Dealing with generalized anxiety can be a lifelong problem

“My family told me that I was just a worry wart, and I guess it’s true because I seem to always be anxious about everything. It just goes on and on, and doesn’t ever completely let up. I get anxious about anything from the clothes I am going to wear to what I’m going to talk about with my friends over lunch. I worry about money, even though I have a well-paying job and things are just fine. Everything seems to make me anxious and I’m constantly keyed up, stressed and unable to relax. I seem to make worries our of nothing. I even worry when there’s nothing to worry about. Sometimes things get so bad that I have trouble sleeping, get stomach cramps, hot flashes and the shakes. My heart races and I sweat sometimes for no reason. I just can’t seem to take it easy…”

Everyone worries from time to time about money, relationships, health and other day-to-day things, but people with generalized anxiety tend to worry even when there’s no reason for worry. Sometimes generalized anxiety can run in families, and seems to affect women twice as much as men. It usually starts subtly and progresses from an early age, though it can start in adulthood, too. When symptoms get severe, it can affect day-to-day functioning and lead to other physical or emotional problems, including depression.

Dealing with generalized anxiety can be a lifelong problem, but the good news is that there is help in the form of talk therapy and medication. Sometimes making lifestyle changes and learning other relaxation techniques can be of help.

• Excessive worry
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Easily startled