Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a mental health condition where someone feels excessive, ongoing worry about lots of everyday things — like health, work, relationships, money, or safety — even when there’s little or no real danger.
GAD affects both the mind and body, leaving people feeling constantly on edge, tired, and overwhelmed by “what if” thoughts that just won’t stop.
Key Features of GAD:
- Worrying a lot, most days, for six months or longer
- Finding it hard to control the worry, which causes distress or gets in the way of daily life
- Worrying about many different things, not just one problem
- Feeling like the worry is way bigger than the actual chance or impact of the feared events
How GAD Feels Emotionally and Mentally:
- Constant worry about everyday situations
- Trouble concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
- Feeling irritable
- Having a hard time making decisions or fearing you’ll make the wrong choice
- Fear of uncertainty or that something bad will happen
Physical Symptoms of GAD:
- Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
- Feeling tired or worn out
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Headaches, stomach problems, or nausea
- Racing heart or shortness of breath (not related to panic attacks)
Common Things People Worry About With GAD:
- Health of themselves or loved ones
- Money or financial security
- Doing well at work or school
- Being late or unprepared
- Making mistakes
- Big global problems like climate change or politics
- Relationships and social situations
Why Does This Happen?
People with GAD often try to prepare for every possible outcome by worrying about future scenarios. But this “mental over-planning” usually doesn’t ease anxiety—it just makes people feel more drained and overwhelmed.