Why Do I Always Feel This Way?

Meet Jane. She's a 38-year-old mom, works full-time, keeps up with her kids' school activities, manages household bills, and tries to stay connected with friends. On the outside, Jane looks like she’s doing it all. But inside? She’s exhausted. She can’t sleep. She worries all day long — about work deadlines, about her kids getting sick, about whether she locked the front door, about what might go wrong tomorrow… or next week. Even when things are going well, she feels this low-level panic humming in the background. It's like her mind never shuts off — always jumping to “what if?” If you relate to Jane, you're not alone. You might be experiencing something called Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD.

What Is GAD?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is more than just occasional stress or nervousness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, GAD is defined by excessive worry and anxiety about many different things — work, health, family, finances — and this worry is: - Hard to control - Out of proportion to the actual situation - Persistent — often lasting for months This isn’t just “being a worrier.” With GAD, the worry is constant, intense, and hard to shake, even when there’s no clear reason to be anxious.

It’s Not Just In Your Head — The Physical Side of GAD

People with GAD often experience physical symptoms that can make daily life even harder. These include: - Feeling restless or “on edge” - Getting tired easily - Trouble concentrating - Muscle tension (tight shoulders, jaw clenching) - Irritability - Trouble falling or staying asleep - Headaches or stomach issues In fact, many people first seek medical help for physical symptoms — like chest tightness or fatigue — without realizing anxiety could be the root cause.

How Is GAD Diagnosed?

GAD can sometimes be tricky to diagnose, especially because the symptoms overlap with other conditions — and let’s be honest, everyone worries sometimes. So, what’s the difference between regular stress and GAD? Regular worry is temporary and tied to a specific situation (like an upcoming presentation). GAD worry is more persistent, intrusive, and hard to turn off — even when there's no clear reason. Healthcare professionals use tools like the GAD-7 or GAD-2 questionnaires to screen for anxiety. These are short, easy surveys that can help figure out if someone’s worry is severe enough to need further evaluation. If you screen positive, the next step usually involves a structured interview where a doctor or mental health provider will ask about your symptoms, health history, and how much anxiety is affecting your daily life.

What Can You Do?

If you think you might be dealing with generalized anxiety, here’s what you can do next: 1. Track your symptoms. Write down how often you feel anxious, what your worries are about, and how it’s affecting your body. 2. Talk to a healthcare provider. Share your symptoms openly — even if they feel “silly.” What feels small to you could be an important clue. 3. Try a screening tool. Ask your doctor about the GAD-7 or GAD-2 — they’re quick and informative. 4. Know you're not alone. GAD affects millions of adults, and treatment is available — from therapy to medication to lifestyle changes.

Final Thoughts

Jane’s story might sound familiar — maybe it even sounds like your own. The good news is that GAD is treatable, and recognizing the signs is the first step. There’s no shame in reaching out for support. Anxiety is common, real, and manageable with the right help.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare professional.