Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Why won't my mind ever switch off?

It's 2am and you're going over tomorrow's meeting, then your mum's health, then the bills, then something you said three years ago. By morning, a different worry has quietly replaced each one.

If your head feels like that most days, you may be living with generalised anxiety.

What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

GAD is ongoing anxiety in which excessive worry is hard to turn off. Unlike anxiety around one particular fear, it tends to spread across many areas of life at once, such as health, relationships, work, study, money, mistakes, what people think of you and things that might happen in the future. Many people describe living as if they're constantly bracing for something to go wrong, even when things are fine.

Does this sound like you?

"I can't stop overthinking."

"My mind never switches off."

"I worry about everything."

"I know I'm overthinking, but I can't stop."

How does it show up in the body?

•      Feeling restless, tense or on edge

•      Trouble relaxing, difficulty sleeping or waking often

•      Racing thoughts and feeling overwhelmed easily

•      Irritability and emotional exhaustion

•      Shaking, sweating, palpitations or chest tightness

•      Trouble concentrating, "brain fog"

For some people anxiety has become so normal they've forgotten what calm feels like.

Why is it so hard to turn off?

Many people with GAD are thoughtful, caring and responsible. They spend a lot of energy trying to anticipate problems and head off bad outcomes. Underneath there's often a fear of uncertainty, losing control, failing, being judged or not coping, alongside low confidence, harsh self-criticism, feeling responsible for everyone and everything, and difficulty trusting yourself. Over time that wears you down.

How does it affect everyday life?

You may overthink decisions, avoid stressful situations, struggle to enjoy the present moment, snap at loved ones because you're constantly tense, be unable to relax even on holidays or weekends, and lose confidence in your ability to cope. It's lonely when people tell you to "just stop worrying."

Can GAD be treated?

It can, and it responds well. I help people gently understand what's driving the anxiety and change the underlying patterns that keep worry, overwhelm and self-doubt going. The aim isn't to push you into frightening situations or teach you to merely cope. It's to leave you calmer, more confident and more emotionally in control, so life stops feeling like one long stretch of stress.

What could life feel like afterwards?

Think about waking without that knot of anxiety, feeling more relaxed in yourself, and not having to overthink everything. That kind of change is possible.

Where do I start?

Sessions run online via Zoom, Messenger, FaceTime or WhatsApp from anywhere in the world. Email me or call 0409 254 500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.