The feeling of anxiety can vary from person-to-person. For some, it can feel like random, intense spikes of panic. For others, it can feel like an all-consuming, underlying sense of dread that never goes away.

What is anxiety?

Living with anxiety is more than feeling nervous or overthinking situations. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a complex mental health condition that can affect a person’s self-worth, confidence, and happiness.

Many people struggling with anxiety feel a sense of embarrassment and shame, and attempt to conceal their anxiety out of fear of being judged. It’s important to know that GAD is a common and treatable illness, and that help is available.

Symptoms of anxiety:

  • Excessive anxiety and worry about not just one, but many issues, individuals, or events
  • Difficulty in controlling the feelings of worry, often without control in shifting from one topic to another

In addition to the above, other symptoms of GAD include:

  • General restlessness
  • Fatigue or the feeling of being easily tired
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Muscle aches or soreness