I was asked an interesting question yesterday: “What is the difference between ‘normal worry’ and worry induced by clinical anxiety?” or to give the latter it’s proper title, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
I defined the difference as being the following:
‘Normally’, any worrying thoughts that you allow yourself, must have the purpose of problem solving and finding solutions, rather than allowing yourself to turn thoughts over and over in your mind in a never ending loop.
However, many sufferers of GAD will often problem solve by just avoiding certain situations or trying to make them ‘safer’ and therefore less anxiety provoking.
Another way to decide on the difference between the two is to consider the amount of time spent ‘worrying’. If this time is becoming excessive it is more likely to be GAD. Furthermore, if it feels like it needs to be worried about and dealt with immediately it is more likely to be GAD, whereas normal worry will not interfere with your life
GAD can very quickly start to take control of everything in your life, including accompanying physical and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, tension, nausea and irritability.