Generalized Anxiety Disorder: “Feeling Something I Can’t See”
Written by Vidara Methunima Liyanage (Internship batch 3)
Colombo Psychological Services (Pvt) Ltd
Constantly overthinking everything, major speech, or minor things such as what to have for dinner, to feeling things not just in your head but in your body too, this is what science calls ‘anxiety’. In this blog post, everything about this invisible tension/feeling will be explored, and whether this is about you or someone you know, reading this will be worth your time, and possibly significant support to another life too. Before anything, know that everything is going to be okay, and you’re not crazy for feeling something invisible.
What is this?
According to what the experts say, these are a set of emotions, paired with body reactions thinking there is a danger, even though there is no danger at all. Imagine you’re watching a horror movie, and you will be seeing the ghost unexpectedly, but you don’t know when. So, your body and your mind are constantly looking for red flags, such as tensing music or slow zooming. Life with anxiety is also something like watching a horror movie constantly.
Scanning for jumpscares. Oneself believes they are in danger, and they constantly worry about when there will be a ghost flashing in front of them, even though in this modern world there won’t be any ghosts flashing right in front of you.
Everyone has experienced anxiety, but those who live with anxiety are totally different. It is similar living with any physical health condition, for example, asthma or diabetes. Anxiety disorder is a real thing and just telling to not to overthink it doesn’t help at all.
What does it feel like?
- You constantly worry about everyday things (housework, family, regardless of how minor or major it is.)
- It is difficult for you to control your mind, no matter how many times you tell yourself, “Don’t overthink”, your mind never listens and continues with overthinking and worrying.
- You find it difficult to relax, you constantly feel as if a bomb is ticking, so you’re never fully relaxed even if you’re by the beach side.
- Almost every muscle of your body feels tight and tense and tired almost all the time.
- Your sleep is never a good night sleep, either you find it’s hard to fall asleep, or to sleep throughout the night without waking up, your sleep is always disturbed.
- Your daily life feels heavy, and sometimes you make last minute changes, such as cancelling a meetup with your friends.
- You find it hard to concentrate on your daily work regardless of how simple it is, your mind always wonders.
Can it be manageable?
Treatments as well as time it takes to heal would depend on individuals, as the best possible outcome does not come directly, the path is full of ups and downs. But to whom should you seek help? And when should you go? Professionals named ‘psychologist’ can be first referred to.
If you notice the above-mentioned signs with excessive worry about many areas of life, most days for six months or more, it is best you pay attention. Another obstacle here is finding the courage to express that you were not feeling normal, however many people say once they pass it, the other steps in their treatment are much easier. Therefore, it doesn’t mean you are weak when you go for therapy, rather it shows you are much stronger. In therapy, the psychologist will guide you right beside you using tools and techniques you alone can’t do, so you don’t have to worry about going into an unknown setting.
The easy toolkit
If you have been noticing some signs, you can make a simple toolbox to use immediately.
- Have a strong smell with you and smell it when your mind wonders off, with few deep and slow breaths. For example perfumed hand cream, fragrant candle.
- Have strong tasting small snacks.
- To prevent sleep disturbances, dip your feet or your hands in cold water, while practicing breathing technique mentioned below.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If anxiety feels unbearable, you have panic attacks that feel out of control, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek immediate help.
Myths vs. Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| It’s just overthinking. | It is a mental health condition that requires professional help. |
| It’s not that serious. | Day to day life getting disturbed is SERIOUS. |
| Only weak people get anxiety. | Anyone can get anxiety. |
| Talking about anxiety makes it worse. | Talking with a trusted person/psychologist will help to reduce anxiety. |
How to support your loved ones?
- Listen without judging — sometimes being heard matters more than advice.
- Be patient — anxiety is not something they can “switch off”.
- Encourage professional help when anxiety affects daily life.
- Checking in regularly.
Helplines
- National Institute of mental health helpline – 1926
- CCCline – 1333 (crisis support and emotional assistance)
- Colombo Psychological Services (CPS) – 077 704 89 42 / 011 31 88 312
References
1926 - National Mental Health Helpline - National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka. (2021, April 24). National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka. https://nimh.health.gov.lk/en/1926-national-mental-health-helpline/
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). https://dictionary.apa.org/anxiety
Barnhill, J. W. (2023, August 9). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/generalized-anxiety-disorder
CCC. (n.d.). https://1333.lk/
Glasofer, D. R., PhD. (2025, October 17). Generalized Anxiety Disorder: symptoms and DSM-5 diagnosis. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/dsm-5-criteria-for-generalized-anxiety-disorder-1393147
Sri Lanka Sumithrayo. (2024, December 2). Sri Lanka Sumithrayo. https://srilankasumithrayo.lk/
The Jed Foundation. (2025, September 5). How to build an anxiety toolkit | JED. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-to-build-an-anxiety-toolkit/
The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. (2021, April 16). How to help someone with Generalized Anxiety | What you should know. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/how-to-help-someone-with-ga
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