We all worry from time to time. But if you feel like your mind never switches off, constantly running through worst-case scenarios, repeating “what ifs,” and leaving you tense or drained, you may be living with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
Less obvious signs that GAD may be present include things like perfectionism or setting very high standards, being indecisive (decision paralysis), needing constant reassurance, and chronic muscle tension including jaw clenching, headaches or stomach discomfort.
At J&R Psychology, we provide compassionate mental health treatment for GAD, supporting children, teens, and adults across Perth.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is more than just stress. It’s a pattern of persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily life, often without a clear trigger. Around 4–8% of adults experience GAD, making it the most common anxiety concern people bring to their GP.
People with GAD tend to worry about a wide range of topics, such as:
You may feel trapped in mental loops or “thinking spirals” that are hard to control, even when you know the thoughts are irrational or unhelpful.
If you’re living with GAD, you may also experience:
These symptoms may come and go, or persist for months, gradually affecting your mood, energy, relationships, and ability to function.
Many people with generalised anxiety disorder recognise that their worries are excessive but still find them difficult to stop.
For some, worry feels protective: “If I think about it, I’ll be more prepared.” For others, it feels out of control, like the brain won’t slow down no matter how much they try.
Unfortunately, strategies like over-preparing, avoiding, or pushing thoughts away can reinforce the cycle; making worry feel more powerful over time.
We offer specialised support for managing chronic worry and anxiety. Our therapies for anxiety include:
CBT helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, learn more effective coping skills, and gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of anxious thinking.
Focuses on how you relate to your thoughts, helping you step back from worry instead of getting caught up in it.
Teaches you how to manage uncertainty and discomfort, while helping you stay focused on your values and what matters most.
We support individuals of all ages, including:
We offer appointments at our Perth clinics in West Perth and Como.
When your mind won’t slow down, daily life can feel exhausting. But you don’t have to keep pushing through alone.
With the right support, it’s possible to break free from constant overthinking, ease the pressure, and reconnect with what matters most.
GAD is a mental health condition marked by ongoing, excessive worry about everyday situations, often without a clear cause. The worry can feel constant, intrusive, and hard to control.
If your worry feels overwhelming, lasts most days for 6 months or more, and affects your sleep, focus, or daily life, it might be GAD. A psychologist can help clarify what you’re experiencing.
Therapies for anxiety like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Metacognitive Therapy are proven to help manage chronic worry and unhelpful thinking patterns.
Not necessarily. Many people respond well to therapy alone, especially CBT or ACT. Medication can help in some cases, but it’s not always needed.
Recovery doesn’t mean never feeling anxious, it means your worry no longer controls your day. With the right support, most people learn to manage anxiety, feel more at ease, and reconnect with what matters to them.
