By Jennifer Morrison, PsyD Postdoctoral Resident, John R. Day & Associates, Christian Psychological Associates
A lot of people find themselves worrying about their children, their families, their bills, and other things on a regular basis. The amount of worrying and what you worry about can greatly vary from person to person. Time spent worrying can also greatly vary from person to person. How might you know what is typical worrying and what might be more clinical worrying, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Normal worries include something with a specific cause, like an unexpected bill or family illness. Typical worries don’t interfere with your ability to work or socialize. Additionally, normal worries are seen as manageable and limited to specific or a few topics. More significant worry only lasts for a short time. Finally, typical worries aren’t accompanied by other symptoms like lack of sleep or physical problems.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is described as excessive or exaggerated worry about everyday problems with no obvious reasons for the worry. People with GAD can tend to prepare for the worst and have difficulty stopping worries about health, finances, relationships, and work. Your worries might be GAD if you find them interfering with your work or school, or you feel your worry is uncontrollable, or your worry is persistent. If your worries have no cause or last longer than six months, this could also be GAD. GAD is accompanied by three or more physical symptoms like difficulty sleeping, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, tiredness, or agitation. If you are concerned you might have GAD, contact a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.
Treatments for GAD can include medication or therapy. Therapies for GAD help focus on anxiety as it relates to your relationships, your thoughts, and your behavior. Some therapies will offer learning relaxation or mindfulness techniques. Mental health professionals can help you review your treatment options and help you find the treatment that will work best for you.
Since 1974, John R. Day & Associates, Christian Psychological Associates provides quality care for the whole person. They work with area physicians, attorneys, court services, and pastors to bring healing to the lives of children, adolescents, and adults. They have six locations throughout Central Illinois: Peoria, Normal, Eureka, Princeton, Canton, and Pekin. They can be reached at 309-692-7755 or visit www.christianpsychological.org.
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