Generalized Anxiety Disorder

If you’ve found yourself worrying most days — about work, health, your kids, finances, relationships, or just “everything” — you’re not alone.

For many people, anxiety doesn’t show up as panic attacks or dramatic episodes. It shows up as constant mental noise. A feeling of always being “on.” Trouble relaxing. Trouble sleeping. Trouble turning your mind off.

Sometimes, that pattern is called Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Let’s walk through what that actually means — clearly and without overwhelm.

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry about everyday life.

It’s different from situational stress. With GAD:

• Worry feels hard to control

• The mind jumps from topic to topic

• Even when one problem is solved, another takes its place

• The body often feels tense, keyed up, or fatigued

The worry usually lasts six months or more and affects daily functioning — work, parenting, sleep, relationships, or overall quality of life.

Importantly: people with GAD often describe themselves as “just a worrier.” Many don’t realize what they’re experiencing is treatable.

Common Symptoms of GAD

Anxiety affects both the mind and the body.

Mental symptoms:

• Ongoing worry about multiple areas of life

• Difficulty controlling anxious thoughts

• Overthinking decisions

• Expecting the worst-case scenario

• Trouble concentrating

Physical symptoms:

• Muscle tension

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Difficulty sleeping

• Headaches or stomach discomfort

For children and teens, anxiety may show up as:

• Frequent reassurance seeking

• School avoidance

• Perfectionism

• Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches)

Anxiety can look different depending on age and life stage — and that’s something we pay attention to carefully.

Why Does Anxiety Become Chronic?

Anxiety is part of the brain’s safety system. It helps us anticipate risk.

But sometimes that system becomes overactive.

Factors that can contribute include:

• Genetics and family history

• Stressful life events

• Long-term stress exposure

• Personality style (high responsibility, perfectionism, over-functioning)

• Neurobiological differences

It’s not a weakness.It’s not a character flaw.It’s often a nervous system that has learned to stay in “alert mode.”

How Is Generalized Anxiety Treated?

Treatment for GAD is highly individualized. At Obsidian Psychiatry, we take a relationship-first, thoughtful approachto care.

Options may include:

1. Psychotherapy

Evidence-based therapies — especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — can help:

• Identify unhelpful worry patterns

• Build tools to regulate anxiety

• Reduce avoidance behaviors

• Strengthen resilience

2. Medication Management

For some individuals, medication can:

• Reduce physical tension

• Improve sleep

• Quiet persistent worry

• Make therapy more effective

Medication is never one-size-fits-all. We discuss benefits, risks, and alternatives collaboratively.

3. Lifestyle and Nervous System Support

Sleep quality, caffeine intake, movement, and stress load all affect anxiety. Small adjustments can have meaningful impact.

We move at a pace that feels guided — not rushed.

When Should You Consider Reaching Out?

You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable.

It may be helpful to schedule a consultation if:

• Worry feels constant or exhausting

• Sleep is consistently disrupted

• You feel “on edge” most days

• Anxiety is affecting work, parenting, or relationships

• You’re relying on coping strategies that no longer feel sustainable

What Starting Care Looks Like at Obsidian Psychiatry

Beginning psychiatric care can feel intimidating. We intentionally lower that barrier.

Here’s what happens:

1. You complete a short intake form (about 5 minutes — no payment required).

2. We review your information to ensure we’re the right fit.

3. If aligned, we schedule your first appointment.

4. In your initial visit, we focus on understanding your story — not rushing into decisions.

We provide outpatient care for adults and children in Bend, Oregon and via telehealth across Oregon.

We are not a crisis or high-acuity practice, but we’re here for steady, thoughtful psychiatric support.

A Final Thought

Anxiety often convinces people they “should be handling this better.”

But chronic worry isn’t a personal failure — it’s a pattern your nervous system learned.

And patterns can change.

If you’re curious whether what you’re experiencing might be generalized anxiety, we’re here to help you sort through it — calmly, clearly, and without pressure.