How to Cope with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

One of the most important parts of having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is learning how to cope with the persistent anxiety and some of the physical symptoms. This page can serve as a guide to coping with anxiety that will be frequently updated with new articles and information based on practical tips that work to cutting-edge research findings.

Understanding GAD

It is crucial to understand the elements of GAD as completely as possible to be able to cope with it effectively. The following articles are a good way to begin or increase your depth of understanding of GAD:
GAD Diagnostic Criteria This article will give you a great overview on the symptoms of GAD and how mental health professionals diagnose it.
Normal Anxiety or GAD? Many times people wonder whether if their experience of anxiety is normal or is of greater concern, and this article will help you know the difference.
Physical Symptoms of GAD Some of the most common symptoms of GAD are somatic (physical) symptoms, and this article can be your guide to the most common.

Coping Styles

There are a variety of coping styles people use when dealing with stress and anxiety. Some of these methods focus on tackling problems and issues head on, while others employ methods of avoidance or less desirable practice like self-medicating. The following articles can help you understand these processes in more depth:
Coping Styles for Anxiety There are some coping style basics that you can learn with this coping guide.
Problem-Focused Coping for Anxiety This is one of the most important forms of healthy coping that we can learn for anxiety and other life problems.

Coping Techniques

Beyond each major type of coping style are a variety of techniques that can also be used to decrease and cope with anxiety symptoms. Learning some of these for your “anti-anxiety toolbox” will be essential to maintaining a more peaceful life experience:
Mindfulness and GAD Mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to work on your anxiety and is a major buzz in the psychological world right now.
Anxiety and Better Sleep Finding a way to sleep better is crucial to being able to cope with anxiety, and this article details an important method to try.
5 Ways to Cope with Anxiety This article will show you some tips and tricks to try.

Professional Treatment

Finally, a major step of effective coping is finding professional help. Some styles of therapy will teach you how to apply specific relaxation techniques to your life, and other will focus on understanding what makes you anxious and why.
Types of Therapy for GAD There are a variety of therapeutic approaches to GAD, this article details the most popular and effective.
Best Treatments for GAD This article covers what research shows to be the most effective anxiety treatments.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for GAD CBT is one of the most popular and easy to learn treatment approaches to GAD.