What is GAD and Anxiety
When Worry Feels Constant
Definition:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is marked by excessive, persistent worry about a variety of events or activities. According to the DSM-5-TR, symptoms must occur more days than not for at least six months and cause significant distress or impairment.
Clinical Symptoms
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Fatigue or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Muscle tension or sleep disturbance
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety itself is not the enemy — it’s a built-in alarm system designed to protect us. But for people with GAD, the alarm can become hypersensitive, sounding even when no real danger exists.
Managing and Treating Anxiety
Effective treatments include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Restructures anxious thinking patterns
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Medication (SSRIs or SNRIs) when appropriate
At Life Wellness Therapy, clients learn skills to regulate their nervous system and relate differently to worry — not by suppressing it, but by understanding it.
Why It Matters
Anxiety can make life feel small and unpredictable, but recovery opens space for curiosity and calm. With time and tools, clients learn that their minds can be both protective and peaceful.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Barlow, D. H. (2021). Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders. Guilford Press.
