Finding Support For Symptoms Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that can interfere with daily activities and cause symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and sleep disorders. Although experiencing an anxiety disorder may feel like an overwhelming challenge, knowing you’re not alone can be reassuring. Millions of people worldwide experience anxiety disorders, and there are some ways you can find support. 

For many people, GAD can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, therapy, or a combination of methods. Finding support for symptoms of GAD from a mental health professional can help manage the condition and improve overall quality of life. Read on to learn more about GAD and how to seek support. 

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

GAD is a long-term condition where one experiences worry or anxiety about several issues. This worry can be excessive and constant, even when there seems to be no clear reason for the anxiety. Individuals with GAD may experience challenges performing their daily tasks or maintaining relationships with others. 

While GAD can affect anyone, research shows it's more common in women than men. Also, symptoms often appear during adolescence and early adulthood, which may be an important time for young people to be aware of their mental health.

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To diagnose GAD, a healthcare professional may examine the patient physically and ask questions about their symptoms and medical history. They may also use screening tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale to determine the severity of the anxiety symptoms.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

The symptoms of GAD may include both physical and psychological symptoms, such as:

• Muscle tension
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Challenges sleeping
• Excessive worry
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Challenges concentrating
• Feeling on edge

Ways to treat symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

With the right treatment, people with GAD can learn to manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life. A mental health professional may help you work out the right treatment plan for your needs. Below are some treatment options for the condition.

Medications

Medications can be effective in treating GAD symptoms. A psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers to help manage GAD symptoms. These medications can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. However, medications may have side effects and can interact with other medications.  Consulting a doctor before starting any medications for GAD may be helpful.

Therapy

Therapy is a common treatment for GAD. Mental health professionals may use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with GAD manage their anxiety. ACT may help people learn to accept their anxiety and focus on what is important to them despite their anxiety. CBT can help people identify and change negative thought patterns that may be causing anxiety.  Therapy can be done individually or in a group setting.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can also help manage GAD symptoms. Exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep may help reduce anxiety. In addition, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and drugs may help manage anxiety symptoms. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are other alternative methods that may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Regular aerobic exercise like running or swimming has been found to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, and improve sleep and self-esteem. Aerobic exercise has even been found to work as effectively as medication for some people to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Other types of anxiety disorders

Specific situations or objects may characterize different anxiety disorders. Examples of other anxiety disorders aside from GAD include the following: 

Panic disorder

Panic attacks are typically sudden and intense episodes of fear or anxiety. If someone experiences panic attacks, mental health professionals may recommend various treatments, such as exposure therapy or panic-focused psychotherapy.

Social anxiety disorder

Another type of anxiety disorder is social anxiety disorder, which may involve a deep fear or worry about social situations. People with this condition may fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social settings. They might dread situations where they have to interact with others or be the center of attention. This differs from GAD in that fear and anxiety are specifically focused on social situations.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that typically involves an intense fear of places or situations that might make a person feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed. Individuals with agoraphobia often fear being in crowded areas, being outside of the home alone, or being in enclosed spaces like elevators. They might avoid these situations to prevent feeling panicked or anxious.

Where to find support for generalized anxiety disorder

GAD can be a challenging condition to manage alone. Individuals with GAD may benefit from joining a support group. Support groups can create a safe and supportive community for individuals to share their experiences with others going through similar experiences. You can find support groups through mental health clinics, community centers, or online. You may want to find a support group that fits your needs and preferences.

There are also various online platforms and helplines, like the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), that can provide resources and support. Schools and colleges often offer counseling services to students, which can be a potential starting point. Remember that reaching out to trusted friends and family can also provide a network of support.

Finding support from a mental health professional

Many mental health professionals are trained to help individuals with GAD. These professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed counselors, among others. Finding the right mental health professional may be a helpful step toward managing GAD symptoms.

Mental health professionals can provide a range of services to individuals with GAD. These services may include psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of the two. As we mentioned earlier, cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy, may be particularly helpful for individuals with GAD. CBT can help individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behavior that might be causing anxiety. 

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy may be an ideal option for people experiencing GAD. Due to its convenience and accessibility, online therapy may benefit individuals with busy schedules or who live in remote areas. With this platform, individuals can communicate with their therapist via messaging, phone, or video chat, which may make it convenient to fit therapy sessions into their daily routines. Also, online therapy is typically more affordable than in-person therapy because you may not need to worry about the cost of transportation and other costs associated with in-person therapy.

A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was equally effective as in-person treatment for GAD.According to  the study, individuals who received online CBT showed significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, with some experiencing complete remission of their symptoms.