Even when things are going well, I worry about what comes next
Your test result is normal. You feel relieved for a moment. Then you start thinking about work. Once a work matter is resolved, a concern about someone close appears. The subject changes; the tension remains.
You try to predict what will go wrong. You consider different situations and prepare responses. At night, falling asleep is difficult because you are still thinking about tomorrow.
“Do not worry in advance.” You hear it from others. You probably tell yourself the same thing. You know nothing bad is happening now. Yet it is hard to stop thinking about it.
These difficulties can occur in generalised anxiety disorder, or GAD. Worry concerns many everyday matters. It is frequent, difficult to control and disproportionate to the situation.
There may also be fatigue, irritability, muscle tension or difficulty concentrating. You sit down to a task, but your thoughts return to what worries you. Rest does not bring calm either if you keep analysing possible problems.
Worry alone is not enough to diagnose GAD. During assessment, the duration of symptoms, their severity and their impact on your life matter. Other causes of the difficulties also need to be considered.
Before a consultation, note a few specific situations. What were you worried about? How long did you spend thinking? Could you return to your activity? You do not need a detailed diary. A few examples will help you explain what happens in everyday life.
Also notice the difference between planning and worrying. Planning ends in a decision or action. With worrying, you return to the same questions although there is no new information.
If anxiety affects your sleep, work or contact with loved ones, seek help. You do not have to wait until the difficulties become greater.
Hanna Swierczewska
Psychologist, psychotraumatologist, psycho-oncologist
If you would like to talk about your situation, you are welcome to book an online consultation.
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