I would be challenged with writing about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) because she likes to stretch me…and I have GAD…in fact at one time or another my many therapists have considered all, but 1 of the following types of anxiety disorders for me…So far they have decided I have 3 out of 5 of them…but we are going to focus on just one today…

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

It is normal to get anxious sometimes. Before a big test, getting on a plane for the first time or giving a speech are all reasons someone might feel anxious. For the normal person, these worrisome feelings go away when the reason for anxiety has subsided. For someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, their anxiety is bigger than that and it often doesn’t go away as quickly; in fact a person with GAD might not even need a reason to be anxious. A person with GAD may even find it hard to stay focused on daily tasks because their anxiety is out of control.

I have had Generalized Anxiety Disorder for most of my life. Many times I have not even realized I was feeling anxious because it is such a common experience for me.

GAD is also sometimes called Chronic Anxiety Neurosis. Neurosis is a word used to describe mental, emotional or physical reactions that are drastic and irrational; these behaviors are a person’s automatic and unconscious effort to manage deep anxiety. Neurotic thoughts and behaviors are so extreme that they interfere with a person’s personal, professional and romantic lives, even when the person is aware that their anxiety is unreasonable and unfounded.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

Worry very much about everyday things
Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness
Know that they worry much more than they should
Feel restless and have trouble relaxing
Have a hard time concentrating
Be easily startled
Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Feel easily tired or tired all the time
Have headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or unexplained pains
Have a hard time swallowing
Tremble or twitch
Be irritable or feel “on edge”
Sweat a lot, feel light-headed or out of breath
Have to go to the bathroom a lot
Have rapid heartbeat, or feeling as though one’s heart is beating quickly, but pulse is normal
Have neurological symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in different parts of the body

GAD develops slowly. It may first show up during childhood, but GAD can evolve all through middle age. Sometimes symptoms are pronounced and more irritating that others; other times they are mind or not noticeable. Symptoms often worsen during times of stress, conflict or new experiences. It is common to feel anxiety with other mental health conditions like depression or phobias, but these conditions usually involve one thing the person worries about when they are present, with GAD a person could worry about any number of things at once, and it doesn’t go away, and the person may not be able to identify the source of their worry.

It is normal for co-occuring conditions to be present with GAD…Like in my case where I also have OCD and PTSD…

What Causes GAD?

Anxiety runs in families. A person with GAD may have a history of anxiety within their family. Other causes or risk factors include:

Recent or prolonged exposure to stressful situations, including personal or family illness
Excessive use of caffeine or tobacco, which can make existing anxiety worse
Childhood abuse or over-protection
Women are twice as likely as men to have GAD

GAD Affects About 6.8 Million Americans…What to Do if You Think You Have it?

If you or someone you know, may have GAD, it is important for you to talk with your primary doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will ask how long you have experienced your symptoms. They may suggest ways to relax or treat symptoms to see if you will find relief. Your doctor also may test you for diseases that anxiety are related to:

Substance Addiction
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Thyroid Disorders
Heart Disease
Menopause

You may need to request a referral to see a therapist. During visits with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, behaviors will be assessed to come to the diagnosis. GAD is treated through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (sometimes also called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) in order to learn different ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations that will help the person with GAD handle their mental health issue in a more productive way. Some people require medication. I have tried many medications over the years. When I was in my twenties I had my first mental break and we tried Wellbutrin and Prozac. That didn’t go so well and I decided to just stick with prayer and quiet living. In 2014, I had a medical emergency, that seemed to have changed me for good. Since then I had made peace with the idea that I will need to take medication for probably the rest of my life.

I have tried several medications without success but for the last few years I have had success with Fluvoxamine. About 3 weeks ago, we also added Buspirone. Finding the proper medications and amounts are not for the faint of heart but I am very lucky to have Karen by my side. She is a great help and the reason I finally agreed to take meds, because I realized without them I was very hard to live with.

Lifestyle Changes You Can Make

The choices we make in life often reflect on many parts of our life. There are several behaviors that we can adopt into our life that will help us live a more peaceful and stress free life:

Getting regular exercise
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
Create a sleep routine and stick to it
Relax with yoga, meditation or prayer
Avoid stimulants like coffee, diet pills or caffeine pills
Talk with a close friend, spouse or relative about fears and worries
Avoid alcohol (alcohol might make you feel good in the moment, but within a few hours after drinking it can make depression or irritability worse)
Eliminate or restrict relationships that cause you stress

I think the most important thing I ever did to help myself was to come to the realization that I had a problem I could not face by myself. Naming the problem made it necessary for me to look for a solution. There are many things I have had to change in my life besides taking medications and seeing a therapist regularly. I have had to commit to regular exercise and healthy eating. I have had to cut toxic relationships out of my life which included family members that even though we love each other, we just don’t want the same thing in life. I have had to learn to take time for myself and advocate for myself. I have had to learn to set boundaries and keep them…these are just a few of the changes I have made that have brought more value and peace in my life.

Mental illness is real. It can be debilitating, but it can also make you stronger by showing you how strong you can be. Karen is my rock. She is not phased by episodes. She even does this for some of our clients. She can do that for you too.

Call or text 360-447-8061 for a free consultation

If you are needing prayer, send us an email and we will be glad to add you to our prayers. You don’t have to handle mental illness alone. You are not alone.

I hope this article answered questions you had and was easy to understand. If you would like us to write about a particular topic that you can’t find on this site, please send us an email on our Dear Jamie page and someone from Our Team will be glad to research and write about your topic.

Ask Dear Jamie

Resources and Start Learning More:

Generalized anxiety disorder by Mayo Clinic Staff
Generalized Anxiety Disorder by Psychology Today Staff
Generalized Anxiety Disorder by WebMD Staff
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – causes, symptoms & treatment by Osmosis on YouTube
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control by National Institute of Mental Health Staff
May is Mental Health Month: #4Mind4Body by Kristen Fuller, MD for Psychology Today
May is Mental Health Month 2020: Tools 2 Thrive by Mental Health American Staff
Mental Health Month by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Staff
What are the five major types of anxiety disorders? by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Staff
What is generalized anxiety disorder? by Elea Carey and medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP for Health Line
What is Neurotic Behavior: by WebMD Staff

I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.

Summer D Clemenson is a co-owner Clemenson Enterprises, LLC and Wellness Works NW. Summer her wife, Karen G Clemenson’s personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer is an Independent Wellness Advocate at dōTERRA. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ GoodTimesAlways.com. Her crochet art can be viewed and purchased @ KnottyWares.com & she loves special orders!

Please follow and like us: