How Can CBT Help With Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
Worry about the here the now and the future? Worry about yourself, others and the world? Worry what people may be thinking of you?
All of this worry, is it stopping you leading the life you want to?
Does it get in the way of personal relationships? Everyone gets anxious sometimes, but if your worries and fears are so constant that they interfere with your ability to function and relax, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is mentally and physically exhausting. It drains your energy, interferes with sleep, and wears your body out. But you can break free from chronic worrying and learn to calm your anxious mind.
If this sounds like you it may be that you are suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder. CBT can help you to learn to tolerate uncertainty and can help you enjoy the present more without worrying about what the future may hold.
For more information or to check appointment availability call us now on 0114 383 0004
What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder that involves:
• Chronic worrying
• Nervousness, and
• Tension.
Unlike a phobia where your fear is connected to a specific thing or situation, the anxiety of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is diffuse—a general feeling of dread or unease that colours your whole life. This anxiety is less intense than a panic attack, but much longer lasting, making normal life difficult and relaxation impossible.
If you have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) you may worry about the same things that other people do:
• health issues,
• money,
• family problems, or
• difficulties at work.
Whether you realise that your anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for or believe that your worrying protects you in some way, the end result is the same. You can’t turn off your anxious thoughts. They keep running through your head, on endless repeat.
The Difference Between “Normal” Worry And GAD
Worries, doubts, and fears are a normal part of life. Its natural expect some worry in life for example prior to taking exams, driving tests, waiting to her about health tests or about finances.
The difference between “normal” worrying and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is that the worrying involved in GAD is:
• excessive
• intrusive
• persistent
• debilitating
For example, after watching a news report about a local crime, the average person might feel a temporary sense of unease and worry. If you have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), however, you might be up all night afterwards, then continue worrying for days about a worst-case scenario in which your small hometown is attacked.
“Normal” Worry: Generalised Anxiety Disorder:
Your worrying doesn’t get in the way of your daily activities and responsibilities. Your worrying significantly disrupts your job, activities, or social life.
You’re able to control your worrying. Your worrying is uncontrollable.
Your worries, while unpleasant, don’t cause significant distress. Your worries are extremely upsetting and stressful.
Your worries are limited to a specific, small number of realistic concerns. You worry about all sorts of things, and tend to expect the worst.
Your bouts of worrying last for only a short time period. You’ve been worrying almost every day for at least six months
What to expect from therapy?
CBT can help you to learn to tolerate uncertainty and to find alternatives. Instead of avoiding situations you fear, CBT teaches you to tackle them head on. You may start by imagining the thing you’re most afraid of.
By focusing on your fears without trying to avoid or escape them, you will begin to feel more in control and less anxious. Time management and problem-solving skills are also effective behavioural techniques for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The Department of Health recommend that treatment is likely to take between 16–20 hours in total.