More than just feeling anxious
All of us feel anxious whenever there is an upcoming deadline or examination, that’s perfectly normal. However, when you feel a persistent, overwhelming feeling of anxiety that impairs your daily functioning, you might have Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by extreme and inflated feelings of anxiety, fear and worry over daily events like work, school and health (WebMD, n.d.). People with GAD may know that their anxiety is irrational, but it’s hard for them to suppress their feelings. To avoid their negative emotions, people with GAD may skip everyday events which can significantly inconvenience frustrate them (WebMD, n.d.).
According to the second Mental Health Study (SMHS) conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in 2016, there is a significant increase of people with GAD from 0.9% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2016 (IMH, 2018). This statistic means that approximately 93,000 people have GAD, and it may even increase in 2019! Thankfully, results of SMHS showed that more people are receiving early treatment for GAD (IMH, 2018).
In the following weeks, we will be covering the following anxiety disorders:
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobias
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Common symptoms of those with GAD include (WebMD, n.d.):
Excessive anxiety
Difficulty in concentration
Chest pains
Sweating
Fatigue (as well as trouble falling asleep)
Early Help is Essential
Receiving early help is essential for a speedy recovery. Besides counselling or medications, practising self-care can help manage your anxiety. The following are some tips (Your Health in Mind, n.d.):
Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. Exercise releases endorphins, which is a chemical in your brain that elicits a positive feeling, thus lowering your anxiety!
Cut down on caffeinated food and drinks. Caffeine may be attributed to your insomnia and increase your anxiety.
Make a list of things that makes you anxious. Start from the bottom of the list (which should be the least anxiety-inducing) and confront your anxiety. Take your time for this process. Gradually work your way up.
For a summary of what GAD is, you may check out the video below (Osmosis, 2016):
Here’s a list of should you require additional assistance or counselling services.
Lastly, if you have anything to share about GAD, we would love to hear from you. Just comment down below to start a discussion!
In the next post, which comes out next Wednesday, another anxiety disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, will be discussed.
References
Institute of Mental Health. (2018, December 11). Latest nationwide study shows 1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime [Media release]. Retrieved from https://www.imh.com.sg/uploadedFiles/Newsroom/News_Releases/SMHS%202016_Media%20Release_FINAL_web%20upload.pdf
Osmosis (2016, February 29) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - causes, symptoms & treatment [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9mPwQTiMSj8
WebMD (n.d.). Generalised Anxiety Disorder [information on a page]. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/generalized-anxiety-disorder#1
Your Health in Mind (n.d.). Anxiety Disorders [information on a page]. Retrieved from https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/mental-illnesses-disorders/anxiety-disorders/self-help-and-helping-someone-with-anxiety
Comentarios