Uncovering mental disorders Part 2: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

After being diagnosed with Panic Disorder and taking prescribed medications to eradicate the symptoms, I soon realized that it was not working. During my follow-up visit with my psychiatrist she suggested that my dosage should be altered. Following the consultation, taking my file back to the receptionist I took a glance at the first page. Immediately I recognized something familiar: "Diagnosis: Panic Disorder." It did not end there. "GAD?". What is GAD and why would the psychiatrist add that to my file.

As I climbed into the car, I immediately started googling.

"Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. They may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern."

Is this really happening to me? Am I a constant ball of anxiety, waiting for the next disaster to come my way?

Yes, indeed. I was that person. It hit me just then. I have two mental disorders, I could barely even cope with the first one! Whilst Panic Disorder (PD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) share some symptoms, they are two distinctly different health conditions. Panic Disorder rules fear. As I previously mentioned in Uncovering mental disorders Part 1, Panic Disorder involves panic attacks. Different to Panic Disorder, GAD is a constant feeling of worry or fear, always lingering, always present. The symptoms of GAD also differ from PD. PD switches on the body's fight or flight instincts and the symptoms are relatively short-lived. GAD's symptoms last longer, and in the long-term, it might just have more devastating effects than that of PD.

The constant worry and restlessness associated with GAD, tires your body and ultimately tears you down. Little by little. These symptoms may include:

• Sleep problems (for example, difficulty falling or staying asleep)

• Fatigue

• Muscle tension

• Irritability

• Restlessness

• Digestive issues like diarrhea or stomach discomfort

• Chronic headaches

Having coexisting diseases can really be difficult to deal with. You are constantly mentally exhausted.

Do you have GAD? I'd love to hear from you.

MUSIC SUGGESTION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-tf5Iu5io8

Try listening to some Beta Waves in order to calm down and ground yourself.