Do you worry excessively about everything in your life? Do you have panic attacks just thinking about being in a social situation? Do you feel like everything in your life goes badly? If you answered yes to these questions you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD affects roughly 3 percent of the American population and the average age of onset is 31. GAD has shown a tendency to run in families and can be present with depression.

I was diagnosed at the age of 33 with GAD. Suddenly, all the issues I couldn’t resolve made sense. I had panic attacks when I thought about going to an unfamiliar place or not leaving on time for an event. I planned my route to work so I left at the same time and arrived at the same time, every day! Below is a list of 10 symptoms to look for if you think you or someone you love has Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

1. Complaints of being tired all the time.

Most people who have been diagnosed with GAD report that they have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. In my case, I had a hard time “shutting off” my brain. If I tried to sleep with the television on, I would just keep watching whatever show was on and realize two hours later it was 1 a.m.

2. Goes to the doctor excessively.

Severe anxiety can manifests itself in physical symptoms. I would have headaches so severe I couldn’t get out of bed. I also thought every minor issue was something major. If I had a pain in my leg, it was a blood clot.

3. Worries about everything.

Every little thing that would come up, I would worry about it. A new client at work or an event my children were in would throw me off balance.

4. They have a hard time controlling their worry.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not shut down my worry.

5. Has a hard time concentrating.

I could not focus on more than one project at a time. Along those lines, I had a hard time finishing one project before I started another one.

6. They have a hard time relaxing.

One time, I had someone ask me what I did to relax. I couldn’t answer them. I remembered what I used to do when I was younger to relax, but I realized that I hadn’t done those things in a very long time.

7. They are easily startled.

My children used to think it was funny to come up behind me and scare me. I used to sit with my back to the wall so no one could sneak up behind me.

8. They are irritable all the time.

I yelled at everyone way too much. Everything got on my nerves.

9. Most people are aware they worry too much.

I knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to fix it. I didn’t want to be so angry and upset all the time. It felt like I was slipping into a black hole and I couldn’t find my way out.

10. Can have panic attacks.

The panic attacks are actually what lead to my diagnosis. I thought I was having a heart attack. My chest got tight, and I couldn’t breathe. I went to the hospital and after the tests were run the doctor told me that it was not a heart attack. She believed, after asking me a few questions that I had GAD.

Having GAD has changed my life drastically. I still have panic attacks, but I have learned how to calm myself. I still leave the house at the same time every day and arrive at my destination the same time. I have learned to control my anxiety so it doesn’t control me. If you think you or someone you love is suffering from anxiety get help.