Anxiety

What is GAD?

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition where you feel very worried or anxious about many different things in your life. It's different from the normal worry we all feel sometimes - GAD makes it hard to control your worries, and they affect your daily life.

GAD is more common in women than men, and it can happen to anyone aged 18 or over.

What does GAD feel like?

The main sign of GAD is feeling stressed or worried most of the time, and finding it difficult to control these feelings. You might also notice:

• Sleep problems - finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Feeling restless - like you can't sit still or relax
• Getting irritable easily or having trouble concentrating
• Feeling tired all the time, even after sleeping
• Physical tension in your muscles
• Stomach problems like feeling sick or having an upset tummy
• Heart palpitations - your heart beating faster or in an unusual way
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Low mood or feeling depressed

When should you speak to your GP?

You should see your GP if:

• You think you might have GAD
• Your worries are affecting your everyday life
• You've been feeling anxious most of the time for at least 6 months
• You've already been diagnosed with GAD but treatments aren't helping

Get urgent help if you're having a mental health crisis or emergency - support is available no matter what you're going through.

How is GAD diagnosed?

Your GP will ask you questions about your worries and any physical symptoms you're having. Try to be honest about how you're feeling, even though talking about emotions can feel difficult. This helps your GP understand what's happening and decide on the best help for you.

What treatments are available?

GAD can be treated, though it may take time to feel better. Your GP might suggest:

• Talking therapies - usually Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a trained therapist
• Medicines - often a type of antidepressant called an SSRI
• Referral to specialists - a community mental health team with different experts

Most GPs will suggest trying talking therapy first before medicines or seeing a specialist.

Things you can try yourself

Do:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling
• Try self-help books or online courses
• Learn relaxation techniques like calm breathing or try yoga
• Get enough sleep and exercise regularly
• Eat regular, healthy meals

Don't:

• Focus on things you can't change
• Avoid situations that make you anxious
• Drink lots of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
• Use alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to cope

Getting support

You can refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies without seeing your GP first if you're over 18. Charities like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and Anxiety UK also offer helpful information and support groups.

Remember, GAD is treatable and you don't have to cope alone. Speak to your GP if you're worried about anxiety affecting your life.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.