Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Cipralex

I just got diagnosed with GAD today and to be quite honest it kind of confuses me.. I'm having troubles figuring out what exactly generalized anxiety disorder is and all the emotional symptoms that can come with it. If someone could please tell me, that would be great.
Also I will starting cipralex and I was wondering if anyone that has been put on it what it was like for them
Thank you.

Hi

First of good to meet you and welcome to the forum you will find good support here from the members. I have GAD so understand what you are going through I will try and describe the condition the best I can:-

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can be defined as a disorder in which the sufferer feels in a constant state of high anxiety and is often known as chronic worrying’ or a ‘free floating’ anxiety condition.

People who suffer with GAD often describe themselves as suffering with ‘free floating anxiety’. They can resolve one issue but no sooner has this been done when another worry pops up. Racing thoughts, loss of concentration, and an inability to focus are also characteristic of GAD.

We all suffer with worry from time to time, but the thing that makes GAD different from “normal worry” is that the worry is prolonged (it lasts for over 6 months), and the level of worry is out of proportion to the risk. For example, if a partner is an hour late from work (without calling) a GAD sufferer may think ‘they must have had an accident’, rather than any other just as likely scenario, e.g. ‘they have been delayed in traffic’ or ‘they have popped to the pub with a colleague’. These thoughts can be described as ‘catastrophising,’ or jumping to the worst possible conclusion.

GAD is a particularly difficult disorder to live with as it is constantly on the sufferer”s mind – there is no respite as the anxiety is not tied to a specific situation or event. It can cause problems with sleep, ability to maintain a job as well as impact close relationships.

I hope you find this information useful there are lots of things which can be done to help with the anxiety that GAD causes such as medications or talking therapies such as CBT or Mindfulness your doctor should know all about these so I would suggest you speak with them regarding this.

Hibee

Hi SW and welcome!

You have been advised extremely well by Hibee...so I will just add my encouragement in your quest to seek recovery for yourself!

Great job on seeking help, and reaching out!

Here is the link to your Resources, where you can find great information, self-help ideas, and much more in terms of anxiety management.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

We hope that you find the understanding and care here that we strive to provide...please post anytime with us...support is key!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat