What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
It is completely normal to feel anxious from time to time, many of us lead stressful and busy lives. However excessive, ongoing anxiety and worries that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder can develop during childhood or adulthood and has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other types of anxiety but they are all different conditions.
Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder include:
- difficulty sleeping
- problems concentrating
- a racing heartbeat and dry mouth
- a constant feeling of tension or restlessness
- uncontrollable worry about many things, a lot of the time
- finding it difficult to stop worrying
- feelings of tiredness but unable to sleep properly
- back or jaw pain from muscle tension
- difficulty doing everyday things such as working and socialising
What causes Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
Generalised Anxiety Disorder can sometimes run in families but no one knows why some families have it and others don't. Researchers have found that several parts of the brain, as well as biological processes, play a key role in fear and anxiety. Researchers are also looking for ways in which stress and environmental factors play a role.
How is Generalised Anxiety treated?
The good news is that Generalised Anxiety Disorder is treatable and the first step towards recovery is seeking professional support and medical advice. The two main types of effective treatment for Generalised Anxiety Disorder are pyschological treatments and in severe cases medication can also be effective. There are also anxiety management strategies that help.
If you feel comfortable you should speak to your care or support worker about your feelings of anxiety. They can help you get the support you need.
Where to get help?
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Lifeline - 13 11 14
To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer
To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers
To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers
