Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a persistent pattern of worry and anxiety over many activities and events throughout the day. Everyone experiences stress, worry or anxiety at many points in their life, but people with GAD experience worrying and anxiety almost every single day and are constantly fearing the worst in their life. While people with GAD spend too much time worrying, the subject of their worries isn't always logica or the amount of worry is greater than it should bel. They worry about health, money, family, work and plenty of other topics as well. About 6% of the population suffers from this disorder, with more women affected than men.

People who suffer from GAD typically experience some of these physical symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• General aches and pains
• Feeling like there is something stuck in your throat
• Irritability
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Excessive sweating
  

This by no means exhausts the list.  Since everybody has a different physical and chemical makeup, we respond differently to things like stress and anxiety.

So if you think you might be suffering from GAD, then what should you do? First, make an appointment to see your doctor. Generalized anxiety disorder can be treated in a variety of ways, including therapy, employing stress-relief techniques and medication.  A physician can help you develop the right strategy for you. 

If you're looking to start with a natural approach to managing your anxiety disorder, try some of these strategies:

• Exercise
• Eat Right
• Get enough sleep
• Take time to yourself  - practice yoga, listen to music, read a book, etc.
  
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Volunteer and get active in your community
• Find something that makes you laugh
• Talk to friends and family

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