Rather than just an occasional worry, do you have a persistent feeling of unease or anxiety that’s affecting every aspect of your daily life?
Perhaps you’ve noticed you’re constantly forecasting negative outcomes, even for ordinary situations. And those worries tend to be more intense and longer-lasting than typical concerns and often persist for months.
Your mind might race with “what-if” scenarios about work, family, health, or finances.
And you worry even when things are going well.
If you recognise these feelings, I’d bet a ration pack that you’re suffering from …
GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD).
Living with GAD is like having your mind’s alarm system set to high alert. It’s more than occasional worry – it’s a persistent, excessive concern about various aspects of life, often without a specific trigger.
And, unlike carrying the actual weight of a bergan (or *large pack for those real old sweats, me included!) GAD is like carrying an invisible weight whilst constantly scanning the horizon for danger.
The worries you’re experiencing aren’t just random: they’re your brain’s primitive response system working overtime.
And these aren’t just coincidental occurrences: they’re how GAD affects both brain and body. And both are sending you important signals.
The physical signs of GAD shout loud and clear, too
I’ve explained the mental signs to look for, but your body will also send you signals. It might respond with muscle tension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling constantly on edge. Sleep becomes disrupted, digestion might be affected, and you might experience unexplained headaches or fatigue.
What makes GAD particularly challenging is its persistent nature
Unlike anxiety about a specific event (like a job interview), GAD can make you feel anxious about multiple situations and possibilities, often without any immediate cause. It’s as if your mind is constantly preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Here’s a fact that might help you: your mind can’t tell the difference between imagination and reality.
So when you repeatedly rehearse those worried “what-if” thoughts or scenarios, your brain experiences multiple stressful events before anything actually happens!
This creates a cycle where your ‘stress bucket’ keeps filling up, making accessing your intellectual, rational mind harder.
But here’s the positive news…
It’s fixable (Think of it like having completed a course and there is someone available who can help you redistribute the contents of your bergan)!
By focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling in those anxious thoughts, you can rewire your brain (Neuroplasticity) to work for you, not against you.
You can rediscover your strength and resilience, creating positive pathways for your mind to follow. And, instead of dwelling in anxious thoughts, you can rediscover your brain’s natural ability to feel calm and in control.
GAD is a recognised condition that responds well to professional support. Let’s explore how we can work together to help you find your way back to calm.
*attribution video clip from Rifleman Moore