If you’re noticing increased worry, fear, or agitation, you may be experiencing heightened anxiety. It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience heightened anxiety from time to time. In fact, this is a normal response to life stressors such as works stress, health concerns, adjustments to significant life changes or events, relationship strains, and financial stressors. If your anxiety becomes overwhelming, difficult to manage, or you are noticing a daily occurrence, you may be experiencing clinical anxiety such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Read on to gather information about the signs and symptoms of GAD and when to seek help.
Signs and Symptoms to Help You Identify Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Excessive Worry or Anxiety About Different Aspects of Life
Work performance; health concerns; financial stability; interpersonal relationships; social interactions; uncertainties about the future or outcomes; activities and responsibilities; and persistent fears and doubts.
Excessive Worry That Occurs More Days Than Not
Fretting about minor details; obsessing over negative outcomes or worst case scenarios; feelings of unmanageable overwhelm; and irrational fears or concerns.
Difficulty Controlling Worry
Constantly thinking about negative outcomes or worst-case scenarios; racing thoughts that are difficult to control; feeling overwhelmed by intrusive (uninvited or wanted) thoughts; and difficulties focusing on tasks due to constant worry.
Restlessness or Feeling On Edge
Fidgeting; pacing; difficulties sitting still; and a constant need to move or engage in an activity.
Easily Fatigued
Constantly tired or exhausted; low energy; muscle weakness; difficulties concentrating; and feeling lethargic.
Irritability
Easily irritated or frustrated; on edge; short temper; snapping at others; sensitivities to noise or distractions that cause annoyance; and changes in mood or mood swings.
Muscle Tension
Tightness or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, jaw or back; muscle aches or soreness; and cramping due to tension.
Difficulty Concentrating
Racing thoughts; easily distracted; forgetfulness; mind going blank; and difficulties focusing on tasks and conversations.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulties falling or staying asleep; restlessness throughout the night; and unsatisfactory sleep.
When to Seek Help
These signs and symptoms can cause impairments in daily functioning. Changes in daily functioning include: difficulties making decisions, constant feelings of overwhelm or being on edge, physical symptoms such as headaches, stomaches and muscle tension, avoidance of social interactions or responsibilities, and difficulties concentrating.
If you are experiencing several of the above symptoms and are noticing changes in your daily functioning, it may be time for you to seek help from a mental health professional such as a licensed counselor or therapist.
Benefits of Therapy for Treatment of GAD
Therapy provides a safe, supportive, and nonjudgemental space for you to explore your anxiety with the guidance of a mental health professional that’s trained to help you navigate through your difficulties.
Therapy can help you identify and address the underlying causes of your anxiety, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn techniques to better manage anxious thoughts and behaviors.
The goal of anxiety therapy is to help you learn to manage your anxiety in ways that feel healthier for you, so you can get much needed relief from all of that worry and fear that’s been weighing you down.
Start Here
If you’re thinking about seeking help for your anxiety, get in touch using the contact page on my website: prausguidanceandhealing.com to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to see if I'm a good fit for you. Anxiety is my wheelhouse and I'd love discuss how I can be of support!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!
Samantha Choudhry, MSE, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
*Please note: The information in this blog post is meant to be a helpful guide in better understanding your mental health, however, it is not to be used in lieu of a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional. Please consult with a licensed counselor, therapist or psychologist if you are experiencing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Disclaimer:
Praus Guidance & Healing, LLC’s and its counselors blog posts are not to be used in lieu of therapeutic treatment or services. The purpose of our blog posts is psycho-educational, informational and for marketing.
Praus Guidance & Healing, LLC’s and its counselors blog posts may provide information that could improve mental health when applied, however, this is not a guaranteed result. Please understand there are no guarantees of what you will experience and that you apply the information from these blog posts at your own risk.
Praus Guidance & Healing, LLC and its counselors shall not be held liable for any information or insight distributed in Praus Guidance & Healing, LLC’s blog posts.
Please keep the following in mind:
-Blog posts contain generalized information that is not specific to your individual needs, concerns or treatment;
-Blog posts are not treatment, and should not replace therapeutic care or treatment;
-Blog posts do not replace a formal relationship with a counselor or a therapist;
-Blog posts provide generalized tools for a broad audience. The information from these posts should not be used in lieu of specific evidenced-based treatment interventions provided by your counselor or therapist.
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