What is it?
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can be defined as a disorder in which the sufferer feels in a constant state of high anxiety and is often known as ‘chronic worrying’ or a ‘free floating’ anxiety condition.
People who suffer with GAD often describe themselves as suffering with ‘free floating anxiety’ which can be likened to the ‘whack the crocodile’ game at an arcade – they resolve one issue but no sooner has this been done when another worry pops up. We all suffer with worry from time to time, but the thing that makes GAD different from “normal worry” is that the worry is prolonged (it lasts for over 6 months), and the level of worry is out of proportion to the risk. For example, if a partner is an hour late from work (without calling) a GAD sufferer may think ‘they must have had an accident’, rather than any other just as likely scenario, e.g. ‘they have been delayed in traffic’ or ‘they have popped to the pub with a colleague’.
GAD is a particularly difficult disorder to live with as it is constantly on the sufferer”s mind – there is no respite as the anxiety is not tied to a specific situation or event. It can cause problems with sleep, ability to maintain a job as well as impact close relationships.
DIY self diagnosis
If you can answer YES to most of the questions it is likely that you are affected by GAD.
During the past 6 months:-
- Do you feel that you have been nervous/on edge most days over the past 6 months?
- Did you have problems falling asleep
- Did you feel tension in your muscles because of feeling on edge?
- Did you frequently feel tense and irritable?
Anxiety UK strongly advises that people seek further information and guidance from their GP who will be able to make a formal diagnosis.
How we can help
Anxiety UK is a user-led charity with more than forty years experience in supporting those living with anxiety. By becoming a member of Anxiety UK, you will have access to a range of benefits, including:
- Access to reduced cost therapy within two weeks of submitting your therapy request
- Access to our helpline (available Monday-Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm) staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety
- Receipt of four issues of Anxious Times, our quarterly members” magazine
- Access to the members only section of our website, featuring regular support surgeries facilitated by anxiety experts
- Access to specialist helplines, including the psychiatric pharmacy helpline and the psychology information helpline
And many, many other benefits that will help you manage your anxiety long term. To become a member of Anxiety UK click here or ring 08444 775 774 today.
Want to know more?
The Anxiety UK site has information on a range of resources to provide more detailed information and help.
Recommended reading
Overcoming Worry is available in the Anxiety UK shop for a more detailed overview of GAD and techniques for overcoming it. Click here to purchase this product or other Anxiety UK products on GAD.
Pfizer pharmaceuticals have sponsored the production of a booklet on GAD that is available as a free download on this site. Please click here.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced a guide to self help resources for people living with GAD. You can download it here.
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Useful information
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people suffering from psychiatric and neurological illnesses.
Lundbeck is unique in that it focuses entirely on finding new and effective therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This strategic focus allows us to establish strong links with academics, health care professionals and patient organisations with interests in CNS disorders including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Although a listed company, our major shareholder is the Lundbeck Foundation, which owns 70% of the company’s shares. The Foundation was established in 1954 by the widow of our founder, Hans Lundbeck. The Foundation is also one of the largest private contributors to natural science research in Denmark.
For more information about Lundbeck and the work we do, visit www.lundbeck.co.uk
Date of preparation: May 2011
UK/ESC/1105/0234
This page is sponsored by Lundbeck.
Personal experience
Do you suffer from GAD and want to share your experience with other people? Post your personal experience in the comments box below where it will be sent to our moderator for approval. Many people find this part of the site very useful when trying to understand their disorder so your comments really do make a difference. Please note, all comments submitted to the Anxiety UK website may be used by Anxiety UK for (but not limited to) publicity and promotional material.
I have always had anxiety problems…
however, in January of this year I went to my GP for help because anxiety had taken over my life for far too long. In March, I started to see a psychologist and was diagnosed with GAD. Seeing a psychologist has changed my life around. I still suffer from anxiety and accept that I probably always will, but I have learnt new ways of thinking and coping.
The first steps are the hardest – the hardest thing for me was seeing my GP and that first meeting with the psychologist. However, its true what they say – a problem shared is a problem halved…. I now realise I am not alone in how I feel and hope to soon be starting a self-help group. Anxiety is controllable and you are not alone. Best wishes.
Cheryl
hi,im really in a bad time in my life at the minute,i seffer badly from anxiety and have been prescribed pregabilin along with prozac for my depression,i am waiting for a counselor but only god knows how long that will take,i have suffered for many years and at only 28 years old i dont want the rest of my life to be in the terrifying place i am at the minute,i am on facebook as kelly copeland farndale if anybody wants to add me,i have panic attacks and am haveing a problem at the minute with acheing legs which after reading above im kind of thinking its to do with the anxiety,i surpose what im loking for at the minute desperately is a way forward and to know i am not alone..i just feel so afraid and alone,my husband cant understand as he doesnt suffer,and my 4 kids are only young,look forward to a reply thanku x
I suffer with GAD and can cope with the mind games but its the physical effects that are painful and uncomfortable to such an extent i cannot work.I cannot sit for longer than 10 mins or stand forlong periods without awful discomfort.layingon my belly and sittingin a hot bath gives me my only relief.My wifeunderstands what i,m going throo but the rest of my family and GP appear ignorant to my suffering.Lack of people to talk to about this who truly understand seems to bea big problem,a mentor would be a good idea,i cannot afford therapy as i,m unemployed,a vicious circle of lack of help.I do feel suicidal sometimes and want to be violent to others but darent tell anyone as the authorities might cause me more problems.
Thanks to all for the above help. I’ve had this now for almost 2 years, i’m 24. I’m not going to list all the similar experiences I’ve had as i’m completely fed up by this disabling condition. Instead i ask for anyone to recommend how i can get treatment (Cognitive ideally) without spending lots of money? I’m barely able to hold my current job at the moment so i cannot afford expensive counselling.
Any suggestions, i’ve read every book available on the subject to no avail and am trying to get off Paxil which is barely helpling.
Many thanks to you all.
Alex (email letsskatethisthing@hotmail.com)
Hi Alex,
Have you looked at this page about CBT?
http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/what-kind-of-treatment-is-best-for-me/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/
Anxiety UK do offer this treatment and the costing depends on the persons financial situation.
Thanks,
David
Hi all,
I am so glad I have found this website and I am not alone and can relate to most of your words.
I have sufferd from anxiety now since I was 15 (now 27) and over the years this problem has just got worse and worse. I have seen my GP on a few occasions. onece he gave me flavoxine (think that how its spelt) I took this for a few days that made me feel more anxious so i stoped taking them. on the other occations I went to see my GP I felt I was fobbed off a little.
in september i started my post graduate degree and ever since I have got alot worse to the point i feel like quiting to concentrate on my self to get over my anxiety. however in a way this makes it worse as if i quit, and go back to it as i will have to pay the redicilas fees.
I have a range of simtoms such as.
Chest Pain
Pain in Limbs
Pins & Neadles In Limbs
Numbness of the Skin
Blotedness
Abdominal Pain
Sence of Absentness
Missed Heartbeats
Pulpitations
Panic attacks
THIS TO NAME A FEW Over the years
now and for a few years I am also having problems doing normal day to day things. it would seem new things every day e.g.
Going to the cinema
Going to a familiy meal
Going shopping
Holidays
Lectures in uni
I just feel I cant go anywhere without it happening to some extent. and have been drinking alcohol more and more that takes it away for a while, but now even that small reilef is loosing its affect.
Also im training to be an achitect that is a stressful job in its self, im wondering weather it is a suitable carreer for me suffering with this problem.
I need help and im not sure what to do about it? any suggestions are welcome.
hope everyone is ok and manages to get on top of there anxiety problem.
thanks
Mike
Hi everyone, i have just found this site . what a relief to know i am not alone ,with this awful GAD. I have sufferd for over a year . My life is just an existance, compared to how i used to be .The physical symptoms are all of the ones ive read on here. Also im afraid of everyone i love dying sudenly including my cat. this fear is taking over my life. My stomach is in a constent knot its so awful , i cry for hours , terrified of being alone , which brings on panic attacks. teresa
Hello, I think I’ve been siffering anxiety or depression for years. I had a particlarly bad period in late 2007/early 2008 where I lost a lot of weight because I could hardly eat without being sick. I’ve had a great time up until December, the only problems I have are a slight worry on days in which I haven’t got a lot to do, I worry I’m going to get down. Then in early Decemeber I woke up feeling light headed and like nothing was real and then it just esculated. I get really bad trembling (almost like convulsions) and I’m sick, especially in the mornings. However this time round I’ve made an effort with my food, drinking complans in the morning if I feel sick, so I haven’t really lost any weight. Over Christmas I’ve fought so many different anxieties, as soon as I get rid of one, another comes. Stupid things like how do I know everything around me is real and what if I go mad. You won’t go mad, I’ve realised that, because anxiety is about being super aware of everything around you and the fear of going mad is a sympton, so even when I feel weird I don’t worry about that now.
The two doctors I’ve seen at home and where I am at uni have been understanding, explaining how anxiety works and giving me citalopram. I’m on the smallest dose of citalopram and it has stopped the severe trembling. The side effects are dizziness and aren’t pleasant but they went after a while. However I still sometimes feel sick. I’ve been feeling good the last few days but I woke up this morning feeling like I’d never be safe from it and I thought I’d be sick so I stepped into a cold shower, the sick feeling went immediately! :p
The problem I have now is that I think I’ll never enjoy the career I’ve planned (in the past I’ve always looked forward to my future), I fear losing interest which makes me think I have. Then I think I’ll never ben independent and not be able to cope alone. I think part of this stems from the fact I’m turning 20 this year so I think my life’s about to have a big change, that if I feel bad I’m too old to turn to my mum and need to learn to deal with it myself, that I’m too old to stay at home. I know this is daft but I’m just manifesting anxieties all over the place. I’m a little worried about going back to uni next week because I won’t have my family around the distract me, but I know I have to learn to cope alone. My doctore here has also told me to try CBT when I get back to uni and I know my doctor there will be understanding (she seems very nice, practical, which is what I like).
Fianlly, all I can say is the worst thing you can do is shut yourself off from life. There was one night where a felt like I had no energy but I had to sort my budgies out, I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I forced myself and gradually stated to feel much better. The key to defeating this (I believe) is to not lie down a sleep even when you feel you really need to, interracting with people and joking with friends gives me no end of help. Just going out or playing a game leaves me feeling normal! I’m part of a theatre group in my home town and going there makes me forget all my anxieties and I know I have fun times ahead with them even though I sometimes believe I’ll never be happy again. If you feel you’re alone and have no friends why don’t you find a new hobby? Join a group, whether you want to dance, sing, walk, read or do a sport. Getting outdoors, exercising or meeting with other people, for me, vanquishes any negative feelings. You can expect setbacks, but realise if you felt good once there’s no reason why you can’t live like that again. Also, I found being honest with my family helps, tell them how you feel. My mum might ask me how I’m feeling and when it’s “not so good” she says something like “oh, you’re rubbish” lol and I found that’s better than us both going boo hoo, then I calmly explain how I feel and we might put something funny on the TV.
Laughter truly is the best medicine. :o) I hope we all find a way to defeat this and help each other, we’re all friends here so don’t feel alone! Sorry for the long message lol
Oh yes, one more thing, Has anyone heard of the Linden Method? Apparently it’s starting to be recognised as an actual cure for anxiety, it’s all about being able to control the area of you brain that controls anxiety levels, stops the adrenaline rushing round and so stops panic attacks. I’ve read good results from people, but I couldn’t say for certain that it works, but if you research it, it seems very interesting.
They’re discovering so many new things about the brain, and the parts that control moods, now that it seems it may be possible for them to learn ways of curing depression. It gives you hope. :)
Hi Laura,
With regards the Linden Method, we asked one of our learned Patrons, Professor Paul Salkovskis, to review the program. His review can be found here http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/membership-services/pwp-psychological-wellbeing-practitioners-resources/ at the bottom of the page, but you will need to be an Anxiety UK member to access this restricted area. We always advise caution about the use of the word ‘cure’ with regards to anxiety, as we believe anxiety is a normal human emotion, and rather than cure we would want to support a person to be able to have a level of anxiety that no longer impacts on their life.
Best wishes
Cat (Anxiety UK)
I don’t know what or if I suffer from anything, and have not got enough courage to revisit the doctor since last time.
I suffer every morning and night from something, while on the train to work. I get too hot or something.. and feel like I’m going to pass out. I get a headache and sometimes feel very sick too. Which usually leads to me crouching down on the floor -embarrassing, as there are never any seats.
It’s often made worse by my worry and panic for being late to work. But I don’t think it’s caused by this as I have had similar issues since I was very young. Standing up for a long time = feeling faint.
I also suffer from IBS…
I never feel like I want to leave the house anymore. I often make plans to see my friends, but while getting ready/doing my hair and choosing clothes, I end up dragging it out for so long that I become late..and I just feel horrendous.. and end up making an excuse last minute to not go.
Sleep at home is much more preferred than going out these days. But I miss going out. I miss feeling good in whatever outfit I choose and doing activities or seeing friends. So I’m unhappy at home because I want to be out, but when I’m out I wish to be at home.
Not sure what this all is… but it’s impacting my life. My boyfriend thinks it might be depression… A doctor told me to buck up because its just stress (which is why im too scared to go talk to a GP about it again in case they say the same- I nearly cried last time)
Hi Debra,
Why don’t you give one of our volunteers a call on 08444 775774 – many have been through anxiety themselves so they will take you seriously.
Best wishes
Cat
Hi Debra,
I can relate to your comments very well. If you are scared to talk to your GP then maybe you can ask for another?
I agree with Cat about calling the AUK helpline on: 08444 775 774. The people that answer the phone have suffered (and still are in some cases) with the negative side effects of Anxiety. Some times it’s nice to just have a chat with someone that understands.
It’s hard but please say “Im not going to let this beat me!”.
All the best,
David
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Hi to everyone who has posted on this site, i am so pleased i am not alone, even tho i know im not its very hard not to feel alone at times.
My problems started about 18 months ago when i turned 30, it has broken up my marriage(although this may have been the cause of it anyhow) i was unable to work for a year and even now i find it really difficult to maintain a working pattern.
I suffer from GAD and depression and like some others on here find it difficult to tell between the two, I only know that my anxiety is much more difficult to deal with if the depression is there.
I mainly suffer with the mental side of things, bad thoughts, compulsive and obbssesive thoughts, negative thoughts, so much so that sometimes its so hard to deal with i have to comfort myself with the thought that i can end my suffering with suicide(even tho i really dont want to die) this thought often helps.
Its hard to explain my thoughts and feelings but i will try……ill have waves of good and bad throughtout the day the bad ones are crippling and consist of strong feelings of dread for no apparrent reason and nothing pleasant i think of will restore equilibrium…it does eventually but this see-sawing continues all day…its exausting!, its like i have to constantly talk myself out of these awful feelings on a regular basis, to me this is not living.
SSRI’s have helped to a minor degree but im definately better on them than not, i have tried several but currently on venlafaxine. while this all sounds pretty negative i still have days when i can see hope on the other side, i just wanted to share my experience with you all as i dont see many people on any sites who suffer with anxiety with depression so hopefully someone will respond?!
but do carry on peeps, i do believe that this can be combated but it takes time… and perseverence.
good luck everybody!!
Sammy J
hi sammy i have read your post and now feel not alone with this terrible torment, i have recently being suffering with terrible anxiety and horrible thoughts that will not go away, i am a normal working person who had a normal life up to a month ago if first started with a anxiety attack out of the blue, have been off work since this time as seeing a crisis support team and other involvement form various professional people which i have involved from the start, and told everyone everything not easy to say such things when you are ashamed and scared what will happen, my husband is very supportive but not finding it easy to cope as i am now tormented by these horrible and vivid images,thoughts and am having talk myself not to do these things na am scared of being left alone as may do it, have been on citalapram 20mg for a week but no improvement so far, i do hope i can overcome this soon as it is ruining my life.
Hi Kathryn,
Have you heard of the term ‘intrusive thoughts’? It sounds a bit like what you are describing. There is a great section in the book overcoming OCD which talks about the horrible thoughts we can get, and how to deal with them. Take a look on the OCD page for more info.
Best wishes
Cat (Anxiety UK)
i recently was told by my psycaratrist that i suffer from ananxieity disorder. i’m 21 and feel i have suffered a long time. i@ve felt as i have since i was 12/13 and constantly fear the worst in all situations. i imagine stuff will happen even in calm condititions. im always on edge. worrying panicing. its putting a stress on my relationship. we’ve been on an off for 3 yrs and struggle to stay together for longer than a month. i self harm now as it subdues the feeling. mainly burning or hitting walls etc. I’m constantly feeling low and dunno what to do. i got worried about my psyc after he told me and left without help. it took them 8 yrs of anger management and 2 yrs at oxleas to diagonoes me. i also deal with my anxiety with anger. i often feel threatened and lash out as i feel im gonna be left in a bloody pile if i dont… do u have any advice on. things to preoccupy my anxiety and to distract myself from it. i would go back to the clinic but they will prob put me in padded cell n forget about me.
Hello,
im only sixteen and ever since my doctor give me a vacination last year and i lost my breath i think im going to die at any pain i feel, if i have a cold i think i have swine flu and im not going to get through it, if im on a train i think its going to blow up, i have to turn everything off that is a hazard, if im in a car i think im going to crash. i get heart puplataions. i hate being on my own because thats when it gets worse when im with my friends im fine, but as soon im in my house on my own i feel like im going mental. the doctors dont tell you anything and reading all this about people having it for years makes me feel like it will never go away. im sixteen and doing my gsces and cant even live my life normally and nobody understands it. i dont think its possible to relate to it unless you experience it x
hi, i am 18 , i have had anxiaty since about two years ago , i always think i am going to die , i have heart puplpertations aswell, i hate it , i always feel my heart i always think its going to stop or something , i think the way to help me get rid mayb is 4 a doctor to tell me im fine , and cheak me over , i get this odd thing happen to me my heart does a odd big beat and i can feel it in my breathin pattern if you know what i mean ,:/, i know wen it does it , i cnt stop it from doing it , but i can make it do it just by breathin in a funny way , my tummy always tightens it makes me feel abit hungry almost n then i panic a lil about that, it doing my head in i need help , but i know exsactly what your going thro , xx
Hi,i suffer from anxiety and it has got worse since November,it is crippling me,i worry all the time and cant relax. I have been off work since the end of November and i am worried i wont be able to go back. People/friends say they want ‘Abby’ back and so do i,this is no life,this is torture. I am doing CBT and am an anti-depressant but nothing much helps.Everyday is a struggle,it is horrendus.
Suicide is the only answer,i am getting worse every day
Hi Abby, no suicide is definitely not the answer, u need to redirect ur thoughts into positives, I know it sounds strange but u need to look and think differently, Iv suffered for years, n believe me i still have my moments, but now I try not think about feeling anxious all t time n when I do I try think positively, I made a promise to myself not to let this beat me, if u lie down to it it’ll jus manifest n get worse and worse. What I mean is if u wake up in the morning n immediately look for all ur symptoms then that’s ur mind thinking negatively n it’s a vicious circle try not think bout feeling anxious for a jus a while, then try to gradually increase this time think back to how u felt when u were a kid running about n how u felt then, happy? Relax, don’t avoid situations as this is another negative n is jus another thing to beat urself up about, try to exercise n stay pre occupied but not stressed. Hope this helps, iv never posted b4 but u sound like how I was at my worst, tell ur mind that this is the worst ur Gona get on a scale of 1-10 this is 10 wake up tommorow as the new u, if u can decrease the scale to even 9 then that’s gotta b better than suicide, u know there’s a strong fighter in there sumwhere, let me know how it goes:-) x
Thank you for your reply,i will try to fight this but it is hard isnt it and others dont understand at all.
hi,
i have just discovered this site and i am beyond relieved that i am not alone. I have been suffering with gad now for as long as i can remember, i can’t remember a time when i haven’t. At the moment i am suffering a quite nasty spell but have always had what i can only describe as a permanent low grade background sense of fear and unease. Having visited the gp i now see that i am suffering from an illness. I have felt that this was something i had to live with, like it was a personality trait, and the thought of not having to be like this fills me with great hope and of course also great fear-who or what will i be if i’m not worrying?
I am however, with the help of a fabulous gp, some medication and some counselling approaching my life with real hope. I know it will be a long road but i am determined to beat this. To all of you the very best of luck and thankyou for being brave enough to post your stories. It has given me such relief to know i’m not mad and not alone xx
I have been looking through the comments on this website and I feel as though everyone is writing a discription about me. I have never had a diagnosis of GAD but the more I research the more I recognise that I feel and think all of these things described.
I look back on my life and realise that I have been held back so much due to anxiety and its not been until now that I have researched more about the disorder as I have been going through a real bad couple of years.
I just want it said to ME by someone ‘this is what you have been suffereing with for the passed 25 years and this is WHY it has restricted your life in so many ways. Maybe I will beable to help myself if I know what the problem is in the first place. Maybe I wont feel so alone and like im going nuts! x
Hi
I have been a member for over a year but have suffered with anxiety all my life. Yoga and running have helped me and I’ve had probably my best year overall although I’ve just had a really bad month, probably triggered by pressures at work. Do others suffer with constant body tension? Mine is in my tummy area and my heart area and as I write I have a lot of tension and ‘warmth’ in my abdomen. I understand myself probably better than ever but still find it hard and frustrating especially when you can’t share how you are with others who just think you’re very quiet. it feels like a constant struggle but I’m not the type to ever give up. I would possibly like to join a self help group or certainly talk to others who suffer too.
Hi there
I too have a lot of body tension which is often constant, mainly in my head, neck and shoulders. My energy also feels up in my chest area much of the time and this makes me feel very ungrounded and gives me a feeling of not being in my body. Have you found yoga helps you to feel more connected and grounded? I know it is something I could try to do regularly as I’m sure it would help. I struggle to get motivated when I’m feeling really anxious as I feel rather like a rabbit stuck in the headlights not knowing which way to turn. Have you found anything to really help you get out of an anxious state and get a better perspective on what is going on rather than the distorted anxious one?
Take care
Ruth
Tell you what, I am glad I found this site today makes me realise that I am not going mad. I am 49 and going throught the menopause whaich started all this and its not good. I have had 2 ECG and both normal but still have chest pains and think I am going to die, sometimes its unbearable, my hubby is very good but doesnt really understand how in December 2010 I was fine and in January 2011 I am a different person altogether, weepy sad etc etc.
Hope this gets better soon, waiting on CBT app hopefully within the next 4 week cant wait.
Mags
I have had panic attacks on and off for 23 years ,I have been fine most of the past 7 years ,But 8 weeks ago it has come back were i am getting up to 5 a day. I still get to work as i drive there and i am also a bus driver and i am fine doing the job ,But trying to walk anywere i can not cope with i cannot breath i shake i some times scream as i cannot breath..I cannnot go into shopping centres or do weekley shops either……..My Dr has not helped much ,i am seeing works DR but i cannot see her helping me over come this .
My husabnd thinks and has always thought i was mad
Any advice
helen southampton
Reading people’s blogs about panic and anxiety disorders have been the most effective way of dealing with gad – better than any doctor or medication.
I’ve always been a worrier and have low self esteem but 4 years ago whilst at home alone, I felt as though half my face was coming off. I started feeling anxious almost all the time and one day on the tube it felt like I couldn’t breathe and my heart wanted to leave my chest it was beating so hard.
A couple of months later (still feeling anxious 90% of the day up until today) I was eating and felt as though I couldn’t swallow what I was eating. Cue rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, “jelly legs”, couldn’t concentrate ect. I knocked on a neighbours door who then called an ambulance. I went to hospital and had an ECG, blood pressure test and sugar level test. Everything was fine but for me it was just starting. Waking up in the middle of the night thinking I’m having a heart attack, afraid to get on a bus, go out the house and many more things. I can’t remember how many times I’ve been to A&E and only recently been able to control the Panic Attacks through CBT. I gave up Paroxetine (was taking 40mg a day down to 10mg – quite quickly, unfortunately) and now, it seems, that Anxiety wants a turn at ruining my life by making me constantly worry, feel nervous and so on. Just thought I would share my experiences but would really appreciate communicating with a fellow sufferer(s) as no-one else can remotely understand what you’re going through. Carl, London.
Over the past month everything I do has slowly started to worry me, even little things. After reading this site it’s calmed me a little, I’m only 17 yet I’m not too sure what I should do, wait for it to pass over, or contact someone to see if I do have GAD?
Hello Daniel. Many young people begin to experience anxiety at this time. In fact, many of us at Anxiety UK have had the same experience. We’d suggest you talk to your GP as he/she may be able to help. It may also be helpful to talk to others who are in a similar position so do think about either ringing our helpline or talking to other anxiety sufferers on our website. Finally, you might be surprised that many of your friends have probably felt the same way at times. Have you tried talking to them about it? Or your parents? It can really help to share your problems with others as getting support is so important.
Best of luck. Terri – Anxiety UK
I have thought about going to my GP, but I also feel it could be a wasted visit as it could turn out to be nothing, so it kind of put me off going, not to mention I’m not too sure if I want to go alone, then again, I’m not too sure I want others to know.
As for talking to some of my friends, I’ve kind of spoken about it, I have said that “Oh, I’ve done this it’s really worried me”, I have also spoken to my mum about being worried over something, but they have both said “It’s nothing” or “It’ll be fine”, but I have never mentioned I that I feel I might have GAD, in fact, I’m worried my mum will assumed that “I’m just being silly” or “It’s nothing”.
We understand how you feel Daniel. Do try to get in to see your GP though as there is no reason for you to suffer in silence. Be honest and if he/she tries to brush it off, reiterate how you feel and try to make him/her understand the severity of your worry. Failing that, ring our helpline and get some support from those who have felt the same. You can ring us on 08444 775 774, Monday-Friday from 9:30-5:30. Unfortunately, we’ll be closed over the long weekend but are here today if you need to chat. All the best.
Terri – AUK
I’m 21 and have been struggling with anxiety and depression for 5 months. Not very long but it’s turned into a big problem. It gets on top of me most days and I feel like I can’t cope. I get so angry and frustated with it. When I have a good day, I really have a good day. But then when I have a bad day.. it’s like it has to balance itself out.. It can’t just be a good day without paying for it, it seems. The physical symptoms feel awful.. The tight chest, the pains in the chest, my body feels so stiff I think it’s going to seize up. I get numbness over my body, I sweat so much.. bit gross, my muscles hurt alot sometimes.. that’s what leads me to believe its something else.. its hard to believe that mental health can make you feel so awful! Physically! Im just so fatigued all the time, tired and so angry. I can’t relax my body or my mind. I’m terrified of just dropping into a heap, I’ve never fainted before but I’m terrified of it happening! Loud noises startle me and I’m on edge all of the time. It’s like I have to be ready for an emergency, but when it happens im so not ready for it.. so I panic.. I havn’t been out with my friends for months. I don’t really like to be on my own, in case I have a “funny turn”, I’ve lost my independence.. and i just became a more confident person. I was happy with the person I was, where I was in my life.. and then the biggest set back i couldn’t even imagine! I’ve always been painfully shy! my job really helped with learning how to speak to people. It was only shop work, but i was good at it (even if I did leave, before all this happened) I’ve never been a happy-go-lucky type person. but i learned to let things go..i was very laid back. I never talked about my problems.. I’d keep everything to myself. Now, I’ve learned I cant do that anymore. It’s not nice to know there are so many others going through the same thing, but it helps to know even though you feel so alone, there are people who know how you feel. I just have to learn to be the person I was again. And better!
Hi,
I’ve had 2 “attacks” in the past few months (and countless small episodes) both I believe to have been triggered by periods of high stress. (All thought to be perfectly honest I really think I have a brain tumour or something and the GP’s are just saying it’s anxiety to avoid more tests.)
I have had
*The sensation that my heart has stopped beating, or is beating too slowly
* Light-headedness esp in the very top of my head. Feel like I’m just going to konk out, like a light going off rather than drowsiness.
*Noises seem louder and lights seems brighter
* Fever
* Nausea
*Feeling of being detached from reality
*Certainty that I’m ill or hat I’m going to die
*Shakes and sweats
*Constipation
*Fear of flying
A lot of my symptoms are actually the opposite of the symptoms listed for panic/anxiety and it makes me wonder whether the diagnosis is correct.
Kate
Hi To all
Just joined this site, something I swore I would never do, as the one thing you never need with this awful condition is a reminder of it, but sometimes you just need to know that its not just you.
I have been here since I was 17 really, on and off, had some great gaps in my 20s and 30s but it all came back when I was 39 and the business went down, and its not gone away, that was 2 and a half years ago, and I really struggle with it all the time, I know the way out but need to find the path again which is the hard bit. I have a beautiful wife and 2 great boys, and I fight for them really, my wife started with awful panic attacks 3 years ago and I think that dragged me back down, but we fight for each other and the boys as best we can.
Tonight I was having my daliy heart attack, and trying to find a distraction, but just could not beat the intensity of it all so ended up panicing and wanting to head off to hospital, when I suddenly stopped and managed to refocus. I sat down and here I am. Does anyone else have this awful heart thing? every single day without fail at some point I will get it, a suden chill or shiver, followed by pain in my chest, my heart races and the pain gets worse, I can’t breath, the panic starts…. awful. No matter how many times I have this, no matter how often I tell myself its just anx, I can’t stop it, can’t convince myself, why?
I just don’t understand. It has not always been this way, in the past I have had every single manifestation of this horrible thing, really I could list them all, from the usual going mad, to light flashes in your eyes, to tinnitus, to the really strange like head zaps, and depersonilisation, the one where you speak but it feels like you never said the words, horrible, to well just about every other thing possible, I was just reading Kates comments above, and yes Kate, all very common, I hate the slow heart thing, its better racing I think! at least then you know its still beating… so if you need to know just ask.
Reading comments on the advice of doctors, I must say I have never in all the years I have suffered with this found one who really understands and really cares, I just don’t think unless you have experianced it first hand can you comprehend what it really feels like. To most we are just annoying, we keep coming back and theres nothing they can do. Don’t know if anyone has had much success with CBT? it works with some not with others depends on how well you can control the negitive mind, the what ifs etc
But just to finish off on a positive, you will get out of it, that I can gurantee you, if a 17 year old who did not even know what he had, who’s mother told him not to go to the doctors because they would put him in the asylum, and who was convinced he was going insane can find the path out, YOU CAN! it takes time and effort, but keep fighting and you will see the light, Remember distraction is the key, not tolerance, you don’t need to tollerate it. Take care.
Hi everyone – what a brill site, first time I’ve come across it. I have had GAD for years, sometimes it is easier than others, sometimes it is worse. I am on venlafaxine for anxiety/depression which can help to take the edge of the symptoms. Trouble is life events will break through that safety net – I am due to be made redundant in three weeks, and I can feel the symptoms creeping up on me again. It is partly due to GAD that I am being made redundant – sickness records played a large part in the criteria which they used to choose people. I don’t know how I will feel when the day finally comes, what is worse at the moment is coping with going into work for the last few weeks, churning stomach is starting up, waking up every morning feeling terrified of the day and wanting just to fall back into sleep again, jelly legs, tension headaches, sweaty palms, difficulty in concentrating. One of the worst side effects is that I find I am hopeless at job interviews, as no matter how much I prepare, all the above symptoms kick in once I get in the interview room. Vicious circle as I must get another job as can’t afford not to. I have had specific counselling for anxiety after a nervous breakdown several years ago, which helped at the time, but it was a very long process – I don’t have time!!
I am aware that my symptoms are anxiety, but it’s very difficult to rise above them (as members of this community will know). Anyway, what I wanted to say was that one of the best books I have ever come across for self help for anxiety is ‘Self Help for your Nerves’ for Dr Claire Weekes (look for it on Amazon and read the reviews). Like getting into a lovely warm bath of support.
I hope everyone who has posted on this site has got the help that they need, if not – try the above. I lent my copy to my daughter, so will need to get it back for this new emergency. Also try and keep your sense of humour, and remember that most symptoms are invisible and can’t be seen by others, so they won’t know your stomach is churning or that you have jelly legs. Now … if I could just persuade my mouth to work and words to come out properly instead of getting stuck …. I might succeed in one of these interviews. Meanwhile, just got to get through the next few weeks somehow.
Hi just over a year ago I was lying in bed waiting to go to sleep when my body went out of control my heart beat was racing and I thought I was having a heart attack my wife called 999 the ambulance arrived wired me up but said I was fine after 3 more attacks and 3 more visits from the Paramedics I was told to see my GP.I was told I was suffering from Anxiety caused by stress from that point on my whole life has changed at the age of 36 , I have learnt many techniques from my Counciler which has helped me cope with alot of it and i am on beta blockers and a anti depresent to keep me in control.
I still have pains in my legs,arms and chest and I believe that I am going to Die with some kind of major illness ie heart attack,brain tumour,cancer.The most important thing that I believe in is that 1 day I will be free of this and I can leave a normal life again and without a doubt the biggest support I got was from my Wife,Family,Counciler and sites like this one where you can get help from the people that no all about it including us the sufferers.
My Regards go out to all of you and remember there is light at the end of the tunnel believe in yourself
I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember and started drinking at a very early age to cope. I have only realised in the past few years that it is anxiety I suffer from. I constantly feel uptight and panicky. I rarely can relax, without drugs or alcohol. I am always moody and extremely tired through poor sleep. My mother is also a terribly worrier and my sister has lost her entire head of hair aged 30 due to stress.
I have had so many jobs but never feel happy in them. My last proper job resulterd in me being off work sick and confined to my flat for two months with panic. I cannot leave the house on any day without extreme time to psych myself up and prepare myself physically and mentally. I cannot do any of the things I wuld like to do, like meeting friends or going shopping without feelings of dread consuming me.
I have started a new job a couple of months ago and am already panicking and wanting to leave. I am hoping to have children soon but I am terrified that I will be an awful, negligent mother who is consumed by herself and her neuroses.
Feeling so miserable it’s untrue! And I have had around 24 months of psychotherapy, 6 months of CBT and am on anti-depressants. Thanks.