Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) ...is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious nearly everyday about a wide range of situations and issues that then affects your daily life causing a viscous cycle of worry. The worry is often uncontrollable and is distressing. ➡️SYMPTOMS: GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to person, but can include: 🟢PSYCHOLOGICAL: Feeling restless or worried Constantly in edge Irritability Having trouble concentrating or sleeping Impending doom Overwhelmed, unable to cope This may cause social avoidance and withdrawing from seeing loved ones. 🟢PHYSICAL Dizziness or heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, tingling in hands, shaking, dry mouth, excess sweating, headaches, muscle aches stomach aches. ➡️WHEN TO GET HELP If your symptoms are persistent and interfering with your daily life, causing you distress or affecting your relationships or ability to work etc, please see your GP. ➡️TREATMENT of GAD: See your GP if concerned and for help further help. Write your symptoms down if you find it difficult to talk about. Explain your worries, fears and how long you’ve had them for, and what aspects of life are contributing to this. They may want to do blood tests to exclude other conditions. 🔵LIFESTYLE ADVICE Reduce caffeine Reduce alcohol Stop smoking Exercise daily Mindfulness / yoga / Meditation or breathwork 🔵COUNSELLING OR THERAPY Ask your GP to refer you or self referral if available where you live. Cognitive behavioural therapy can provide tools and ways to cope with intrusive anxious thoughts etc. 🔵MEDICATIONS Such as SSRI’s or serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This work by slowing reuptake of serotonin (“happy hormone” or neurotransmitter), a chemical that helps regulate mood and alleviate anxiety. Often higher doses of this medication are required to treat GAD than with depression. It can take a while to treat so don’t lose hope if things take time to improve. Most importantly do seek help from your GP, you never have to suffer in silence. X