Worry is a normal part of life. Worrying about an exam, a work deadline, or a family member's health is something everyone experiences. But when that worry becomes a near-constant companion, when it latches onto one thing after another, when you cannot switch it off even when you know it is out of proportion, and when it starts showing up in your body as tension, exhaustion, or poor sleep, it may have crossed from a personality trait into a medical condition.
Generalised anxiety disorder, or GAD, is one of the most common mental health conditions, yet it is widely underdiagnosed because people assume it is just their nature to worry.
How GAD differs from normal worry
| Normal worry | Generalised anxiety disorder |
|---|---|
| Is tied to a specific situation and eases once the situation resolves | Shifts from one topic to another. Even when one concern is resolved, the mind immediately finds the next. |
| Does not usually interfere with daily activities | Makes it hard to concentrate at work, enjoy time with family, or make decisions |
| Is proportionate to the situation | Feels out of proportion. You know you are overthinking but cannot stop. |
| Comes and goes | Is present more days than not for at least six months |
| Does not usually cause persistent physical symptoms | Comes with muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, headaches, stomach trouble, or poor sleep |
Physical symptoms that surprise people
Many people with GAD first visit a doctor for physical complaints rather than anxiety. The overlap with medical conditions is real, and both should be evaluated.
- Chronic muscle tension, especially in the jaw, shoulders, and neck.
- Tension headaches that recur frequently.
- Stomach issues such as nausea, bloating, and irritable bowel symptoms.
- Fatigue despite what should be adequate rest.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations during worry spirals.
- A feeling of being on edge, startling easily.
What helps
GAD is very treatable. In many cases, a combination of approaches works best.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments. It helps you identify and challenge the thought patterns that keep anxiety going.
- Medication may be recommended when anxiety is moderate to severe or when therapy alone is not enough. Your psychiatrist will discuss the options, benefits, and any side effects with you.
- Regular physical exercise has a well-documented effect on anxiety. Even 30 minutes of brisk walking most days makes a measurable difference.
- Sleep hygiene: fixed sleep and wake times, limiting caffeine in the afternoon and evening, and a screen-free wind-down period.
- Reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol, both of which can worsen anxiety.
- Breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation are not a replacement for professional treatment, but they help manage acute moments of heightened anxiety.
When to see a doctor
If worry is dominating your day, disrupting your sleep, affecting your work or relationships, or if you are coping through alcohol, self-medication, or avoidance, please see a doctor. There is no threshold of severity you need to cross before you deserve help. Seeking help early generally means a faster and more complete recovery.
If anxiety is overwhelming right now or you are having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out immediately. The free national Tele-MANAS mental health helpline is available at any time on 14416 (or 1800-891-4416). In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
A word from our clinic
I am Dr. Sachin Mahajan, a psychiatrist at Prudent International Health Clinic in Viman Nagar, Pune. If persistent worry is taking a toll on your health and daily life, come in and talk about it. A proper assessment can tell us whether GAD or another condition is involved, and we can put together a treatment plan that fits your needs. Consultations are private and judgement-free. We are open all 7 days, 9 AM to 9 PM, with walk-ins welcome. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 70287 22200. For current pricing, call the clinic on +91 70287 22200.
