5 Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. However, far too many people still don’t fully understand the symptoms associated with it. Or, they self-diagnose it as something else. While anxiety is often manageable, it rarely goes away without treatment.
That’s why receiving a proper diagnosis is essential. While symptoms of GAD can vary from person to person, there are a few common signs that most people experiencing it have to deal with. If you or someone you know is regularly trying to get a handle on any of these symptoms, it’s time to seek out the help of a professional. Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life, but you do have to acknowledge it so you can begin to retake control.
With that in mind, let’s look at give symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder that you should be aware of.
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of various physical and mental health conditions. Unfortunately, that makes it easy to ignore when it comes to GAD. However, fatigue is so common with anxiety because your mind is constantly “working.” It’s not uncommon for people with GAD to have trouble sleeping because they struggle to turn their thoughts off.
That’s exhausting.
You might feel physically tired every day, but you’ll also feel mentally drained, making it difficult to concentrate or stay productive.
2. Persistent Worrying
The most widely-known symptom of anxiety is worry. Everyone worries about things from time to time. It’s not even uncommon to fear things that are “unknown” to us. However, there’s a difference between worrying about realistic, tangible things and persistent fear over something that may not be relevant or rational.
If you find that your thoughts are constantly racing and you’re thinking of the worst-case scenario more often than not, it’s a sign of GAD. Unfortunately, those thoughts can take over so much that you might even start to worry about your mental well-being.
3. Overthinking
When you’re worried about everything and your mind goes to the worst-case scenario, it’s also common to overthink. You might start to create situations in your head that have no basis in reality. However, they are often rooted in a fear of the unknown. This type of thinking can often lead to more specialized anxiety disorders, like social anxiety.
4. Nervousness
Do people ever describe you as jumpy or twitchy? Do you have a hard time relaxing and feel like you’re constantly on edge, even when you’re in the comfort of your own home? If so, you’re likely dealing with GAD.
It’s very common to feel skittish or jumpy when you’re in a state of constant worry. It’s your mind’s way of protecting you by getting ready to trigger your fight or flight response at any moment. However, it often triggers a vicious cycle. The jumpier you are, the harder it will be to rest. The less sleep you get, the more fuel your anxiety will have to keep going.
5. Physical Symptoms
While anxiety is a mental health condition, it often manifests itself with physical symptoms. When experiencing an anxiety attack, you might deal with a racing heart, sweaty palms, or trembling. You can experience stomach and digestive issues, muscle aches and pains, and frequent headaches more consistently.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms (or more than one), don’t wait to reach out for help. Anxiety can feel crippling and controlling, but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. The more you understand the symptoms and how they’re impacting you, the easier it should be to get the help you deserve. Contact us today so we can work together toward addressing your anxiety.