What is anxiety?
Anxiety is simply worrying about the future. We all do it. Worry is normal. It can serve a functional purpose in our lives at times to get things done or to remind ourselves that we didn't like something in the past and should make adjustments in the future. Everyone worries but when we have excessive worries that weigh on us, then it's probably something worth exploring! This Anxiety can impact our lives, our family interactions, our social lives, and/or our ability to focus at school/work.
Read below for more information about the various types of anxiety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
According to the American Psychiatric Association DSM 5 Manual, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is defined as:
A. Excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).
B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
C. The anxiety and worry are associated with at least 3 (at least 1 for children) of the following symptoms (with at least some symptoms having been present for more days than not for the past 6 months)
1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
2. Being easily fatigued.
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
4. Irritability.
5. Muscle tension.
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep).
(i.e. worrying about not having enough time to finish a work deadline so we plan a schedule to make mini deadlines for tasks, or worrying about making it to the airport on time during traffic hour so you decide to leave a little earlier or take a different route)