We all feel anxious from time to time – it’s a natural response to stress, uncertainty, or danger. But what happens when that feeling doesn’t go away? When you wake up already feeling on edge, or your thoughts keep spiralling, even though nothing obvious is wrong?
Many people experience anxiety without a clear cause. It can feel confusing, overwhelming, and often leaves you wondering, “Why do I feel like this?”
If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing something known as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – a common and treatable condition that often goes unnoticed or misunderstood.
What Is Generalised Anxiety?
Generalised Anxiety isn’t about one specific worry. It’s a persistent sense of unease that can follow you throughout the day, affecting your thoughts, your sleep, your body, and your overall sense of calm.
People with GAD often describe it as:
- A constant background tension
- Feeling restless or “on edge”
- Worrying about multiple areas of life (work, health, relationships, the future)
- A sense of dread without a clear reason
- Difficulty switching off or relaxing, even in safe situations
It’s not just “a bit of stress.” Generalised anxiety can be exhausting and emotionally draining – and it’s absolutely valid, even if you can’t always explain it.
Why Does It Happen?
Generalised Anxiety doesn’t have a single cause. Often, it’s a combination of factors, such as:
- A family history of anxiety or mental health struggles
- Chronic stress over time
- Perfectionism or high self-expectations
- Unprocessed past experiences or trauma
- An overly active nervous system, where your body is more sensitive to threat signals
- Hormonal or biological influences
You don’t have to have experienced something traumatic for anxiety to show up. Sometimes, it’s simply your mind and body’s way of trying to keep you safe – even if it misreads the situation.
The Worry Cycle
One of the most difficult parts of GAD is how worry becomes a habit. You may notice yourself jumping from one anxious thought to the next, trying to “solve” problems that haven’t happened yet. This constant vigilance can make your mind feel like it’s always in overdrive.
You might find yourself thinking:
- “What if something goes wrong?”
- “Have I upset them?”
- “I should be doing more.”
- “What if I forget something important?”
- “Why can’t I just calm down?”
It’s a loop – and the more we try to control or eliminate the anxiety, the more powerful it can feel.
You’re Not Alone – And You’re Not Broken
If you live with generalised anxiety, it can feel incredibly isolating. You may hide it well from others, carry on as “normal,” and appear calm on the outside while feeling the opposite internally. This hidden anxiety can sometimes lead to shame – the belief that you shouldn’t feel this way.
But here’s the truth: you are not alone, and you are not broken.
GAD is more common than you might think, and it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It simply means your mind is in a state of alert – and with support, it can learn to feel safe again.
What Helps?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a few approaches that many people find helpful:
1. Naming It
Recognising and naming your experience is the first step. Saying, “I’m feeling anxious, and that’s okay,” can reduce the intensity of the emotion.
2. Grounding Techniques
Simple grounding exercises can help you return to the present moment. Try:
- Deep, slow breathing (in for 4, out for 6)
- Naming five things you can see, hear, or feel
- Placing your feet firmly on the ground and noticing the support beneath you
3. Challenging Anxious Thoughts
Therapy – particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – can help you learn how to notice and gently question the patterns of worry that fuel anxiety.
4. Limiting “What If” Thinking
It’s easy to get stuck in future scenarios that may never happen. Practising staying in the here and now helps calm the nervous system.
5. Creating Safety Through Routine
Anxiety thrives on unpredictability. Small routines – such as regular meals, sleep, gentle movement, and rest – can signal safety to your body and help ease tension over time.
6. Therapeutic Support
Working with a therapist can provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore what’s behind your anxiety and develop tools that truly fit you. It’s a space to slow down, be heard, and begin to feel more in control of your emotional landscape.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have a dramatic reason to feel anxious. If you’re feeling consistently on edge, worrying without clear cause, or just feel like you’ve lost your sense of ease—it’s okay to seek help.
Generalised anxiety can be deeply uncomfortable, but it is treatable. You don’t have to live in a constant state of tension. With time, care, and support, it is possible to find calm again.
If this blog resonates with you, and you’d like a safe space to talk, explore, and feel supported, I’m here to help. Therapy isn’t about being broken—it’s about finding your way back to safety, self-trust, and peace.
Bridget
Bridget Jenkins Counselling 