Surviving Anxiety – Psychotherapy & GAD Awareness

One of the ways of surviving anxiety is to know a little about it. General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a very invasive mental illness and it can be present without a person knowing they are suffering from it. So before you write off a friend or partner for being edgy or irritable – look beyond the surface and see what is the underlying current behind their behaviour. And, this especially applies to parents and children. GAD is here to stay so you had better learn a little about it, so you can help someone who is on experiencing this trauma – indeed help them or you Survive the Anxiety of GAD.

Surviving Anxiety-Psychotherapy & GAD – Symptoms of GAD is shown through excessive anxiety and worry about every-day life events. There is no obvious reason for this anxiety but people who suffer from GAD tend to expect disasters to happen and they worry about things from money, family, work and school. This concern is out of proportion for the situation that presents itself. Eventually the disorder becomes so acute that it interferes with daily functioning. Surviving Anxiety – GAD Awareness GAD affects a person in different ways but the symptoms can include:

• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• The need to go to the bathroom frequently
• Tiredness
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Trembling
• Being easily startled

There are also the symptoms of phobias and panic with excessive ongoing worry and tension. It is not surprising to know that people who suffer from GAD often drink too much, are more likely to take drugs and they can be obsessive and clinically depressed, which is a severe form of depression.

The Cause of GAD It is not fully known what causes GAD but the standard issues present:

• A persons environment stresses
• Genetics
• Brain functions

Recent research has suggested that GAD can run in a family, which indicates that genetics are a major factor.  If a person is diagnosed with GAD by their local doctor they will be referred to a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who has specific training with this sort of mental disorder. There is meditation for GAD and this is useful for people who are so debilitated by the illness that they cannot attend work or school.

But as ever there are side-effects and the drugs can only be used in the short term as they are addictive and may cause drowsiness and loss of attention. The drugs are part of the benzodiazepine class and in a way they act like tranquillisers because they remove the more intense anxious feelings. However, there are other methods of treatment that are not as invasive as drugs.

What is Behavioral therapy?

Behavioural therapy may be used. In this type of treatment the person is taught how to recognise the symptoms and, using cognitive behaviour, change the thought patterns that contribute to the disorder. This helps the person look at the anxiety in a more realistic way. Other techniques are used which include relaxation and breathing techniques and this helps keep the person relax and feeling less tense. When someone is suffering from anxiety, but is reluctant to go to a therapist, they can instead be encouraged to do more relaxing hobbies like yoga or meditation.

Outlook GAD can be significantly improved with the above treatment and most people do gain a lot of relief. They can get back to a normal life but have to be vigilant to recognise the symptoms as there is a good chance they will reappear. Early preventative measures are a good way to stop a major episode.

The prevention of GAD

• Change your diet to include more healthy food.
• Start and maintain a gentle exercise routine
• Find a therapist you trust and who can work wot you on a regular basis.
• Do stress relief practices like yoga or meditation.