Anxiety: when worry will not let you live in peace
How to tell normal worry from generalized anxiety disorder, how it shows up in the body, who should be screened and which treatments work.
Worry is part of life: about work, the kids, the bills. But when the worry is bigger than the problem, will not switch off and starts to affect your body and your day, it may be anxiety. And anxiety can be treated.
When worry is something more
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that people with generalized anxiety disorder feel extremely worried or nervous more often or more intensely than the situation warrants. For a diagnosis, the person finds it hard to control worry on most days for at least 6 months.
It often starts in youth or early adulthood, and it is more common in women than in men.
The symptoms
Besides worry that is hard to control, NIMH lists:
- Restlessness, or feeling on edge.
- Fatigue.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Irritability.
- Muscle tension.
- Sleep problems.
What it feels like in the body
Anxiety does not stay in your head. It can cause headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, trembling, sweating, lightheadedness and shortness of breath. That is why many people come in for the physical symptom, not the worry.
It often comes with other conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic stress or chronic pain.
Why your family doctor is a good first step
NIMH recommends starting with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health professional. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) also recommends screening for anxiety in adults 64 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum women, even without risk factors.
Treatment works
- Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy is the most studied, and NIMH calls it the gold standard.
- Medication: there are several kinds, and your doctor will explain which fits your case.
- Sometimes both together.
- Habits that help: less caffeine and enough sleep, alongside treatment.
Do not start or stop a medication without talking to your doctor.
If you need help now
If you are going through a very hard time or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, open 24 hours a day. For Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
How we can help
At our family medicine clinic you can tell us how you feel, not only what hurts. We listen, check whether something else is behind your symptoms and, depending on the case, follow up with you or refer you to a mental health professional. In English or Spanish.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Anxiety Disorders in Adults: Screening (2023).
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Get Help.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Is the 988 Lifeline available in other languages?.
This article is general information about our clinic and about anxiety. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a professional. Do not change or stop your medications without talking to your doctor. If you are in danger or have a medical emergency, call 911.