Calm Her Mind

Did you ever feel as if your brain just wouldn’t shut up, no matter how hard you tried? You face sleepless hours at night thinking about what could possibly go wrong with any affair of your life, be it your job, your health, your loved ones, or even things that haven’t happened. You try to tell yourself that you’re just overthinking. But what if it’s something more?

For many women, this endless cycle of worry and restlessness is not just stress; it’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

It is a common health condition marked by persistent, excessive worry about everyday things. This is not occasional nervousness, but a worry that’s hard to control and often disproportionate to the situation. 

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, GAD affects 6.8 million adults, with women twice as likely to be diagnosed as men.

Common Symptoms in Women

• Constant overthinking
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle tension (especially shoulders and jaw)
• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Irritability
• Fatigue despite adequate rest
• Stomach issues (bloating, nausea, IBS)

Why Are Women More Prone to GAD?

Below are the factors that make women more vulnerable:

1. Hormonal fluctuations: Especially around menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
2. Social conditioning: Girls are often taught to be caregivers and people pleasers, which can lead to internalized stress.
3. Life pressures: Managing work, relationships, and societal expectations simultaneously.
4. Trauma or abuse history: Especially emotional or relational trauma, which is more common in women.

How GAD Affects Everyday Life?

Women who have GAD usually function normally on the outside but feel mentally drained inside. Which might affect the following:

• Relationships: Constant worry might lead to clinginess, avoidance, or arguments.
• Work performance: Perfection and procrastination goes hand in hand.
• Physical health: Chronic headaches, jaw pain, IBS, and hormonal imbalances.
• Self-esteem: Feeling not good enough despite evidence to the contrary.

When to Seek Help?

Seek help if your worry:

• Lasts for 6+ months
• Interferes with daily functioning
• Affects your sleep, health, or relationships

Seeking support early can save you from years of silent suffering.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Many mental health professionals use the DSM-5 criteria, including:

• Excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
• Accompanied by 3+ symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, poor concentration, etc.

Treatment options

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is the gold standard. It helps to reframe anxious thoughts.
2. Medication: SSRIs or anti-anxiety meds under medical supervision.
3. Mindfulness and Breathwork: Calms the nervous system.
4. Lifestyle changes:

• Regular sleep
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Gentle exercise like yoga or walking
• Journaling or creative expression

Everyday Tools That Help

• Name your worry: “I’m noticing that I’m feeling anxious about tomorrow’s meeting.”
• Schedule worry time: Give yourself 15 minutes to worry and then move on.
• Digital detox: Screens can increase overstimulation.
• Soothing rituals: Herbal teas, hot showers, grounding music, or lavender oil.

Many women with GAD have the qualities that make them wonderful humans, like empathy, intelligence, and sensitivity. But it also makes their minds more prone to overwhelm. 

Know that GAD is treatable. If you reach out for the right support, you can regain clarity, calm, and joy in your life.