How to tell if your worry crossed the line from normal to GAD

# When Worry Becomes GAD: The Red Flags We all worry. But there's a line between normal human concern and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Here's how to tell if you've crossed it. ## The Time Test: 6 Months Rule Normal worry: Comes and goes with life events **GAD worry:** Present most days for at least 6 months, regardless of what's actually happening ## The Topic Test: Everything vs. Something Normal worry: "I'm worried about this presentation tomorrow" **GAD worry:** "I'm worried about the presentation, but also my relationship, my health, my finances, climate change, and whether I locked the door" ## The Control Test: Can You Turn It Off? Normal worry: You can distract yourself, problem-solve, or set it aside **GAD worry:** Feels like being trapped with a YouTube video that auto-plays anxiety content 24/7 ## The Proportion Test: Does It Match Reality? Normal worry: Matches the actual risk level **GAD worry:** You're as stressed about running out of milk as you are about losing your job ## The Function Test: Can You Still Live Your Life? **Red flags that suggest GAD:** - Avoiding situations because "what if..." - Making excessive backup plans for backup plans - Seeking constant reassurance from others - Physical symptoms interfering with daily activities - Difficulty making decisions due to overthinking ## The Sleep Test: 3 AM Brain Hurricane Normal worry: Might keep you up occasionally during stressful times **GAD worry:** Regular 3 AM wake-ups where your brain helpfully reviews everything wrong with your life ## The Relationship Test: Are People Walking on Eggshells? GAD doesn't just affect you: - Family members reassure you constantly - Friends avoid bringing up certain topics - Your partner has become your personal anxiety validator - You're the group's designated "what if this goes wrong" person ## The Energy Test: Are You Running on Empty? GAD is exhausting: - Tired but wired feeling most days - Need coffee to function but it makes anxiety worse - Feeling drained from "just thinking" all day - Weekend recovery doesn't actually recover anything ## What This Means If these sound familiar, you're not broken - you might have a very treatable condition. GAD responds well to therapy, sometimes medication, and definitely to the right coping strategies. *btw - you don't need to check every box to deserve help. If worry is making your life smaller or harder, that's enough reason to talk to someone.*