Anxiety disorders can be attributed to a wide ranging, complex set of risk factors, including brain chemistry, genetics, environmental factors, personality, and life events. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.

Worrying, feelings of doubt and general fears are all normal aspects of life. It’s NATURAL to be anxious about an upcoming job interview, a first date, the birth of your first child, etc. To varying degrees, we all get anxious at times, but when your anxieties are so frequent and impactful that they affect your ability to operate and de-compress, you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). 

GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. GAD often co-occurs with major depression. What separates basic, everyday worry, fear and doubt from GAD is that the anxiety involved can be characterized as: Intrusive, Persistent, Disruptive and Excessive.

Quote: “Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it—just as we have learned to live with storms.” – Paulo Coelho

An estimated 5.7% of U.S. adults experience generalized anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Where the hell do we even begin to deal with this crisis?!? Today, we’re going to discuss SEVEN actionable, effective methods to deal with GAD.

#1 [Connect with Others] – Building a strong support system is CRUCIAL.

#2 [Learn Your Triggers] – Can you pinpoint which people, places and/or activities trigger your anxiety?!

#3 [Practice Acceptance] – A more internal, psychological method of managing your anxiety is to practice acceptance.

#4 [Keep a Positive Attitude] – Don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. You can live a totally fulfilled, productive and excitement filled life with GAD.

#5 [Eat Well] – As we’ve discussed on The Motivation Movement PODCAST before, what foods we consume directly effects our physical and emotional health and well-being.

#6 [Use Aromatherapy] - Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.

#7 [Connect with Nature] – FINALLY, the great olde outdoors is a GREAT way to cope with and manage your anxiety.

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