Mental Health & Wellbeing Resource Library · Anxiety series
Generalised anxiety (GAD)
Worry can spread across many parts of life and feel difficult to control.
Understanding
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) involves frequent worry about a range of things, such as health, money, family, college or work. The worry may move from one subject to another and feel hard to switch off. Feeling anxious sometimes is part of life; support is worth considering when worry is persistent, distressing or gets in the way of daily activities.
For example, finishing one task may bring brief relief before your mind immediately starts searching for the next thing that could go wrong.
Signs & symptoms
- Feeling on edge, restless or unusually irritable
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions because your mind keeps returning to worries
- Tense muscles, headaches, stomach discomfort or a racing heart
- Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling rested
Symptoms can vary. Physical feelings can have other causes too, so speak with a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
How it can affect you
Constant worry can drain energy and make everyday choices feel bigger than they are. You might put off tasks, repeatedly seek reassurance, struggle to enjoy time with others or find it difficult to relax even when things are going well.
It can affect study, work, relationships and sleep. The impact is real even when other people cannot see the worry.
Coping strategies
- Choose one worry and ask: is there one practical step I can take today?
- Set aside a short “worry time” to write worries down, then return to your current activity
- Try a gentle breathing or grounding exercise when your body feels tense
- Keep small routines around sleep, meals, movement and connection; ask a GP about talking therapies when anxiety persists
You do not have to do everything at once. One manageable step is enough to begin.
Support services in Kirklees
Your GP: Explain what you have noticed, how long it has been happening and what it is making harder. A GP can discuss assessment and suitable support.
Kirklees Talking Therapies: Explore the service’s current referral information for anxiety support. Check its eligibility and options directly.
Other local support: The Kirklees Council mental health directory lists local services. If you are supporting a child or young person, use the children and young people’s support page.
General information only. It does not diagnose a condition or replace professional advice. Read the NHS guide to generalised anxiety (gad) for more detail. Last reviewed for this site: 29 September 2026.