General Anxiety Disorder

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:03PM

It seems like there’s always something out there to worry about: money problems, your health, your children, your job, your marriage. It's normal to have concerns and worries, but these worries shouldn’t be all-consuming. For many unfortunately people, however, such concerns are a chronic and persistent problem. They might not even be able to clearly identify the source of their anxiety. This "free-floating" anxiety may actually be a medical condition called General Anxiety Disorder or GAD. If left untreated, this condition can lead to the development of other serious mental and physical conditions. The good news is that GAD is treatable. So, if you or someone you loved is plagued by chronic anxiety, read on to learn more about this condition and what you can do to overcome it.

General Anxiety Disorder: The Symptoms

Your body responds to anxiety by initiating the "fight or flight" response. Adrenaline starts pumping through the system to prepare the body for danger. This increases both the cardio and respiratory rates. Consequently, your hands begin to shake and your mouth and throat dry out. Other physical symptoms of this condition include dizziness, chest pain, diarrhea, sweating, restlessness, indigestion, shortness of breath, nightmares, insomnia, frequent urination, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and loss of sexual interest. These are normal physical responses to danger or fear, and should pass after the threat has ended. However, those who suffer from general anxiety disorder may experience these symptoms for no apparent reason, and they may occur several times throughout the day. If left untreated, general anxiety disorder can lead to other conditions such as ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

General Anxiety Disorder: Managing Your Symptoms

There are several methods you can try at home to manage your anxiety symptoms and keep them from overwhelming your life.

Exercise: Exercise is the best antidote for tension as it can help to release feelings of fear and anxiety. It can help to distract you from your worries and making it much easier to relax. Exercise also helps to improve the circulation and move waste and nutrients through the system, giving your body the energy it needs to stay healthy. Choose a type of exercise that you enjoy, so that it doesn’t become an additional source of stress. Swimming, walking and bicycling are all good forms of anxiety reducing exercise.
Sleep: Anxiety can greatly reduce your ability to get a good night's sleep. Many people who suffer from general anxiety disorder toss and turn at night, unable to fall asleep or sleep through the night. Make an effort to create the best environment possible for sleep. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and heavy or spicy foods as these can disrupt sleep. Keep the temperature in your room cool but not cold, aim for sixty to sixty five degrees. Have a light snack before bed, such as a glass of milk, some yogurt, or a piece of toast. This will fill your stomach without irritating it. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day and avoid long afternoon naps. It may take a few days before your body adjusts to a new schedule, but the improved night's sleep will be well worth it.
Eat Well: Stress and anxiety can cause appetite changes such as over-eating or skipping meals. But poor nutrition can zap your energy and deplete your body of essential vitamins and minerals. Your body needs over forty different nutrients each day in order to maintain and repair cells. Focus on eating a wholesome, nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water to give your body the resources it needs to function properly.
Relax: Find a method of relaxation that you can enjoyably practice throughout the day. This will help you relax more easily when you experience symptoms of anxiety. Deep breathing techniques are a common method of relaxation. Practice taking deep, slow and controlled breaths. Fill your tummy first, followed by your lower chest and finish with your upper chest. Essential oils of lavender, geranium, chamomile, and marjoram may also be useful in calming the mind and senses thereby helping to ease the symptoms of anxiety.

General Anxiety Disorder: Getting Help

If you cannot manage the symptoms of your condition alone, you may need to seek help so that your anxiety does not affect your mental or physical health. Always consult your health care provider before attempting any treatment method. They should be able to evaluate your condition and help you determine which methods are best suited for the treatment of your particular symptoms. Conventional treatment involves the use of medications and or therapy to manage and control symptoms. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or herbal remedies can also be used to help alleviate the symptoms anxiety.

Learn more about stress, anxiety, depression and the newest natural remedies at www.stress-anxiety-depression.org.