Title Text

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
and
Anxiety In General

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

• Excessive, Uncontrollable and often Irrational Worry 
• Anticipating Disaster
• Overly Concerned About Everyday Matters

Anxiety v. Panic

• Panic: generally triggered by something specific
• Anxiety: Usually don't require a specific trigger

Caveat Emptor

I am neither a medical or psychiatric professional. 

Cool Symptoms!

Even More Symptoms!

Flight or Fight (or Freeze)

Comorbidity

• Anxiety Disorders & Major Depressive Disorder
• Alcohol/Substance Abuse Disorder & GAD
• ADHD & GAD
• GAD & Stress-related health issues

Globally about 4% of people will experience GAD in their lifetime.

For some folks, it can be managed to the point of being symptom-free. For others, it is a chronic condition.

Most common cause of workplace disability in the US.

Managing Anxiety in Yourself

and

Supporting others who have Anxiety

Avoiding Anxiety

• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Do your best
• Accept imperfection
• Get enough sleep
• Take a timeout
• Know your triggers
• Find humor & positivity

Coping With Anxiety

• Breathing exercises
• Mindfulness
• Change of scenery
• What works for you

Diet & Anxiety

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Zinc, Magnesium, Folate
• Limit simple carbs and sugars

Star Breathing

Spoons!

A metaphor often used by the chronic illness/disability/mental health community to describe the physical/mental energy required to get through a day. (and pass as 'not ill')

See also: spoonie, 'all out of spoons'

Tips and Tricks

Don't Be a Jerk

• Don't assume you know anything about their condition or treatment plan
• Don't tell them to get over it
• Don't minimize their experience

Do be a cool person

• Ask them to explain if they feel comfortable
• Ask them what you can do to help
• Provide a distraction (if helpful)