Anxiety

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event.
People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to person but can include feeling restless or worried and having trouble concentrating or sleeping.
Psychological symptoms of GAD
GAD can cause a change in your behaviour and the way you think and feel about things, resulting in symptoms such as:

• restlessness
•  a sense of dread
•  feeling constantly “on edge”
•  difficulty concentrating
•  irritability

Your symptoms may cause you to withdraw from social contact (seeing your family and friends) to avoid feelings of worry and dread.

You may also find going to work difficult and stressful and may take time off sick. These actions can make you worry even more about yourself and increase your lack of self-esteem.

Physical symptoms of GAD

GAD can also have several physical symptoms, including:

• dizziness
•  tiredness
•  a noticeably strong, fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
•  muscle aches and tension
•  trembling or shaking
•  dry mouth
• excessive sweating
• shortness of breath
• stomach ache
•  feeling sick
•  headache
•  pins and needles
•  difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)