It is normal for us to worry, isn't it? Looking back over the years I'd agree with the basic truth of that statement. Worry seems to be one of the many things that separate us from animals. I can't imagine a turtle, totally taken up in concerns over whether those eggs will hatch next year or not. Or have you seen a butterfly bantering about bent on prevention of the upcoming onslaught of predators for its caterpillars? Worry may appear to take control of our canine companions occasionally, but at closer look, they are not concerned about their futures either. Humans alone seem to worry. Some worry more than others.
The first worrier that comes to my mind is my mother. I can't tell you how many times I had to account for my days' comments when I reached the door of our home after a full day at school. What did I say to the teachers? What did other children say to me? Did I tell them about such and such or so and so? Did I say anything that would embarrass the family? (How was I supposed to know what would embarrass our family? I was pretty oblivious to things like that when I was a little girl) I assume, looking back, that my gift for foot-in-the-mouth statements started early.
After a few years of this, I became a very quiet child. Teachers loved me! But I was afraid to open my mouth anywhere. It was much easier to deal with my mother's anxieties if I just didn't say anything at all. It wasn't until I was in my 30's that things like that about my mother started to click. In college, I learned that other mothers weren't as riddled with concerns as mine was. I already knew some things about her weren't normal--her rages, her illnesses, her months of what I eventually found out to be depressive episodes. After my brother's marriage, my mother embarrassed all of us, but mostly my sister-in-law, by insisting on searching their stash of belongings as they packed into their moving van. They were moving out of state. She claimed that she wanted to be certain that my brother didn't make off with something that belonged to her! That was taking her anxieties way too far. I don't blame my brother and his family for moving all the way across the US and never coming back!
Why didn't my father stop this nonsense? He lived with this dilemma for years and never said a word. Or at least, if he did say something, it was not affective. I still wonder, what could he have done? What should he have done?
I think first of all, the problem was never openly recognized. It was never acknowledged. That is probably more common a problem than we care to admit. We'll do something about this...next week...next month...after Christmas...after the summer months. Weeks and months pass, then years pass, and the situation that didn't exist has caused ripples of damage in the family that seem to be irreparable.
Such is the problem with anxiety disorders. First of all, we rationalize that everyone worries. But people with anxiety disorders feel extremely fearful and unsure. Most people feel anxious about something for a short time now and again, but people with anxiety disorders feel this way most of the time. Their fears and worries make it hard for them to do everyday tasks. About 18% of American adults have anxiety disorders. Children also may have them.
The following information is what I gleaned from a public health information booklet published by nimh.org.
Treatment is available for people with anxiety disorders. Researchers are also looking for new treatments that will help relieve symptoms.
Here is a list of symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Dirorder (GAD):
1. They worry very much about everyday things for at least six months, even if there is little or no reason to worry about them;
2. They can't control their constant worries;
3. They know that they worry much more than they should;
4. They can't relax;
5. They have a hard time concentrating;
6. They are easily startled; and have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Common Bodily Symptoms are:
1. feeling tired for no reason;
2. headaches;
3. muscle tension and aches;
4. having a hard time swallowing;
5. trembling or twitching;
6. being irritable;
7. sweating;
8. nausea;
9. feeling lightheaded;
10. feeling out of breath;
11. having to go to the bathroom a lot; and
12. hot flashes.
When does Generalized Anxiety Disorder start?
GAD develops slowly. It often starts during the time between childhood and middle age. Symptoms may get better or worse at different times, and often are worse during times of stress.
People with GAD may visit a doctor many times before they find out they have this disorder. They may ask their doctors to help them with some of the symptoms of GAD, such as headaches or trouble falling asleep, but don't always get the help they need right away. It may take doctors some time to be sure that a person has GAD instead of something else. Looking over the list of symptoms, you can see how this disorder would be difficult to assess; so many symptoms overlap with other problems.
Is there help for those suffering GAD?
There is help for people with GAD. The first step is to go to a doctor or health clinic to talk about symptoms. People who think they have GAD may want to bring a list of symptoms to the doctor to help them talk about the symptoms in it. I have found several online websites with lists that may help. The doctor will do an exam to make sure that another physical problem isn't causing the symptoms. The doctor may make a referral to a mental health specialist.
Doctors may prescribe medication to help relieve GAD. It's important to know that some of these medicines may take a few weeks to start working. In most states only a medical doctor (a family doctor or psychiatrist) can prescribe medications.
The kinds of medicines used to treat GAD are listed below. Some are used to treat other problems, such as depression, but also are helpful for GAD:
antidepressants,
anti-anxiety medicines, and
beta blockers
Doctors also may ask people with GAD to go to therapy with a licensed social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This treatment can help people with GAD feel less anxious and fearful.
There is no cure for GAD yet, but treatments can give relief to people who have it and help them live a more normal life. If you know someone with signs of GAD, talk to him or her about seeing a doctor. Offer to go along for support. To find out more about GAD, call 1-866-615-NIMH (1-866-615-6464) to have free information mailed to you.
Who pays for treatment?
Most insurance plans cover treatment for anxiety disorders. People who are going to have treatment should check with their own insurance companies to find out about coverage. For people who don't have insurance, local city or county governments may offer treatment at a clinic or health center, where the cost is based on income. Medicaid plans also may pay for GAD treatment.
Why do people get GAD?
GAD sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some people have it, while others don't. When chemicals in the brain are not at a certain level it can cause a person to have GAD. That is why medications often help with the symptoms because they help the brain chemicals stay at the correct levels.
To improve treatment, scientists are studying how well different medicines and therapies work. In one kind of research, people with GAD choose to take part in a clinical trial to help doctors find out what treatments work best for most people, or what works best for different symptoms. Usually, the treatment is free. Scientists are learning more about how the brain works so that they can discover new treatments.
Personal story
"I was worried all the time about everything. It didn't matter that there were no signs of problems, I just got upset. I was having trouble falling asleep at night, and I couldn't keep my mind focused at work. I felt angry at my family all the time.
"I saw my doctor and explained my constant worries. My doctor sent me to someone who knows about GAD. Now I am taking medicine and working with a counselor to cope better with my worries. I had to work hard, but I feel better. I'm glad I made that first call to my doctor."
For supporters of people who suffer from GAD
1. Learn about the disorder
2. Recognize and praise small accomplishments.
3. Modify expectations during stressful periods.
4. Measure progress on the basis of individual improvement, not against some absolute standard.
5. Be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine.
It is also important for family members to keep in mind that the recovery process is stressful for them too. They should build a support network of relatives and friends for themselves. Remember that with proper treatment by a mental health professional anxiety disorders can be overcome.
"Wellness, or recovery, is a return to a life that you care about. Recovery happens when your illness stops getting in the way of your life."
The following links are available for you to get more information:
The National Institute of Mental Health-Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A definition of GAD from MedlinePlus
A self-Help Test concerning GAD
More information from ADAA.org on GAD
A booklet about Generalized Anxiety Disorder in pdf form from aada.org
A list of signs of GAD from the Apa.org website
A stress tip sheet from Apa.org website
An online quiz with the apa.org website about handling stress
An article about treating anxiety, phobia and panic disorders
An article about treatment options for GAD on the adaa.org website
An article for supporters who want to help a family member suffering from GAD
An article about how exercise can help deal with stress, anxiety, and depression
An article about how to locate medical and psychiatric help in your area for GAD
How I wish I had this information at my fingertips when I was younger.
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Comments: 30
Here is a trick I use, when I feel like I am spinning out of control I visualize a STOP sign . This helps me to refocus my thinking and I then visualize good things like my art or what ever.
Good article and thank you for sharing. keep on goin g ;-0
At this point, I think my Mom suffers from bipolar, with GAD and OCD as spin-offs or adjunct disorders (a common problem). But she's never really been officially diagnosed. In reading up for this, the symptoms sound so similar to some of the characteristics she shares with bipolar and OCD. I still wish she could get better treatment. She is in assisted living now.
Danielle, there is so much to learn and is being learned about this entire array of disorders. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for the extremely well written and informative article!!!
PAY IT FORWARD
This is yet another reason for people who have children to learn something about child development and get help if they have mental health issues.
Thanks Kieran, for your thoughtful comment! I do try to make these user friendly.
J Wright, denise, William, Sheila, and Marianne, thanks for your comments! I appreciate that you stopped by to read this.
Kathleen, it's amazing how much baggage we bring with us into adulthood from our growing up years. I get some of my worrying traits from that too.
Elizabeth, I know how that must have been so difficult to overcome. Fortunately, alcohol wasn't a problem in our family, but my Mom drank so much coffee each day (self-medicating) that she lost half her stomach eventually.
Jennifer I'd love to hear more about this selective mutism concept.
When Worry Gets Out of Control: GAD
It is not easy living with this or with someone who has this disorder. My younger sister has a number of illnesses and it was always hard for me because I couldn't fix her. I have since learned to go with the flow and love her and her kooky ways.
William, those are excellent points, especially about the trust issue. I've had quite a few yo-yo instances where trust was lost, I had to deal with it, and gain back generalized trust. One of the trust issues is internal. Can we trust ourselves to make a general assessment of a person when we were so wrong before? That's a tough one! Been there and worn that shirt!
No, Pepsie, it sure isn't! To make it worse, a person with one particular disorder like GAD may also have another disorder called an adjunct disorder. Some other adjunct disorders are OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, and personality disorder.
Hang in there Todd. I know from experience that she really needs you to be strong. My biggest problem when I head into a manic/angry phase is that I attack my loved ones, usually without provocation. It hurts me to see me do this...it hurts them to be attacked and seemingly misunderstood. I've learned over the years to give my family heads up if I can see something coming, and to apologize and sooth ruffled feathers as much as possible after the "episodes."
Some days, it feels as if the light at the end of the tunnel is very very far away. People with anxiety issues need your support, even if you are being attacked for it. Thanks so much for your added comments, everyone.
for everyone could use a bit more during the holidays
I Hope you and yours have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
It's something I've been building a list of resources on too: Generalized anxiety disorder
All too often people with GAD are prescribed meds which are great when you first start taking them. But soon enough they become resistant to them so need more of the med to get the same effect. And when they decide to come off the drugs the symptoms more often than not spring back up. I wish doctors would educate themselves a little more about these things. For example Adrian Well's amazing research about meta-beliefs on GAD is proving very fruitful for a lot of therapists.