GAD is more than occasional stress—it’s a chronic mental health condition defined by excessive, long-term worry about a variety of everyday concerns. This persistent tension can disrupt focus, drain energy, and affect every part of your life.

Common symptoms include:

Excessive, hard-to-control worry across many areas of life
Restlessness, irritability, or a sense of being “on edge”
Trouble concentrating or making routine decisions
Sleep disruptions or insomnia
Physical symptoms such as fatigue, tense muscles, or digestive discomfort

Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to try to escape or calm their racing thoughts—but this often backfires, worsening anxiety symptoms over time. That’s why our outpatient program at Heartland takes an integrated approach to treating both anxiety and substance use for lasting results.