Brochure Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Background
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes excessive and persistent worry for a multitude of everyday activities GAD is one of the most common anxiety disorders and sees a lifetime prevalence at around 6% of the general population. The disorder was first recognized as its own category within anxiety disorders in 1980, and since then, research into its causes and treatment advanced significantly. Researchers do not know the exact causes for GAD, but studies suggest that a combination of environmental, genetic, and neurological factors may aid its development Individuals with GAD typically receive treatment in the form of psychotherapy and medication such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs. Overall, GAD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders and can be a potentially debilitating condition which significantly impacts a person’s life.
Stigmas
One of the most common misconceptions about GAD is that anxiety is a weakness or flaw, instead of a real medical condition. This stigma has the potential to make individuals with GAD feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms which may lead to not seeking help for fear of being seen as “crazy.”
Individuals showing their symptoms of anxiety, such as restlessness or fidgeting, can be misunderstood and discriminated against for the perception of incompetence. Individuals with GAD may be scared to disclose their disorder when seeking jobs due to the fear of employer discrimination Employers may not hire someone with GAD due to the misunderstanding and harmful stereotypes about their ability to cope with stress or pressure These individuals may also find difficulties searching for housing due to landlords potentially being unwilling to rent to people with mental illnesses.
Why is it important to break down these harmful stigmas?
Firstly, stigmas for individuals with GAD are discriminatory and socially damaging The fear in individuals to cause more ridicule may prevent them from seeking help which furthers a reduced quality of life for the individual Second, these stigmas are often based on a harmful misunderstanding or inaccurate depiction of the lived experiences that individuals with this condition face Societal ignorance in this form leads to many individuals being socially excluded in many aspects of life, including employment, housing, and education. It is important to have this discussion so that people with GAD do not have to live in constant fear of being mistreated or misunderstood Often, discrimination occurs due to the thought that individuals with GAD do not know how to handle themselves when stressed, but this is not true Many individuals with GAD have learned how to cope with their symptoms and work around them to conduct themselves as anyone else would. Finally, stigmas surrounding GAD can lead to harmful impacts on the community. It is important to eliminate these harmful stigmas so that other individuals suffering from other mental health disorders can feel safe to speak up about their problems without fear of discrimination or being outcasted.
An Important Discussion
There Is So Much Support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): An organization that provides support groups, education, and advocacy for those with mental illness, including GAD. The also provide a helpline and online resources for people seeking support and information.
Mental Health America (MHA): An organization that offers information, support, and resources for those living with mental illness, including GAD.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): They provide education and support for individuals with anxiety disorders, as well as support groups and webinars.
Therapy and Counseling: Talking with a therapist or counselor is an effective way to manage symptoms of GAD. It is also a great way to receive support and education. Most importantly, it is an effective way to develop coping strategies that improve quality of life.
References
Anxiety disorders and depression research & treatment. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://adaa.org/
Crocq, M.-A. (2017, June). The history of generalized anxiety disorder as a diagnostic category. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573555/
Home: Nami: National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://nami.org/Home
Homepage. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://mhanational.org/
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2017, October 13).
Generalized anxiety disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxietydisorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803
Stigma relating to anxiety. Beyond Blue. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/stigma-relating-toanxiety
The Australian National University. (n.d.). National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health. Generalised Anxiety Stigma Scale (GASS) | National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health. Retrieved April 30, 2023, f rom https://nceph.anu.edu.au/research/tools-resources/generalised-anxietystigma-scale-gass
