When treating anxiety, therapists begin by validating clients’ experiences.
The therapists make it clear that clients’ feelings of anxiety are real and meaningful in the context of wherever they find themselves in their lives.
Unlike a phobia, in which your fear is connected to a specific thing or situation, the anxiety of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is diffuse — and may include an overall feeling of dread or unease that colors your whole life.
Anxiety is a close cousin to panic, but without the intensity. (Read about panic and its treatment.) Regardless, anxiety can become unbearable. It makes day-to-day life difficult — relaxation becomes impossible.
The therapist then seeks to identify the source of the anxiety — perhaps a current life stressor, a relationship issue, a family situation or feelings from the past that may need further exploration and healing.
Therapists provide gentle, steady, committed guidance in treatment of anxiety. This support can lead to a relief that over time becomes an organic way of being.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Emotional symptoms of GAD may include:
- Non-stop worries running through your head.
- Feeling like your anxiety is uncontrollable; that there is nothing you can do to stop the worrying.
- Intrusive thoughts about things that make you anxious; you try to avoid thinking about them, but can’t.
- An inability to tolerate uncertainty; you need to know what’s going to happen in the future.
- A pervasive feeling of apprehension or dread.
Behavioral symptoms of GAD may include:
- Inability to relax, enjoy quiet time, or be by yourself.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
- Putting things off because you feel overwhelmed.
- Avoiding situations that make you anxious.
Physical symptoms of GAD may include:
- Feeling tense; having muscle tightness or body aches.
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your mind won’t quit.
- Feeling edgy, restless, or jumpy.
- Stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea.