Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): When Worry Feels Constant
Understanding Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Everyone worries from time to time – about work, family, or health. For some people, however, worry becomes constant, excessive, and difficult to control. This ongoing anxiety, even when there’s no clear reason for it, is known as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
People with GAD often describe feeling “on edge” all the time, or that their mind never switches off. The worry may shift from one topic to another – finances, relationships, health, safety – and can persist even when things are going well.
In Australia, around 6% of people experience GAD at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common anxiety disorders.
Common Symptoms
GAD can affect both the body and mind. Common signs include:
Persistent and uncontrollable worry about everyday matters
Feeling restless, tense, or “on edge”
Fatigue or feeling easily tired
Difficulty concentrating or a sense of your mind going blank
Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort
Sleep problems, such as trouble falling or staying asleep
Irritability or difficulty relaxing
This ongoing state of alertness can make even simple daily tasks feel exhausting. Over time, GAD can impact relationships, work performance, and overall wellbeing.
Why GAD Develops
There’s no single cause of Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It tends to arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Some people have a genetic predisposition toward anxiety or heightened sensitivity to stress. Others may develop GAD following prolonged periods of pressure, uncertainty, or significant life change.
Psychologically, GAD is maintained by worry cycles – the more we worry in an attempt to prevent bad outcomes, the more anxious and vigilant we become. This creates the illusion of control but keeps the anxiety alive.
How GAD Can Be Treated
The good news is that GAD is highly treatable. At MindSure Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs and pace.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): The gold-standard treatment for GAD. CBT helps identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, reduce excessive worry, and gradually re-engage with meaningful activities.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps build flexibility and reduce the struggle with anxious thoughts, while reconnecting with personal values.
While CBT and ACT are the most established treatments for GAD, other evidence-informed approaches may also be beneficial depending on individual history and presentation:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills: Strategies such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation can improve calm and control.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): May help if excessive worry is linked to past distressing experiences or chronic threat sensitivity.
In some cases, medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist may be used alongside therapy to help manage symptoms.
At MindSure Psychology
At MindSure Psychology, we understand that living with constant worry can be draining and isolating. Our goal is to help you understand what drives your anxiety, reduce the hold of worry, and build long-term resilience.
Therapy is collaborative and paced to your comfort – combining practical strategies with genuine understanding.
If you find that worry is taking over your life, help is available.
You can book a confidential appointment today to begin evidence-based treatment for Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
