There are 55,906,312 people in the United States living with an anxiety disorder. Do you fall into this category? How would you know if you did? According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common chronic disorder characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any one object or situation. Those suffering from a generalized anxiety experience may become overly concerned with everyday matters. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common anxiety disorder to affect older adults.
The emotional symptoms that one may feel from anxiety are:
- Feelings of apprehension or dread
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Feeling like your mind’s gone blank
- Feeling tense and jumpy
- Anticipating the worst
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Watching for signs and danger
- Feeling like your mind’s gone blank
Some examples of physical symptoms of anxiety are:
- Pounding heart
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach or dizziness
- Frequent urination or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
So the question is, how do you overcome and anxiety disorder? One helpful way is to write down your feelings in a journal when you are experiencing an anxiety attack. Make sure to include positive thoughts in your journal. It is also important to recognize where your anxiety is coming from. If you know what is causing your anxiety, you can find a solution. Sharing your feelings with someone you love and trust can be very relieving. Other people can help you through hard times and check in on you to see how you’re doing with the problem. Getting adequate physical activity and doing breathing exercises can help to relieve tension and worries. When you are feeling an anxiety attack coming on, do something to distract yourself from the problem at hand. Go do something fun! Go to a movie, to your favorite restaurant, or just get together with some friends. Overcoming an anxiety disorder can be very challenging, but with practice, the right attitude and loving people around to help, you can achieve anything!