"Anxiety and panic attacks controlled my life. Therapy gave me the tools to face my pain without feeling overwhelmed."
- A.F., Bartlett
General Anxiety Disorder
GAD can be effectively managed with the right resources and support. By consulting with one of our experienced therapists, you can achieve meaningful improvements and reclaim your quality of life.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health issue defined by overwhelming, ongoing, and uncontrollable concern regarding multiple life areas, including work, relationships, health, and daily responsibilities. Heightened anxiety is present most days for a minimum of six months and frequently disrupts day-to-day functioning.
Key Features of GAD
Chronic anxiety or worry concerning various issues that outweigh their actual significance
Overthinking situations and expecting the worst (catastrophizing)
Struggling to cope with uncertainty
Indecisiveness and apprehension about making incorrect decisions or facing adverse outcomes
Feeling irritable or overwhelmed.
Inability to put aside or release a concern
Challenges in focusing or experiencing moments where your mind feels "blank."
Avoidance of triggers or situations that provoke anxiety
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Restlessness or feeling anxious
Easily fatigued or tired
Muscle tension (e.g., aches, shaking, trembling, or tightness)
Sleep issues (trouble falling or staying asleep)
Headaches, nausea, or digestive problems (e.g., stomach aches).
Persistent fear or discomfort, even without a specific reason
Nervousness or being easily startled
Excessive sweating
Nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
Common Anxiety Triggers in Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers may have similar worries to adults but also excessive anxiety about school performance or sporting events, family members’ safety, punctuality, earthquakes, nuclear war, or other catastrophic events.
Key Features of a Child or Teen with GAD
Feel overly anxious to fit in
Be a perfectionist
Redo tasks because they aren't perfect the first time
Spend excessive time doing homework
Lack confidence
Strive for approval
Require a lot of reassurance about performance
Have frequent stomachaches or other physical complaints
Avoid going to school or avoid social situations
Help Starts Here
If these features resonate, it's important to consider seeking support from one of our specialists.
Some Mental Health Disorders That Commonly Occur with GAD Include
Specific Phobias
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depression
Suicidal thoughts or suicide
Substance abuse
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Seek immediate help if you experience suicidal thoughts. You can call a crisis hotline like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) in the U.S. or contact emergency services.
Treatment Options for GAD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
Mindfulness
Personalized Approaches to GAD
The best therapy for GAD depends on the individual, their symptoms, and their preferences. CBT remains the most commonly recommended approach, but mindfulness-based therapies and other treatment modalities also offer significant benefits. One of our mental health professionals can help you select the most suitable treatment.
When to Seek Help
If it is difficult to function at work, school, or in relationships (e.g., avoiding tasks, procrastination, or underperforming due to excessive worry.
If physical health is affected by symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, or sleep disturbances are persistent
If efforts to calm yourself are unsuccessful, and anxiety feels uncontrollable.
If you experience emotional distress such as irritability, frequent crying, or feeling overwhelmed.
If you start avoiding situations, places, or people that trigger anxiety.
If co-occurring symptoms like panic attacks or depression emerge
If anxiety becomes chronic and doesn't improve on its own after six months
Resources for Further Reading on GAD