Imagination

 “The best use of imagination is creativity. The worst use of imagination is anxiety.” (Deepak Chopra)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million adults (or 3.1% of the US. population in any given year). Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. GAD comes on gradually, and is at highest risk between childhood and middle age. The exact cause of GAD is unknown. There is evidence that biological factors, family background, and life experiences (especially stressful ones) play a role.

Many people worry about things they can't control especially when they're going through periods of uncertainty. There's a difference between experiencing the natural emotions of life and GAD. Like many mental illnesses, it's easy to see yourself in the symptoms of GAD, which is characterized by unrealistic worry about everyday events and interactions.

What differentiates normal, healthy anxiety from a disorder is its intensity. For instance, most of us find the prospect of a party filled with strangers daunting, and you might even get a little nauseous beforehand. Someone with GAD is likely to spend hours (or even days) prior to the event anticipating all kinds of disasters. They may worry so much that they literally throw up. if the following GAD symptoms seem familiar, it may be time to get a professional diagnosis.

·       Being easily startled

·       Being irritable

·       Experiencing headaches, muscle aches, or stomachaches, or other unexplained pains

·       Experiencing sleep issues such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep

·       Fatiguing easily

·       Feeling lightheaded or out of breath

·       Feeling nauseated

·       Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge

·       Having difficulty concentrating or feeling like your mind is “blank”

·       Having difficulty swallowing or feeling a lump in your throat

·       Having to use the bathroom a lot

·       Sweating a lot or experiencing hot flashes

·       Twitching or trembling

Psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It focuses on teaching specific skills to directly manage worries and help returning gradually to the activities that were avoided because of GAD.

Several types of medications are used to treat GAD, which include those below:

Antidepressants, which include medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are the first line medication treatments. Examples of antidepressants used to treat GAD include Escitalopram (Lexapro), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).

Benzodiazepines may be a medication your doctor prescribes in limited circumstances for the relief of anxiety symptoms. These sedatives are generally used only for relieving acute anxiety on a short-term basis. These medications aren't a good choice if you have or had problems with alcohol or drug abuse. They are habit-forming

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that used on an ongoing basis. It typically takes up to several weeks to become fully effective.

Lifestyle changes also can make a difference. Here's what you can do:

·       Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs because these substances can worsen anxiety.

·       Develop a routine so that you're physically active throughout the week. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer. It may improve your mood and help you stay healthy. Start out slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activities.

·       Do what you can to make sure you're getting enough sleep to feel rested. If you aren't sleeping well, see your doctor.

·       Healthy eating (such as focusing on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish) could be linked to reduced anxiety, but more research is needed.

·       If you are a smoker, quit it, and also cut back or quit drinking coffee. Both nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety.

·       Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety.

“Anything out of your control is never out of God’s control. Because you can’t handle it, doesn’t mean His hands can’t.” (J.P. Olson)[i]

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[i] Adapted from:

·       “8 Signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder” by Eliza Castile

·       “Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)” by Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

·       “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” by Mayo Clinic

·       “What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?” by John M. Grohol