Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, affects about 3.1 percent of the U.S population. According to the ADAA, this is defined as experience excessive anxiety and worry, often expecting the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern (ADAA). The most common anxiety disorders are phobias, where a memory has caused you to avoid interaction with something in your life. Anxiety is often brought on by the stresses or experiences of everyday life. It can be diagnosed by having severe symptoms lasting more than a few days or even up to six months. The onset of this disorder can be gradual, as well as sudden. When GAD is mild, people can function at a social capacity however at its peak the simplest tasks become increasingly difficult to perform.Possible factors contributing could be socioeconomic status, gender, race, and family.
Symptoms: nervousness, social isolation, irritability, headaches, accelerated heart rate, heavy breathing, trembling, trouble sleeping, problems concentrating, weakness, difficulty controlling worry, and avoiding situations that could trigger your anxiety. When it’s time to notify your doctor:
When it’s time to notify your doctor:
- Your worrying affects your work or relationships
- Your inability to control the symptoms upsets you emotionally
- It has caused depression leading to substance abuse
- You experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors
When seeing if it’s time to get help, acknowledge that this may not go away on its own. If that’s the case, know that it’s ok to ask for help. Support in these situations is a must!
The Women’s Resource Center welcomes any student who needs a helping hand, someone to talk to, or simply a quiet place to sit for a while.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America
The Mayo Clinic on Anxiety