GAD

[Polkadot262]

Hi

I have been diagnosed with Generaised Anxiety Disorder and wondered how people manage it everyday? It seems people are not ever cured from this just learn to manage it.

My main areas of anxiety tend to be around work - losing my job or anticipating aggravation, my health and safety of people I love.

Thanks

[Yummimummi]

Hi there

I manage it by using mindfulness.

There are lots of apps online such as calm.com and headspace.

I've taken meds in the past but I find mindfulness better.

I've also had cbt which has helped a lot.

I would speak with your doctor about talking therepies.

I also keep a journal, I write down everything that has gone on that day, my worries and how I feel.

I'm not as bad as I use to be.

I would also read up on anxiety, knowledge is power.

The more you know, the better you can get a handle on this awful thing.

Hope that helps x

[Polkadot262 in reply to Yummimummi]

Thank you for replying

I will try the apps and look into CBT. It comes in waves depending if i have a lot on at work it tends to aggravate my GAD.

Thanks for your help glad you are managing it x

[Damian in reply to Polkadot262]

Yes mine comes in waves like that. If something stressful happens, I start worrying about everything else. What's weird is that I often don't worry much about the thing that actually triggered it. I don't understand why not, but I'm not complaining!

I agree it's worth reading about anxiety. The big thing that helps me cope is that I understand it's not real, and I got that from reading. I still feel anxious but at least there is now this competing thought saying that the anxiety is just a symptom of an illness.

[Polkadot262]

I think my experience sounds quite similar. For me its knowing that the anxious thoughts are not real and its the GAD but at the same time there is a danger you could miss something because you constantly attribute the thoughts to GAD ...the challenge seems to be keeping thoughts in check and in line with reason.

I think i have had this from a very young age as i was always called the little worrier by family, not sure if people are born with it.... helpful to learn from others- thanks!

[Damian in reply to Polkadot262]

I think there's evidence of a genetic link with anxiety, so yes, in a sense you are born with it. Our experiences probably shape it as well, though.

It's interesting what you say about missing things because of attributing them to GAD. I suppose you should try to be objective, rather than just trying to get rid of the thoughts. If I'm worried about something, I sometimes try to work out what the risk is, compared with the everyday risks that we have to accept. There's no point worrying about catching ebola if I'm much more likely to be struck by lightning, and so on.

I think one of my biggest risks is that my anxiety will get worse, to the point where I can't cope with life. For some reason I never worry about that, though! Perhaps worrying about worrying is just too complicated.

[Polkadot262 in reply to Damian]

I think your suggestion of being objective with your thoughts is really helpful i guess being objective and not being consumed by the thoughts is the main challenge for someone with GAD.

Worring about worrying is definitely too complicated as you will feel like a figure eight with no start or end !!!

[Mysteryreader]

I manage my anxiety by being busy. I try and go out every day sometimes to work as a supply teacher or support assistant or exercise, or meeting up with friends. I try and set myself little goals and give myself a reward when I achieve. I often talk myself through tasks as this seems to make them less mundane and stressful.

I have just started CBT and I think it is going to be very helpful. it might be worth talking to your doctor about this.

MR

[Polkadot262]

Thanks will look into CBT. I have had talking therapy before and my thoughts seem focused for a while after but as time passes its easy to forget the techniques etc. It seems as though its something which requires application of techniques and to Remember to use this daily.

[Maribee]

See if your doc will give you 25mg PreGabalin...I take one at night, it helps you sleep as well.