[hereiam]

Can everyone who has this disorder explain to me what it is like for them? I was told I have it, and it seems like I do when I read up on it, but my problem is that I've had it for so long I never felt like it was a real 'problem' because it was my 'normal'...you know? All the worrying, the what-if's, the 'if I dont do this right things will implode' type attitude... Anyway, would anyone mind telling me what it's like for them?

Thanks. This is just to satisfy my own curiousity.

[bluesman]

I left you a post under the GAD meds thread.........

[Butterfly_Faerie]

I have GAD and have had it since I was 16, well since I was diagnosed with it.

I don't find it to be a real problem unless you are avoiding things in your life. Symptoms are terrible, but they can be dealt with. I use alot of self-talk and can literally talk myself out of the anxiety. I get symptoms pretty much daily and it isn't over-whelming, I rarely have panic attacks any more.

It doesn't stop me from doing much of anything anymore, I have a life, I feel normal... I am doing things and going places I never did a few years ago, like is good. Anxiety is something that is not fun to have at all, but it is manageable.

[hereiam]

sundance - very true. for the most part i function completely normally. however, the worrying tires me out and wears me down. its like an everyday battle trying to make sure i do everything right.

[Butterfly_Faerie]

Yeah worrying is something all anxiety suffers go thought. You just have to start to think postive and let it go, remind yourself that the worrying is the anxiety.. it wont always be but you just have to face it and deal with it a step at a time. My worrying is less now, I don't let myself get over-whelmed with negative thinking, it just ends up making the symptoms worse.

[dottie]

Hi. I have GAD. Have had it for most of my life.

Typically it is defined as being in a constant, or near constant state of worry. It is IMHO..one of the worst demons to have. It's as much a part of you as, say, your arms are. Thank goodness for meds. I really could not live without them.

Maybe someone else on the forum would like to add their input as well??!

[hereiam]

dottie - what meds are you on if you dont mind me asking? also, what do you think the meds help with the most? do they tone down the worrying, or do they relax you, or do you find it easier to let things go, or...?