Would you describe yourself as a chronic worrier? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a chronic pattern of worry, overthinking & feeling keyed up & on edge. People with GAD experience a plethora of both cognitive & physical symptoms that make daily functioning a challenge. Sufferers tend to worry about all aspects of their life & anticipate something going wrong around every corner. Correspondingly, they experience a tremendous amount of physical symptoms & somatic health problems. Getting through each day without being interrupted by worry is a challenge, affecting their ability to concentrate, stay on task or even sleep at night.
The following are common symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
- Being unable to “let go” of worries despite knowing that they are excessive or unfounded
- Feeling restless, on edge or easily startled
- Being frequently fatigued &/or having sleep disturbances
- Feeling irritable
- Having difficulty concentrating or feeling as if your mind has gone blank
- Experiencing muscle tension throughout the body such as:
- twitches, muscle spasms, shaky hands, difficulty swallowing
- headaches, stomachaches, overall soreness & pain
- elimination disorders: IBS, diarrhea, constipation
Getting Treatment
For over 20+ years, Jenifer has been specializing in treating GAD utilizing a variety of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches, deemed to be the treatment of choice for Anxiety Disorders
- Cognitive Based Therapy aimed at identifying & reframing negative & irrational thoughts
- Exposure Based Therapy -A variety of techniques aimed at encouraging clients to “face their worries & fears” both in & outside of the office setting
- Mindfulness & Acceptance Based Approaches -shifting our focus to acceptance of what “is” & gaining a greater physical awareness of the body
- Relaxation Practices – Progressive Relaxation, Visualization, Breathing Work