Generalized Anxiety Disorder
On February 3, I wrote about the destructive mind-set that plagues many Americans. I believe it is a widespread condition caused by separation from God.
Here is a description from Webmd.com that gives some interesting details.
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, like when they have to meet a deadline or deliver a presentation. But for people with GAD, a constant and exaggerated sense of worry interferes with their daily life. People with GAD tend to expect the worst when dealing with issues related to money, health, family, or work, even when there is no sign of trouble.
About 5% of people in the U.S. will have GAD at some point during their lifetime. Each year, about 3% of the U.S. adult population has GAD (approximately 6.5 million Americans). Nearly twice as many women as men are affected.
What are the symptoms of GAD?
People with GAD may experience a few symptoms or may feel overwhelmed by many symptoms. The key signs of GAD are anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and have lasted for at least 6 months. In addition to excessive anxiety and worry, people with GAD have at least 3 of the following symptoms:
· Restlessness or feeling on edge
· Fatigue
· Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
· Irritability
· Muscle tension
· Difficulty sleeping
People with GAD often have symptoms of depression as well. In fact, 2 national studies found that between 58% and 70% of people who suffered from GAD in their lifetime have also suffered from depression at some point.
It is real, and it has profound affects on our lives. But God offers loving and powerful help. If we just turn to him, he helps us understand that he is in control of the world, and we can depend on him. We don’t have to fix the world. We can’t do everything ourselves.
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