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The symptoms of Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression often overlap and vary from person to person. Typical symptoms of GAD include persistent worrying and difficulty controlling the worrisome thoughts, irritability, restlessness or nervousness, muscle tension and pain, difficulty concentrating or focusing on  the task at hand, tiring easily without apparent reason, difficulty falling asleep, insomnia, or an inability to sleep through the night. Stress headaches are another symptom of GAD. (If you are suffering from a panic disorder, click here)

In the past, GAD was thought to be the result of a psychological, or emotional ‘weakness’. Thankfully, modern medicine now recognizes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to be a medical condition, frequently related to low levels of serotonin, a chemical naturally produced in the brain. There are a number of physical and lifestyle factors which can cause a decrease in normal levels of serotonin, triggering the onset of this disorder. Major life events can also influence the onset of GAD. Generally, GAD develops over time, possibly due to a gradual falling off of adequate levels of serotonin.

Some of the types of physical factors which can induce GAD include health problems associated with aging, such as arthritis, medications, or, in women, hormonal changes experienced with childbirth or during menopause. Some studies suggest that GAD can be hereditary. Severe stress is another trigger associated with GAD. Lifestyle factors, such as drug or alcohol abuse are other possible causes. Major life events, such as divorce, loss of a family member, or major financial problems can also cause generalized anxiety disorder.

While there are a number of medications prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, it is also possible to calm yourself by doing yoga postures, deep breathing and relaxation exercises. While we are not advocating not taking prescribed drugs, we want to emphasize that there is no harm in doing yoga at the same time. Or even better … long before you experience anxiety symptoms.

Here’s a great place to study yoga if you are in the Orange County, California area:  Yoga Center of California.

If you need to find a yoga center in your area, click here.