Understanding Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Living with Constant Worry
- letsfindcalm
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In my previous blog, I introduced anxiety as one of the most common and yet misunderstood challenges many people face. Anxiety in itself is not inherently bad - it is part of our body’s survival system, alerting us to potential threats. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, and out of proportion to the situation, it can cross the line into a disorder.
One of the most widespread forms of anxiety is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Unlike phobias that are tied to specific triggers, or panic disorder that comes in sudden bursts, GAD is characterised by ongoing, excessive worry that spans across many areas of life. It isn’t about one single issue; it’s about everything and anything.
What does GAD feel like?
Imagine having a mind that constantly runs “what if” scenarios, rarely allowing you to rest. Even when things are going well, you may find yourself bracing for something to go wrong. For many people with GAD, the worry feels uncontrollable - like a radio stuck on static that never switches off.
Some of the common signs of GAD include:
🔹A persistent sense of dread or unease
🔹Restlessness or feeling on edge, even when safe
🔹Difficulty concentrating, because the mind keeps drifting back to worries
🔹Tension in the body, often in the shoulders, jaw, or stomach
🔹Disturbed sleep, from struggling to switch off mentally at night
🔹Fatigue and irritability from the emotional strain
Left unchecked, these symptoms can affect relationships, create difficulties at work, and reduce overall wellbeing. Many clients describe feeling trapped in their own head, unable to stop the cycle of worry.
Where does GAD come from?
Like many mental health challenges, GAD doesn’t have one single cause. It can develop through a combination of:
🔹Genetics and biology - some people may be more naturally predisposed to higher sensitivity in their nervous system.
🔹Childhood experiences - growing up in environments where safety, stability, or emotional support were lacking can make us more prone to hyper-vigilance later in life.
🔹Learned behaviour - if worrying was a common pattern in a family system, it can become a default coping style.
🔹Stress and burnout - long-term pressure at work, financial strain, or personal loss can tip the balance into chronic anxiety.
How counselling can help
Working with GAD isn’t about trying to stop worry altogether - after all, some level of concern is part of being human. Instead, counselling helps reduce the intensity and frequency of worry so that it no longer takes over daily life.
In therapy, we explore both the roots and the responses:
🔹Identifying thought patterns - recognising the cycles of “catastrophising” and “what if” thinking that fuel anxiety.
🔹Exploring past influences - understanding how early life experiences, attachment patterns, or past trauma might have shaped an overactive worry response.
🔹Developing new coping strategies - learning how to regulate the nervous system through grounding, mindfulness, or breathwork.
🔹Reframing beliefs - gently challenging the idea that worry is necessary to stay safe or in control.
🔹Practical tools - creating routines for better sleep, work–life balance, and reducing physical tension in the body.
Most importantly, counselling offers a safe and non-judgemental relationship where you don’t have to carry the weight of anxiety alone. Having space to voice what feels overwhelming can in itself bring relief, perspective, and calm.
Living beyond constant worry
It’s important to emphasise that recovery from GAD is not about never feeling anxious again. Rather, it’s about creating a life where anxiety no longer dominates, where you can be present, make choices, and feel more in control.
If you recognise yourself in the patterns of GAD, know that you’re not alone - many people silently struggle with constant worry. With the right support, it is entirely possible to regain balance, develop emotional resilience, and create space for peace of mind. For help managing your anxiety contact us here
You can also find out more about Marcus on Counselling Directory and Psychology Today
Comments