Just been diagnosed with GAD...

[JE2248]

Hi, I've been diagnosed with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) but I only found out by accident as my GP had written it on a referral letter to a hospital.

I had my return to work with my manager on Friday, and I explained to her that I have GAD. Although I felt a lot better as I'd told her (I hadn't really told anyone about this...) I called my GP to arrange an appointment on Monday 2nd Feb to find out more about it.

I just wondered what my GP might say to me when I've asked them about it, and what will happen with regards to work as I do quite an active job (I'm an admin assistant).

I don't really want to be sacked because of my anxiety, because that's what I worry about the most at the moment. I don't want people at work thinking I can't do my job because of this. Would it lead to me being dismissed or sacked or would the company I work for be quite understanding about it?

I told my boyfriend about me having GAD and he hasn't been very supportive at all. I feel really alone with this at the moment and every day I feel like I'm being dragged down.

Thanks

[lynn57]

When my panic attacks would last for hours I would pray that they would find a physical cause.  I would have settled for just about anything if the anxiety would just go away.  Of course looking back I'm glad I didn't have cancer or MS etc., but at the time I didn't feel that way.  I would not ever compare mental and physical pain.  Apples and oranges, but they both can be rotten.

[titansfan614]

well let me ask you this, what would you rather have an anxiety issue or coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, leukemia, aids, or any other deadly disease? And then ask yourself whether mental issues are better than physical issues... Would I rather have a cold than anxiety, sure I would, but would I rather be diagnosed with cancer and be told I only have 6 months- a year to live, over being told by a doctor that I worry too much and have an anxiety issue, absolutely not... I'm trying to point out to JE2248 that it can be much worse than anxiety, and when I had my anxiety issues that's what I used to tell myself, and it worked for me, so maybe it will work for her. Best of luck

[bosnianworrier]

Titansfan is right except 1 thing. GAD will not make u lose your job but eventual symptoms may cause you  to feel unable to work. So I suggest you seek therapy and your psychiatric will work with you in case you need medication.

Titanfan, mental disease is not better than physical disease. Pain, physical or psychological, cannot be compared

[titansfan614]

When you have a sit down with your doctor he will probably explain to you the mental and physical symptoms you may see. He will also probably give you the option of going to a psychiatrist, because they would be of more help to you in this situation. While GAD may seem like a painful disease, a mental disease is much better than a physical disease. You can take medications for GAD, but this is not the first route doctors like to take. They would prefer for you to work through this problem without medication, but if you feel you have to take medication, a psychiatrist can prescribe that for you. As for being fired, you will not lose your job over something like this, because that would be against the law unless your performance was unacceptable. Worrying about that is a severe sign of GAD, because it's not a practical thing to worry about and that is what individuals with GAD worry about (unpractical/unrealistic things). When I tell you this, I am by no means insulting you, I am giving it to you how it is. I am an anxiety sufferer myself and I wish you nothing but the best in your future. Good luck and God Bless

[Beewoman]

You are NOT ALONE!
Please read over some of the threads here and you will quickly see that you are far from being alone with this.  Take comfort in the fact that everyone here really KNOWS what you are going through and you can write 24/7, as there is always someone on perhaps a different time zone or unable to sleep that can answer you.

There are lots of success stories on here and also those that are battling with it daily, or those that want to share their ups and downs, in any case the whole point of this forum is "support" and that is what you will get here.

As for what to expect from your doctor, I don't know as I have not talked with mine yet but intend to speak with my ob/gyn next week instead as I find her easy to talk to.  Perhaps another member can answer that part for you?

Unless you have actually experienced anxiety, I think it's very hard for anyone to truely understand.  You could get some sympathy, or perhaps "come on snap out of it!" comments but unless you have been through it, its hard for others to know how to handle it, be patient with them.

Confide your worries with your doctor when you see him and ask what options are open to you to treat your anxiety.  Many people say that a combination seems to be the best, medication and therapy.  There are also lots of self help books that give relaxation techniques too.

Above all, what has helped me is this forum!

Good luck!