We live in a world that moves around at a crazy speed, our lives are too busy and complicated, we are forced into rough competition far too often… Sometimes we just do not have time to stop and relax and enjoy this very life. This hectic run makes us tired and irritable and there is no surprise that anxiety appears as well. We start to worry about the things that actually do not require being worried about. But the further the worse and soon we find out that these worries are killing us and we cannot control them. The problem has become so severe that among the most popular non-prescription drugs in the U.S. have become anti-depressants and anti-anxiety pills.

A condition of permanent worry about the things that are hardly going to happen is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This is not just simple worries, in this condition uncontrolled anxiety fills a person’s mind completely and does not let go; there is nothing else left to think about than worries. A person starts first to experience difficulties in daily life like doing his job, fulfilling some responsibilities, communication with others becomes hard; but later it can lead to more complications. The condition can also show up physically: troubles with sleeping and swallowing, irritability, sweating and muscle pains.

Nowadays it is not known for sure what actually leads to GAD but there are several theories. Some researches point out genetics as the most probable factor; others name brain chemistry (the unbalance of some neurotransmitters in the brain that results in its wrong reactions to some situations); and there is also a presupposition that it is environmental stress, or, in other words, external factors like trauma, stress, someone’s death, drug or alcohol abuse, etc. that leads to GAD. But, generally, there is usually a combination of reasons for GAD to appear.

The condition has symptoms that are similar to any other anxiety disorder but for a patient to be diagnosed with GAD they should be present for at least six months. A person having GAD feels better and worse from time to time. Symptoms can be differentiated as physical and psychological.

Physical symptoms:

• unsteadiness
• insomnia
• soreness
• nausea and getting tired easily
• muscles pains and tensions
• constant fidgeting

Psychological symptoms:

• a fear of rejection
• difficulty in relaxing
• irritability
• bad feelings
• difficulty with controlling anxious thoughts
• problems with concentration

The condition is not as desperate as it may seem; it is absolutely curable and there are several ways to do it. In many cases self-help is sufficient; but there are plenty of more severe cases when it is impossible to do without a professional assistance. The best thing to do first if you feel that you can fight your problem alone, or at least you can try, is to challenge your worries. This means literally to write them down on a piece of paper and make a thorough analysis. Perhaps, this operation will help to understand the impossibility of realization of some of your fears and therefore at least reduce your list of worries. Then, if the rest is out of your power, or if you cannon handle even thinking about your fears alone, think about who you can ask for help. Generally in cases of severe anxiety and panic attacks medical aid is advised. Nevertheless, the best you can do is to combine both ways.

GAD is a real problem in the U.S. alongside with depression; sometimes they are combined. Anxiety is more common in women but men also suffer from it; also more and more children and teenagers have been showing up a tendency to this condition, too. Therefore, it is better to prevent the problem before it finds something to feed on. Perhaps it will require reviewing your and your family lifestyle and habits and changing them. But as soon as it will help you to save yourself and your near-and-dear from worries it is worth it.