What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than just feeling anxious now and then. It’s a long-term condition that causes people to feel worried or fearful most of the time, even when there’s no clear reason for concern. For those living with GAD, anxiety can become a constant companion—always in the background, making daily life more difficult than it needs to be.

This type of anxiety can affect every part of life. It may interfere with work, relationships, and even simple tasks like shopping or making phone calls. People often describe it as a sense of dread or unease that they can’t shake. Others may say they feel on edge, exhausted by worry, or unable to relax—even when things seem to be going well.

Common Signs and Symptoms of GAD

GAD can look and feel different from person to person, but some common emotional and physical symptoms include:

• Persistent, excessive worry about a range of topics
• Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Irritability
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension, trembling, or twitching
• Digestive discomfort, including nausea or diarrhoea

Over time, these symptoms can take a toll on your physical health and emotional wellbeing. Many people with GAD also struggle with low confidence or feel overwhelmed by decisions that others might find simple. The constant worry often isn’t about one specific thing—it can jump from finances to health to relationships, making it hard to feel grounded

What Causes Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

There isn’t a single cause of GAD. Instead, it’s usually a combination of several factors, including:

• Family history: Anxiety often runs in families.
• Personality: People who are highly sensitive, perfectionistic, or prone to overthinking may be more vulnerable.
• Life experiences: Trauma, bullying, early loss, or long-term stress can all contribute.
• Biology and brain chemistry: Imbalances in the brain’s stress response system may play a role.

Sometimes, the cause isn’t obvious—and that’s okay. What matters most is getting the right support to understand and manage the anxiety you’re experiencing

Why People Don’t Always Seek Help Straight Away

Many people with GAD delay getting support because they believe their anxiety is just part of who they are. They might say things like, “I’ve always been a worrier,” or “I just overthink things.” Some people are afraid that their worries will be dismissed or misunderstood. Others try to manage on their own, only to find that anxiety slowly takes over more and more of their lives.

But GAD is a recognised mental health condition, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. With the right help, it is possible to reduce anxiety and feel more in control.

How Psychotherapy and Counselling Can Help

At Eleos Counselling in West Sussex, we understand how overwhelming anxiety can be. You may feel exhausted, discouraged, or unsure where to start. That’s where talking therapy can make a real difference.

Therapy offers a safe, confidential space to explore your experiences. It’s a chance to understand where your anxiety comes from, what keeps it going, and—most importantly—how to ease its hold over your life.

Here are some of the ways counselling can help with GAD:

1. Making sense of what you’re feeling

When you’re caught in a cycle of worry, it can be hard to know what’s really going on inside. A skilled therapist can help you name and understand your emotions. Together, you can look at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact—and begin to gently shift patterns that no longer serve you.

2. Uncovering the roots of your anxiety

Sometimes, anxiety stems from past experiences—perhaps you learned early on that the world isn’t safe or that you must always be in control. Counselling helps you explore these deeper layers of your story, not to dwell on the past, but to give you more freedom in the present.

3. Building emotional resilience

Therapy can support you to develop practical strategies for calming your body and mind. This might include learning how to self-soothe, set boundaries, or recognise when your inner critic is taking over. These tools don’t make life perfect—but they can make it more manageable and less frightening.

4. Learning to treat yourself with kindness

At Eleos, our approach is rooted in self-compassion. Instead of judging or blaming yourself for your anxiety, we support you to meet your experience with gentleness and curiosity. This shift—from self-criticism to self-care—can open the door to profound emotional healing.

5. Creating a more balanced life

Chronic anxiety can lead people to avoid the things they love—socialising, taking risks, or pursuing dreams. With the right support, you can begin to reclaim these parts of yourself. Therapy can help you make choices that reflect your values, not your fears.

A Personalised and Compassionate Approach

At Eleos Counselling, we know that no two people experience anxiety in the same way. That’s why we tailor our work to suit your unique needs. Whether your anxiety is linked to childhood experiences, ongoing life stress, or something else entirely, we’ll meet you where you are—with warmth, respect, and curiosity.

We are experienced in working with GAD and related challenges such as perfectionism, low self-worth, and burnout. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you, helping you build insight and inner strength along the way.

Our therapists are all members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the leading professional body for counselling in the UK. This means you can trust that your therapist works to high ethical standards and is committed to your wellbeing.

In-Person and Online Counselling in West Sussex

We offer both in-person therapy and online sessions, so you can access support in the way that suits you best. Our in-person practice is located in West Sussex, serving areas including Horsham, Southwater, Billingshurst, Pulborough, and surrounding towns. Whether you prefer face-to-face work or the comfort of online counselling from your own home, we’re here to help.

Online counselling is a flexible option that’s especially helpful if travel, anxiety, or a busy lifestyle make it hard to attend in person. Many people find that talking from home allows them to feel more relaxed and open.

You Don’t Have to Face Anxiety Alone

Living with Generalised Anxiety Disorder can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, it is possible to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected. Counselling isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you understand yourself, find new ways to cope, and move toward the life you want to live.

Anxiety may have shaped your story so far—but it doesn’t have to define your future.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re ready to explore how counselling might help, we’re here to listen. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant worry, struggling with sleep, or simply tired of trying to manage on your own, Eleos Counselling offers a safe place to begin.

We offer a free initial consultation to help you decide whether therapy with us feels like the right fit. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need a willingness to begin.