According to mental health experts, when one feel tensed and anxious day after day for prolonged period of time, even when there is little or nothing to worry about, one may be suffering from what is known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and may need to seek professional assistance.

Chief Psychiatrist at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Akwasi Osei says GAD is a mild form of mental condition and what sets GAD apart from regular feeling of anxiety is when one just can't stop worrying.

One may find it almost impossible to relax, even when doing something he/she enjoys. In severe cases, he said, GAD can interfere with the ability to think straight and can have ripple effects on work, relationships, and daily activities.

According to Dr. Osei, the main symptom of GAD is a constant and exaggerated sense of tension which one may not even be able to pinpoint a reason for feeling so.

Other symptoms may include sleeping difficulties (insomnia), feeling of tiredness, irritability or quick to get angry, inability to concentrate, fear of insanity and detachment from ones surroundings.

Physical Symptoms that come along with excess worry may include muscle
tension or pain, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, trembling, etc. It's also common for people with GAD to have other anxiety disorders which may include panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social phobia.

According to Dr. Osei, GAD can develop in people of any age including children. The disorder tends to develop gradually with the first symptoms most likely to occur between childhood and middle age.

GAD is usually diagnosed based on the description of symptoms. It is therefore important for one to be specific when telling a doctor about feelings of anxiety.
Treating GAD

Depending on the type of anxiety, treatment can be tailored towards that, Dr. Osei told Citi News. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a very effective talk therapy in treating anxiety. It involves re-orienting one’s thinking and other mechanisms to change the behavior and response towards anxiety.

Counselors assist patients in identifying negative thoughts and actions that may lead to excess worry and assist them with calming strategies. A combination of medicine and CBT often works best, he added. Some antidepressant drugs also work well to lower anxiety.

There are self care support treatments for GAD, according to Dr. Osei, which include making few simple changes in habits. Avoiding excessive intake of caffeine, having enough rest and eating healthy foods can boost anxiety symptoms.

Also relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation and moderate physical activity can have calming effects.

Getting Help for Anxiety
Start by discussing your anxiety problems with your doctor, says Dr. Osei. He or she can rule out other illnesses that can mimic GAD. If an anxiety disorder seems likely, you'll probably be sent to a mental health professional.

This specialist should have training in psychotherapy and can administer the right treatment. It's important to choose someone you're comfortable with to guide your progress as you work to feel better.