What Is Generalized Trauma?
It's completely normal to feel anxious occasionally, especially when life throws curveballs. However, when anxiety and worry become relentless and seep into the fabric of your day-to-day life, it may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This condition can emerge whether you're a child or an adult and often travels alongside other disorders like panic disorder or OCD. Unlike its counterparts, GAD is a persistent companion, making it a long-term challenge.
Common Symptoms of Generalized Trauma
You might find yourself constantly worrying about everyday situations, far beyond what's typical. Overanalyzing plans or outcomes becomes second nature, as does viewing benign events as threatening.
Physical Manifestations
Fatigue might constantly weigh you down, while muscle tension or aches become frequent companions. Sleep, once a refuge, may elude you, replaced by restless nights. For some, trembling or feeling twitchy is a regular occurrence, while others might experience nausea or digestive troubles. Noises that once seemed trivial might startle you more than they should. Irritability can creep into daily interactions, adding another layer of challenge to social or work life.
The Underlying Anxiety
Amidst these symptoms, there's often a lingering sense of anxiety that refuses to fade, even when life is calm. Perhaps you worry intensely about your or your loved ones' safety, or you carry a vague feeling of looming doom. This relentless anxiety disrupts your social and work life, shifting focus from one concern to another.
While these symptoms can be overwhelming, understanding them is the first step toward finding balance and seeking support.
Symptoms in Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers often experience worries that parallel those of adults. Yet, they also have unique concerns that take center stage in their minds. They might find themselves constantly anxious about their performance on the sports field or in the classroom.
A young person grappling with such worries might display several behaviors:
Anxiety about fitting in: The need to blend in can be overwhelming, leading to stress.
Perfectionism: Tasks are redone repeatedly until deemed flawless.
Academic pressure: Hours are poured into homework, not from diligence, but from distress.
Self-esteem challenges: Confidence can be shaky, and the hunger for approval becomes pronounced.
Causes and Risk Factors
Your brain is a complex network, and even small differences in its chemistry and function can influence how you perceive and respond to stressors.
Genetics and Family History
If you've ever been told you have your grandmother's eyes, you might also have inherited more than just those striking features. Genetics plays a significant role in GAD, where tendencies towards anxiety can run in the family. This doesn't mean destiny is set in stone, but it's something to be mindful of.
Perception of Threats
The way you perceive threats, whether they’re minor or significant, can also contribute to GAD. Some people naturally view the world as a more dangerous place, which can heighten anxiety levels. This perception shapes how you interact with daily challenges and stressors.
Gender Differences
Women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with GAD than men. While the reasons aren't entirely clear, hormonal differences, social roles, and life experiences may contribute to this disparity.
Prevention Measures
Anxiety, much like an unexpected storm, can catch you off guard. When you sense the clouds gathering, seeking support early can prevent it from snowballing into a tempest.
Journal your daily thoughts and feelings; you might uncover patterns and triggers that contribute to your anxiety.
Prioritize tasks and pace yourself; you can reduce the overwhelming pressure that fuels anxiety. It's okay to pause and catch your breath.
While it might be tempting to reach for a coffee, cigarette, or alcohol when stressed, these can worsen anxiety symptoms. Opt for healthier coping mechanisms like exercise or meditation, and watch as anxiety slowly loosens its grip.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by generalized trauma, reaching out for therapy can be a game-changer. Trauma therapy offers a safe space to explore emotions and understand the roots of your trauma. Contact us today to set up a virtual therapy session.