What we treat
Worry
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by having regular or uncontrollable worries about many different things in your everyday life.
People with symptoms of GAD tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about things such as money, family, work, or school. The worry dominates the person's thinking and interferes with daily life.
Most people with GAD who receive therapy finish feeling better and more able to manage their symptoms.
Healthy worry vs GAD
While most of us worry or feel anxious at some point in our lives, healthy worry is relatively short-lived and leads to positive problem-solving behaviour.
In people with GAD, the worry is often unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread as they find it particularly difficult to tolerate uncertainty.
Signs & Symptoms
Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by numerous “what if” statements such as:
“What if I fail my exam?”
“What if I can’t do the job?”
“What if I can’t provide for my family?”
“What if I get anxious during my interview?”
The condition affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well.
Signs and symptoms of GAD may include:
Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events
Overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes
Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren't
Difficulty handling uncertainty
Indecisiveness and fear of making the ‘wrong’ decision
Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
Inability to relax, feeling restless, and feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind "goes blank"
These symptoms may cause difficulties in day-to-day activities such as work, studying, social activities or relationships with others.
Other struggles
Read more about the other difficulties we treat:
Flashbacks or nightmares of a trauma
Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours
Talking therapy
If you could be struggling with GAD, read about the talking therapies we offer to see how they could help you. You may also like to read some feedback and encouragements by those who received therapy with us.
Self-help resources
Be sure to check out our useful section of self-help resources for wellbeing.
Employment advice
Alongside therapy our Employment Team can help you find employment or training, and support you with workplace adjustments or disputes.
Make the first step
We know the courage it takes to ask for help, and we hope you’ll consider therapy with us. Read more about what to expect if you refer.
Talking Therapies is for everyone aged sixteen or over, who live in Portsmouth and are registered with a GP in the city.
You can self-refer by calling us on 0300 123 3934 or by completing this secure form online.
Urgent help
Talking Change is not an emergency mental health service for people in crisis. Support is available from specialist services if urgent help is needed.