Anxious And Afraid: What To Do When You Can't Stop Worrying

Nearly everyone feels anxious at times. However, if you find yourself in a constant state of anxiety, you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Your friends and family may tell you to stop worrying about everything, but it's not that simple.

If untreated, generalized anxiety disorder can have a negative impact on the quality of your life. Severe anxiety can lead to panic attacks and psychotic depression. Sufferers may be afraid to leave their homes for fear of experiencing a panic attack in public. Here are some things to know.

Normal anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder?

Normal anxiety occurs due to the result of a specific type of stress in your life, and it will likely pass in time with no adverse effects. For instance, if you lose your job or face a temporary illness, it is normal to feel anxious during the crisis.

Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when you feel as if you are in a constant state of anxiety. This type of anxiety can occur with stress or without. You may find yourself worrying about nearly everything without a direct cause for your anxious feelings.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

You may find yourself feeling apprehensive and tense most of the time. You may find it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. Sleep problems may arise, and you may find yourself having disturbing dreams and waking up frequently throughout the night.

You may experience panic attacks with symptoms such as a racing or pounding heart, sweaty palms, and feeling lightheaded or short of breath. You may feel as if you can't take a deep breath. Your legs may feel weak, and you may fear you are dying.

Complications of generalized anxiety disorder

If your anxiety remains untreated, you may isolate yourself socially from other people. You may develop frequent panic attacks, which may make you fearful to be in public places. This can lead to you developing agoraphobia, which is a fear of leaving your house.

Unrelenting anxiety can also lead to depression. You may lose interest in your work and recreational activities. You may cry frequently and feel hopeless.

Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

If you find yourself anxious most of the time, you should consult a professional counselor and set up an appointment to be evaluated. If a distressful life issue is causing your anxiety, your counselor will help you learn healthy ways of coping with the event that is causing your problem.

If your anxiety is free-floating and tends to occur with or with a direct cause, your counselor may recommend medication for severe cases. Your counselor may also teach you relaxation techniques for keeping your anxiety under control. You will likely undergo a series of counseling sessions to learn ways to lesson your anxious thoughts.

Regardless of what others tell you, if you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, you can't simply stop worrying. You will need professional counseling and treatment to gain control over your anxious thoughts. Healthy lifestyle changes, combined with psychotherapy and at times medication, are generally effective in helping you get your life back on track again.

So contact a local counseling center or click for more info.