Do you have a tendency to worry about anything and everything? Do you find it difficult to relax and unwind at night? Do you frequently think of the worst-case scenario? Do you wish that you could banish all the uncertainty from your life? If this describes you, you may be experiencing generalized anxiety disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What Are Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors - the presence or absence of the listed symptoms does not mean you are or aren't experiencing generalized anxiety disorder.
Cognitive Symptoms
Anxiety
Difficulty Concentrating
Persistent & Intense Worrying
Emotional Symptoms
Irritability
Easily Startled
Somatic Symptoms
Insomnia
Muscle Aches or Tension
Restlessness
Common Experiences
Being consumed by worries, for example: “did I shut the stove off”, “what if my headache is indicative of a serious health issue”, “will I have enough money to retire.”
Seeking reassurance from others regarding your worry thoughts. For example, asking a partner, friend, or parent to reassure you that whatever feared outcome you are worrying about will not happen, such as are you sure I won’t get in a care accident.
Difficulty enjoying the moment as worries keep entering your mind.
Constantly trying to regulate your thoughts and emotions through distraction, reassurance seeking, self-talk, or avoidance.
You are unable to stop worrying.
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches clients to recognize how their thoughts impact their feelings and behaviours and to help them evaluate their thoughts to ensure they are in line with the facts of a situation.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
This treatment teaches clients to accept their thoughts without trying to change them. It also helps clients see their thoughts as ideas/their interpretations rather than facts, be present in the moment rather than worrying about the future or the past, and behave in accordance with their values rather than in order to reduce or avoid their anxiety.
Therapists Who Can Help
Check out our experienced team of therapists specializing in anxiety and find the perfect fit for you.
Anxiety Canada
Anxiety Canada strives to provide Canadians with accessible, science-based relief for a wide variety of anxiety disorders.
The Cycle of Anxiety
Learn about the cycle of anxiety and how it can contribute to worse and prolonged anxiety over time.
Coping Skills for GAD
Discover self-help strategies for managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder from Anxiety Canada.
