There are millions of Americans affected by anxiety disorders, and one common example is GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). Generalized anxiety disorder is similar to panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other types of anxiety. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder face constant worry and restlessness and may have panic attacks. GAD makes individuals anxious about several aspects of life, not just social situations. GAD isn’t easily treated. However, there are many treatments that can help reduce symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that often affects women, seniors, and minorities, and can be treated long-term with CBT or short-term with natural home remedies. Jenny Lawson is an author, blogger, …show more content…
For example, Lawson explains that she brands herself as someone awkward in social situations, and understands many individuals feel this way. However, she acknowledges that her fear and anxiety may be more debilitating than most people would believe (Lawson 163). This shows that Lawson faces extreme anxiety. She informs readers that her fear runs deeper than social interactions, and affects her day-to-day life. In the memoir, Lawson also describes how she feels more comfortable communicating with people via text and emails because she can review and edit what is written down, whereas she can’t take back words spoken aloud (Lawson 166). Lawson gets nervous about having face-to-face interactions with others and is better at communicating online. She is showing that GAD can affect people’s ability to comfortably communicate with someone in person, and makes them feel safer hiding behind a screen. When Lason learned she had GAD, she was relieved to put a name to the disorder. She used to beat herself up about her panic attacks and anxiety symptoms because she didn’t know the cause of them. She has expressed that her anxiety differs from social anxiety, and is often more severe than people believe. Generalized anxiety disorder causes Lawson to have panic ramblings and attacks in public, making her feel more comfortable communicating behind a screen. Sometimes, Lawson feels drained after communicating with others and trying to hide her