Generalized Anxiety Disorder

GAD is a debilitating form of anxiety whereby the sufferer experiences a pervasive feeling of anxiety, particularly worry, nearly all the time.  People with GAD report feeling “keyed up,” “on edge” or feel chronically unable to relax.  Beyond the normal day to day worries a person may experience, someone with GAD may talk about worries “controlling” their life and interfering with day to day functioning. Sometimes sufferers feel powerless to do anything about their worrying thoughts.

Accompanying physical symptoms may include:

  • Stomach aches
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Muscle tension
  • Insomnia

If you are tired of GAD dominating your daily life, I would be pleased to work with you to develop a therapeutic plan to turn things around. Call or email me to get started.

Coping with Anxiety: One Size Does Not Fit All!

Related Articles

Dr. Google: Friend or Foe?

October 2015 In Anxiety

An article about health anxiety and its relationship to the Internet.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

May 2011 In Anxiety, Depression

A rundown on one of my favourite therapies.

The Benefits of Anxiety

January 2011 In Anxiety

When we are in the throws of anxiety, we want immediate relief. How can there be a silver lining in all of this?

Recommended Books

The book links on this page are Amazon Associate links; if you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, which goes towards funding my public low-cost counselling resource lists. Your support means so much. Thank you!

How To Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing Top Pick

by KC Davis (2022)

 

While Marie Kondo taught me to let go of a lot, KC Davis helped me to forgive myself, no matter the state of my home. A boon to neurodivergent folks, those struggling with mental health issues, or anyone else who is overwhelmed by life, therapist KC Davis, offers practical, forgiving strategies and care tasks that we can all use. Highly recommended.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide To Reclaiming Yourself

by Nedra Glover Tawwab (2021)

 

This book has emerged as a prominent and popular choice for those who wish to better understand emotional boundaries and co-dependency. Straightforward and practical.

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

by Edmund Bourne (2020)

 

A best-selling self-help workbook using the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety and other anxiety-related conditions. Best for those with an interest in CBT who also have an affinity for exercises and homework.

Scaredy Squirrel Top Pick

by Melanie Watt (2006)

 

Children’s book with excellent adult appeal. The story about how a squirrel inadvertently faces his fears, with positive results.

Resources

Vancouver Low-Cost Counselling List

List of private master’s-level counsellors, or their interns, offering subsidized counselling. Updated quarterly.

Crisis Services and Hotlines in Vancouver

Resource list, updated quarterly.

Bounce Back Program

Telephone coaching for people with mild-moderate depression with or without accompanying anxiety. Coaching available in English, Cantonese, French and Punjabi. Family doctor’s referral required to access this program. Free.

Reduced-Cost Counselling [PDF]

A resource list of lower-cost professional counselling options in Vancouver. Corrections and suggestions welcome.

Relaxation Audio Download

From the people at Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA). Scroll down for link.

Canadian Mental Health Association

National organization promoting mental health for all.

Anxiety Canada

National organization providing information and extensive online resources for managing anxiety.

Here to Help

BC-based website offering comprehensive information on a wealth of mental health conditions and addictions concerns.