Do you find yourself anxious and worrying most of the time without any clear reason? Perhaps anxiety has woven itself into the fabric of your daily life, and you feel powerless to control it. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

What is Generalized Anxiety?

Generalized anxiety extends beyond the occasional worries that most people experience. While it’s normal to worry about your health, finances, or family, generalized anxiety involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday issues that can interfere with your daily life. This anxiety is not fleeting; it’s present most days for at least six months.

How Does Generalized Anxiety Develop?

It often begins in childhood or adolescence, although it can develop in adulthood as well. It is more common in women and tends to run in families. Many factors are involved:

• Brain Chemistry: Differences in how the brain functions can make some individuals more prone to anxiety.
• Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders increases the likelihood that you might be more anxious.
• Feeling unsafe or uncertain:  If you regularly perceive danger and feel unsafe, this makes you anxious.
• Personality Traits: If you are timid or moody this can make you more susceptible.
• Experiences: Significant life changes, traumatic experiences, or chronic illnesses can trigger generalized anxiety.
• Medications or Substance Use: Some medications or substance abuse can lead to increased anxiety symptoms.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can heighten anxiety through hormonal changes.
• Environmental Stress: Family stress, child abuse, or long-term illnesses can also be significant triggers.

Recognizing the Symptoms

To identify GAD, look for symptoms such as:

• Persistent, excessive worry that feels disproportionate to actual events.
• Overthinking, thinking constantly about worst-case scenarios (what if…).
• Feeling unsafe or perceiving danger or a threat.
• Difficulty living with uncertainty or making decisions.
• Feelings of restlessness and being on edge.
• Trouble concentrating.

These symptoms can be distressing and debilitating, impacting your ability to perform daily tasks, concentrate, and enjoy life. The ongoing worry can sap your energy and increase the risk of depression.

What to Do If You Experience Generalized Anxiety

If you suspect you have generalized anxiety disorder, early recognition and treatment can make a big difference. Start by keeping a journal to note what triggers your anxiety and then what happens. You might see a pattern. Or you might notice how quickly your thoughts go negative.

Then examine your lifestyle. Substances like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can exacerbate anxiety. Quitting these substances can be challenging but ultimately beneficial for reducing anxiety levels.

Follow the scriptural prescription: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

Pray, petition God, give thanks and make your requests known to God. The result of this spiritual practice is the peace of God that comes even in difficult times.

Seek Help

If you find it difficult to manage anxiety on your own, consider reaching out for professional help. There are many ways you can calm your mind–pray and meditation, learn to focus on the present and tolerate uncertainty.

Most often therapists will use cognitive behavior therapy to look closely at your thoughts, beliefs and perceptions. This type of therapy can help you unlearn negative or worrying thoughts and behaviors and learn to adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.

Conclusion

You don’t have to live with anxiety. It is possible to be anxious about nothing. Trust in God is key as doubt is what prompts worry. When you worry you basically say, God is not enough. And that is a lie!  So put your trust in God every day, take your thoughts captive, meditate on him and be grateful. Pray, lament but most of all, remember, God is able to bring peace and contentment to your life. You can let go of worry and not be anxious.

For more help: Letting Go of Worry by Dr. Linda Mintle