What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Have you ever caught yourself worrying even when there’s no obvious reason to?  

Maybe your mind replays worst-case scenarios in a loop, or you feel constantly “on alert,” even in safe situations.  If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses people are struggling with today. In fact, 44% of U.S. adults suffer from anxiety (and 11.5% have mild to severe anxiety symptoms but don't even realize they have anxiety).

When those feelings stick around for months and begin to impact daily life, it may be a sign of something more: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. 

That said, not every anxious day means you have a disorder.  

GAD is a clinical condition defined by DSM-5 criteria, and it’s something that can be understood, managed, and treated with the right support. 

This article isn’t here to diagnose you. It’s here to help you better understand what GAD looks like, what may trigger it, and what real, effective support looks like.  

If you want clarity for yourself or someone you care about in Denver, Boulder, or Westminster, this guide is here to help. It offers insight, not judgment.  

What is the Difference between Stress and GAD? 

How Does Anxiety Show Up? 10 Common Experiences That May Signal GAD 

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks or dramatic spirals.  

For many people, it’s more subtle, showing up in their body, sleep, or thoughts without a clear explanation. 

Here are 10 signs that may suggest your anxiety deserves a closer look: 

1. Frequent Worrying – You find yourself stuck in loops of “what if” thoughts, even about everyday situations, for weeks on end. 
2. Tense Muscles or Jaw Clenching – Your body feels tight, even when you haven’t been physically active. 
3. Restlessness – A feeling like you can’t sit still or relax, even when you're tired. 
4. Trouble Focusing – It’s hard to stay present during conversations, work tasks, or reading. 
5. Ongoing Fatigue – You're feeling worn out by noon, even if you’ve had 8 hours of sleep. 
6. Irritability or Frustration – Small inconveniences feel like big problems, and you react more strongly than you’d like. 
7. Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep – Your thoughts don’t quiet down at night, or you wake up feeling on edge. 
8. Stomach Issues – Anxiety may show up as bloating, nausea, or digestive discomfort without a clear medical cause. 
9. Feeling Easily Overwhelmed – Tasks that used to feel manageable now feel exhausting or confusing. 
10. Hyperawareness of Others’ Opinions – You often fear being judged or misunderstood, even in safe environments. 

If you’re nodding along to several of these, it may be helpful to talk to someone.  

Not because something is wrong, but because you deserve clarity and support. 

What Can Trigger GAD? 10 Factors That Might Be Playing a Role 

There’s no single cause of GAD, and you didn’t “do” anything to create it.  

But certain experiences or environments can make anxiety more likely to develop or make existing anxiety harder to manage. 

Here are 10 risk factors or patterns we commonly explore with clients: 

1. Chronic Job Pressure – Deadlines, unclear expectations, or fear of failure can quietly build up over time. 
2. Big Life Changes – Moving, breakups, new jobs, having a baby; transitions, even good ones, can unsettle our sense of safety. 
3. A History of Trauma or Emotional Neglect – Past experiences can shape how your brain and body respond to stress. 
4. Medical Conditions or Chronic Pain – Living with health challenges can heighten daily vigilance or worry. 
5. Family Patterns of Anxiety – Anxiety tends to run in families, both genetically and behaviorally. 
6. Perfectionism – Holding yourself to constantly high standards may create an inner voice that’s hard to turn off. 
7. Overthinking Social Interactions – Reviewing conversations or fearing how others perceive you, long after the facts. 
8. Sleep Deprivation – Even a slight lack of sleep can intensify emotional reactivity and worry. 
9. Overuse of Caffeine or Stimulants – These can mimic anxiety symptoms and amplify underlying tension. 
10. Feeling Unsupported or Isolated – When we don’t feel safe or connected, our nervous systems stay on high alert. 

Who Helps with Anxiety? What Kind of Provider to See 

You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. Here's a breakdown of who helps and what each provider brings: 

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners – Can evaluate, diagnose, and manage medications with a trauma-informed, person-first lens. 

• Therapists or Counselors – Provide space to unpack patterns, develop coping skills, and make real emotional progress. 

• Psychiatrists – Specialize in managing medications, especially for more complex or co-occurring conditions. 

• Integrated Clinics – Offer therapy, psychiatry, and advanced care (such as TMS and Spravato) under one roof—for a more connected and coordinated approach. 

What Actually Helps? 8 Proven Anxiety Treatments That Work 

You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through life.  

GAD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions we see, and the goal isn’t just “less anxiety.”  

It’s a life that feels calm, connected, and fulfilling again. 

Here’s what we recommend based on your unique symptoms, goals, and preferences: 

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Teaches you how to recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns. 
2. Medication Management (SSRIs/SNRIs) – These adjust brain chemistry in a gentle, gradual way; not fix–all, but often helpful. 
3. Mindfulness Training – Helps create distance from anxious thoughts rather than getting swept up in them. 
4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Focuses on living your values, even when anxiety shows up. 
5. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) – Non-medication treatment that “reboots” anxiety-related brain pathways. Here’s how much TMS therapy costs. 
6. Spravato® (esketamine) – FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, offered in our clinics. 
7. Group Therapy – You’re not the only one going through this. Community can be incredibly healing. 
8. Sleep & Lifestyle Coaching – Because sleep, nutrition, and movement impact anxiety more than most people realize. 

What to do when you’re having an Anxiety Attack? 

Additional Resources 

1. Anxiety Vs Irritability: What's the Difference?
2. Anxiety Symptoms in Men vs Women: How Gender Shapes Mental Health
3. 13 Ways to Help Decrease Anxiety
4. 5 Effective Ways to Treat Anxiety: From Self-Care to Advanced Treatments
5. Is Doomscrolling Making Your Anxiety Worse? Here’s What You Should Know

FAQs 

1. How can I tell the difference between everyday stress and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? 
2. What are the official criteria for GAD in the DSM-5, and do I need to meet all of them? 
3. Can I manage anxiety without medication, or is that always part of the treatment? 
4. What kind of doctor should I see first if I think I might have anxiety? 
5. Are there therapists in Boulder, Denver, or Westminster who specialize in generalized anxiety?