Mental Health
You’re lying in bed, exhausted, but your mind won’t stop turning over.
Tomorrow’s meeting. That strange ache you noticed earlier. The bills. Your job. Something you said three days ago. What might happen next week. You know you’re probably worrying too much, but telling yourself to stop only seems to make the thoughts louder.
“For people living with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), worry can feel like a constant background noise that never quite switches off,” says Sizakele Mazibuko, a clinical psychologist at Mediclinic Crescent Mental Health Services, “Even when life is going well, there’s a nagging sense that something is about to go wrong.”
Everyone worries from time to time. But GAD is more than having a busy mind or being naturally cautious. “It involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday things that’s difficult to control and can begin to affect how you sleep, work, function, and connect with people.”
Instead of helping you prepare to deal with a genuine problem, this constant worry becomes a habit that keeps your mind focused on threats – even when there’s no immediate danger.
Even everyday decisions can feel surprisingly difficult. “Someone with GAD may repeatedly question whether they’ve made the right choice, replay conversations, or seek reassurance that everything is okay,” says Mazibuko. “The physical symptoms can be just as exhausting. Anxiety may cause restlessness, muscle tension, headaches, tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or a racing heart.”
GAD isn’t a sign that someone is simply “overthinking” or failing to cope. Anxiety disorders are genuine health conditions, and experiencing persistent anxiety is not a personal weakness. Recognising and acknowledging this is a first step towards seeking support.
What causes GAD?
There isn’t a single cause of generalised anxiety disorder. It’s thought to develop through a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
“Long periods of stress, difficult life experiences or trauma may contribute, while some people may be more predisposed to anxiety than others,” says Mazibuko. “Major life changes, relationship difficulties, financial pressures, or work-related stress can also trigger or worsen symptoms.”
GAD can affect people at different stages of life and may occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.
When should you get help?
“Worry is a normal part of life,” says Mazibuko. “But if you’re worrying excessively on most days, finding it difficult to control your thoughts, or experiencing anxiety that affects your sleep, relationships, work, or quality of life, it’s time to seek help.”
Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you understand patterns of anxious thinking and develop healthier ways of responding to worry.
Your doctor may also recommend medication along with some lifestyle changes. “Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and practising relaxation techniques can also complement professional treatment.”
Living with GAD doesn’t mean you’re doomed to spend your life preparing for the next thing that could go wrong. With the right support, it’s possible to quiet the constant stream of worry and feel more present in your own life.