Understanding Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

We all worry sometimes. It’s a normal part of being human. Maybe you’re nervous about school, work, money, or something unexpected happening. That’s okay. But for someone with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), that worry doesn’t go away. It sticks around all day, every day, and it’s hard to control, even when everything seems fine.

What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is when a person feels anxious almost every day for a long time, usually more than six months. The anxiety can be about all kinds of things: health, money, school, family, work, or even just what might happen next. And it doesn’t go away, even if everything seems fine.

It’s like having a mind that’s always buzzing with “what ifs,” and a body that feels like it’s always bracing for danger. But here’s the important part: you’re not alone, and help is available.

What Does GAD Feel Like?

Imagine waking up and already feeling tense, like something bad is about to happen, but you don’t know what. Or maybe your chest feels tight, your heart races, and you can’t stop thinking about things that could go wrong. This isn’t just a “bad day.” For someone with GAD, this can be an everyday thing. People with GAD might:

• Worry even when things are going okay
• Feel restless or on edge
• Get tired easily
• Struggle to focus
• Have trouble sleeping
• Feel aches and pains in their body
• Be anxious which could include physical symptoms like stomach problems, headaches, or feeling dizzy can all be signs.

GAD Is Real and You’re Not Just “Too Sensitive”.

Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can feel overwhelming. And when people say things like “Just relax” or “You’re overthinking,” it can hurt. But GAD is a real mental health condition, not a sign of weakness or being dramatic.

If you struggle with constant worry or feel stuck in your thoughts, it doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human and you deserve support.

Why Does Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Happen?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can develop for many reasons. Here are some common causes:

• Genetics: Anxiety can run in families. If a close relative has GAD or another anxiety disorder, you may be more likely to experience it too.
• Life experiences: Stressful or traumatic events, like a breakup, losing someone close, or growing up in a high-stress environment can increase the risk of developing GAD.
• Personality traits: Some people are naturally more sensitive, cautious, or perfectionistic. These traits can make you more likely to worry or overthink.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals that regulate mood and stress, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, can contribute to GAD.

Simple Ways to Ease Anxiety and GAD.

• Create a calm routine: Having structure in your day can help reduce the feeling of chaos in your mind. Try waking up, eating, and going to bed at the same time each day.
• Limit stress triggers: Too much news, social media, or caffeine can make anxiety worse. Try cutting back, even just a little.
• Move your body: You don’t need a fancy gym or a perfect workout. A walk outside, stretching your arms, or dancing to a song you love can help your body release stress.
• Sleep matters: Sleep is a powerful healer. Try to wind down before bed, dim the lights, avoid screens, and do something calming like reading or breathing deeply.
• Talk to someone you trust: You don’t have to carry your worries alone. A friend, family member, or therapist can help lighten the load.
• Write things down: Journaling your thoughts can help you feel more in control of them. You might even start to notice patterns in your anxiety.

How Therapy Can Help You Manage GAD.

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you , it’s about helping you feel more grounded, understood, and supported. If you live with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), therapy can be one of the most effective ways to reduce overwhelming worry and regain a sense of control.

Here’s how therapy can support you:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you understand how anxious thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors. Over time, you’ll learn to gently challenge those thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, calming perspectives.
• Mindfulness: Practices like deep breathing, body scans, and guided imagery can help regulate your nervous system and bring a greater sense of calm to both mind and body.
• A safe space to be heard: One of the most healing aspects of therapy is simply having someone who truly listens, without judgment. Speaking your thoughts out loud in a supportive space can ease the weight of anxiety and help you feel less alone.

Anxiety Test (GAD-7) – Find Out If Therapy Could Help You.

The GAD-7 is a clinically recognized self-assessment that helps measure your level of anxiety. It consists of seven questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past two weeks, including worry, nervousness, and restlessness. Based on your answers, you’ll receive a score that ranges from mild to severe anxiety. The GAD-7 is widely used by healthcare professionals to better understand anxiety symptoms.

You don’t have to be “falling apart” to benefit from therapy. You also don’t need to have all the answers or explain exactly why you feel the way you do. Therapy is for anyone who wants to feel more grounded, supported, and like themselves again,  whether you’re a parent, student, leader, creative, or simply someone trying to get through the day.

Take the GAD-7 test to better understand your anxiety — and whether therapy might support you.