Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Before and After

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is much bigger than worrying about an upcoming test, stress over making a deadline or concern about paying the bills next month. Everyone has a natural instinct to worry in dangerous or stressful situations. When a person consistently expects the worst case scenario, or worries about multiple issues when there is no real cause for concerned, they may be experiencing general anxiety disorder. Living with undiagnosed anxiety can be defeating and can seem to drain every ounce of joy from a person’s life.

Before Generalized Anxiety Diagnosis

People living with GAD make an effort to plan for every possibility that could come from a situation, all of the time. This habit of thinking the worst to feel prepared can be mentally taxing. The disorder can lead to difficulty concentrating on important things, restlessness, irritability and sleep problems which can lead to more physical and mental health problems.

We, humans, are all born with a basic internal survival mechanism, fear, which allows us to recognize real danger. Fear tells us to either fight, or get out of the situation. With GAD, the brain is stuck in the fear mode and is constantly and preparing for expecting disaster. A person with GAD has severe difficulty controlling or stopping their worries.

Undiagnosed GAD can lead to a daily life of endless worry that controls the person's thoughts, and interferes with their daily functioning, including work, school, social life and relationships. If you suspect a possibility that you have GAD symptoms, speaking to a mental health professional is the first step to feeling better. Anxiety is incurable, though with treatment the symptoms can be decreased and you will be allowed to live a healthier and more fulfilled life.

After Generalized Anxiety Diagnosis

When visiting a doctor as a sick patient, receiving a diagnosis can be scary. The time leading up to this moment is stressful with questions going through our minds such as “is it the flu?” “is it going to be a kidney stone or just an infection?” “Will I need surgery?” However, after the doctor tells us what is wrong, we get a mild sense of relief by having an answer. The diagnosis itself may be concerning, though there is no more “unknown” and worst case scenario filtering through our thoughts. There is now a plan for treatment.

The same goes for mental health disorders. Not knowing that there is serious problem, a person may go on living life in fear and constant worry. At the same time, having an answer, and knowing what is wrong and how to fix it can be an emotional weight lifted. Though, if they notice that their worry is taking over and affecting their life, blocking out joy, seeking an evaluation from a mental health professional is the first step to a happier life path.

A mental health professional will make observations through interviews and evaluations with the patient to decide if they do, in fact, have GAD. An accurate diagnosis can allow the treatment plan and process to begin.

After diagnosis, the patient will usually be prescribed medication to suppress some of the symptoms as well as therapy to help the patient find ways to change their thought patterns. Group therapy and support groups are also suggested for most patients. Group therapy can benefit the relationships between the patient and their loved ones and allow their loved ones to be a support system throughout their treatment. Support groups provide an environment for the patient that includes other people living with GAD to share their experiences and tips with each other.

Treatment can allow people with GAD to live full, normal life, free of the constant terrors that haunt their mind. With a proper diagnosis, medication and therapy can bring the patient’s worry levels to normal and permit them to function fully without the mental limitations.

If you or a loved one are struggling with GAD, understand that you are not alone. There are many recovery centers staffed with professionals who are trained and experienced in providing comprehensive treatment to their patients. Find a treatment facility today and make the first step toward your recovery.

Sources:

National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. “Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adults: Management in Primary, Secondary and Community Care”. Psychological Society; 2011. Accessed January 2019