Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is when a person experiences anxiety and worry most of the time even outside of stressful situations. These persistent worries are intense and can interfere with functioning in day to day activities at work and home.
In GAD the type of worry is not always specific to one thing and can be connected to several aspects of life such as health, family, work, finances and social issues. Simple tasks such as taking public transport or washing dishes can become overwhelming for the individual. This can then become the focus of anxiety accompanied with uncontrollable thoughts and feelings with the belief that something awful is going to happen.
There are many different signs and symptoms (please see the image) that are not just psychological but also can manifest physically as well.
How does GAD develop in an individual? There are many various combining factors involved such as:
-Biological factors (that can be caused by nutritional deficiencies!)
-Stressful life events and trauma
-Family history
-Psychological factors (personality traits of perfectionism, general nervousness, feelings of being inhibited can put a person at risk to developing GAD)
GAD can be supported through techniques and natural treatments such as:
-Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy via a psychologist
-Progressive muscle relaxation
-Hypnotherapy
-Meditation
-Exercise and movement therapy such as yin yoga
-Correcting nutritional deficiencies via diet and supplementation
-Herbal medicines such as: Passiflora, St John’s Wort, Kava, Valerian, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Skullcap- the list goes on!
-Flower Essences
-Getting adequate amounts of sleep
-Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes and recreational drugs
In this present age there are so many treatments and professional support resources out there to help manage GAD and seeking help is the first step towards recovery.
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