If you are suffering from GAD, general anxiety disorder, you probably want to know just what it is. If you are persistently, excessively and unrealistically worrying about things you probably have a case of this. Even those things that don’t truly affect you are causing you stress then you need to consider the possibility of GAD.

Do you worry about money? Do you worry about health, your family, work, charities, someone you know that is ill? If this is typical of you then it is probably a symptom of this disorder.

You aren’t alone in this. There are 6.8 million adults in the United States (3.1%) suffering from this on any given year. Gradual progression is typical and usually comes on from childhood to middle age. Although the exact cause is not known there is evidence showing the biological factors, life experiences, particularly stressful situations, and family background are all part of what is believed to be factors.

It isn’t that this is something that can not be treated, it can. It may be with therapy that helps to identify, understand and modify thier behavior to change the way it affects them. It may take medication which works for some people. Others use relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, exercise and other alternative threatments to lower the stress level and even out the disorder.

Occasionally there are situations that those with anxiety disorder should just avoid. If you know that going to a certain place, event or group of people will raise your anxiety level then avoid it. Make plans to do something you enjoy. Surround yourself with people that are easy for you to communicate with and that make you laugh. Laughter is one of the best ways to relieve stress. If you don’t find some things funny, that make you do the real belly laugh, find something that does! You will feel so much better, your life will be better and your anxiety will be reduced dramatically.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you are tired, go to bed. Simple as that. Even if it is early in the evening but you know that the minute your head hits the pillow you will be asleep then go to bed. You will wake in the morning with more energy and better focus, ready to take on the day.

There are certain things that are a clue to the fact that you may be either suffering from or beginning to suffer from anxiety disorder. Here is a list of some of them: 1. Excessiv worry, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. 2. Unreasonable worry about nearly everything. 3. Your inability to control worry 4. Restlessness, feeling keyed up or on edge often. 5. Being easily tired for no apparent reason. 6. Having problems concentrating. 7. Irritability? 8. Muscle tension. 9. Is your anxiety interfering with your daily life?

Are you strange? Is it something you can do something about? Of course you aren’t strange, you are one of millions. Can you do something about it, of course, but you must take action. Start today and feel more in control tomorrow.