When Anxiety Strikes

According to psychologist, Thomas Richards, “About 3 to 4 percent of the world population suffers from what is known as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD for short.”

We all have our own set of worries and apprehensions, but there are a few amongst us, who just cannot think beyond their ‘what ifs’ in life, turning their daily life into a state of constant fretfulness and fear, a condition that psychologists call Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

GAD is a condition associated with unending and exaggerated anticipation of disaster in all walks of life.

Symptoms of GAD

GAD is typically characterized by a person’s inability to shake off concerns, even though you realize that your concerns are irrational and more than what the situation warrants. A simple incident like your husband arriving 10 minutes late from his office is a good enough reason to trigger off the tension accompanied by a constant anticipation of disaster. Getting jittery and all worked up when there is no reason for anxiety or your inability to pin point the exact reason for your anxiety are all sure behavioral symptom of GAD.

Physical Manifestation of Generalized Anxiety

• Head aches
• Sleep disturbances
• Trembling
• Twitching
• Inability to concentrate
• Feeling nauseated or gastrointestinal distress
• Frequently visiting the bathroom
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Muscle tension
• Agro phobia or fear of enclosed places

Other Problems Associated with GAD

It has been observed that people suffering from generalized anxiety might experience certain other problems such as getting startled at the slightest stimulus, inability to relax or be completely at ease, and a continuous, uncontrollable urge to be constantly in motion. It becomes impossible for certain people suffering from GAD to settle down and reflect upon their condition. They might also find it difficult to get some peace and tranquility to think about a probable solution to the problem at hand. These inherent problems make it all the more difficult to overcome disorder.

When can Anxiety Strike?

Mood fluctuations associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder can occur from hour to hour. Meaning, the person might not feel the fret all the while. It generally gets apparent at a certain time of the day. But, the time might vary from one person to another. In certain cases, it might occur in day time, while in certain cases, in the evening. Still others might experience what is called the ‘Good Days’ and the ‘Bad Days’. Such an anxiety pattern might continue taking its toll on the person’s psyche and health unless something very strong happens and breaks it up.

When do You Know You Need Help

If the normal life stressors (that were once upon a time the order of the day), are now sending you up the wall. If the jobs of your work place that once offered you a sense of achievement are now being dreaded. If you have started avoiding socializing and also encounter at least three of the above mentioned symptoms ….It’s time you saw a psychotherapist.

Generalized Anxiety Treatment

Generalized Anxiety Disorder has been found to be completely curable. The condition has so far shown the best reaction to a therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT for short. It refers to an active therapy that involves much more that simply talking to your therapist, although the therapy does involve a lot of active interaction between the therapist and his patient. CBT assists the person slowly and gradually to see the situations in a different perspective all together. He subsequently learns the techniques and the methods to lower his every day fears and anxiety, to carry on his daily routine in a more calm and composed manner.

CBT is designed to combat the tendency to get tensed over small issues and thus attack the condition from all sides unless the tendency to get anxious over petty issues is given up completely. Sometimes, the therapist might prescribe some medication in conjunction with the therapy techniques, but mostly the solution to the problem lies in the therapy alone. It might require a completely dedicated person about three to four months to fully recover.

While seeking a therapist, only make sure that he doesn’t simply have the desired degree but is also experienced enough to handle your case. If possible, consult a specialist.