Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Support

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects roughly 2.7% of adults in the United States — nearly 7 million people. While experiences of anxiety vary widely, that number reflects just how many individuals are quietly carrying chronic fear, worry, and uncertainty in their daily lives.

Even though anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges worldwide, many people still feel unsure about what it truly is, what causes it, or how it manifests. You may recognize some symptoms in yourself or someone close to you — or feel overwhelmed by how hard it is to name what you're going through.

The good news is that GAD is highly treatable. With the right support, many people find relief, clarity, and steadier ground. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common symptoms and causes of generalized anxiety — and offer guidance on how to begin getting help.

What Causes Generalized Anxiety?

There’s no single cause of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It often develops through a mix of experiences, sensitivities, and biology.

For some, anxiety runs in the family. That doesn’t mean you’re destined to struggle with it, but it may mean you’re more sensitive to stressors that others can brush off. Brain chemistry also plays a role — imbalances in serotonin or dopamine can make it harder to regulate worry or mood.

More often, though, anxiety develops in response to life itself — especially if your early environment felt unstable, unpredictable, or overwhelming. Even if your childhood seemed “fine” on the surface, subtle forms of stress or emotional disconnection can leave a lasting imprint.

And it’s not always about one big event. Many people develop anxiety from the slow accumulation of responsibilities, pressure, and inner tension over time. When there's no space to process what you feel — or when what you feel doesn't feel welcome — anxiety often fills the gap.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most recognizable symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is a constant undercurrent of worry — not the occasional kind that comes and goes, but a persistent, looping anxiety that feels hard to turn off. You might know, logically, that nothing catastrophic is happening. But emotionally, your nervous system hasn’t gotten the message.

Anxiety doesn’t just stay in your mind — it often shows up in your body. You might feel wired and restless, or completely exhausted. You may notice muscle tension, a racing heart, shallow breath, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Even everyday tasks can start to feel overwhelming.

It’s also common for people with GAD to pull away from others, lose interest in things they normally enjoy, or feel out of step with themselves. Unfortunately, that withdrawal tends to increase the sense of disconnection — which can make the anxiety feel even worse.

Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The good news is that anxiety is often very manageable. Once you understand what you’re facing, you can start prioritizing self-care practices that help keep you grounded. Mindfulness, meditation, and journaling can bring you back to the present moment, so anxious thoughts don’t pull you away. Getting enough rest, spending time with people who support you, and staying physically active can also lift your mood and help challenge negative thinking.

One of the most effective steps, though, is working with a mental health professional. Therapy offers a chance to explore where your anxiety comes from and begin healing from the roots. It also provides tools to manage symptoms so your worries feel less overwhelming day to day. Sometimes what begins as stress or anxiety can also bring a quiet heaviness. My therapy for depression offers space to explore and heal both.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to contact me to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a supportive space to understand your anxiety and build the resilience and calm you deserve.