Are you letting things build up?
A new Augmented Reflection video, Let’s Talk about GAD, lhas launched to raise awareness of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – a little known condition despite affecting one in 20 adults in Britain.
Based on insights from people with GAD, the short video conveys what it is like to live with a constant ‘gnawing feeling’ that something is wrong, which causes palpitations, an inability to focus and sleep disturbance.
At the Let’s Talk about GAD Augmented Reflection Live event, over 9,000 unsuspecting students were exposed to these GAD insights and the emotional scenes were captured on film. The video was developed by Pfizer in partnership with Anxiety UK, a leading patient organisation for people with anxiety disorders.
What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is one of the most common mental health problems seen by GPs in the UK.Itis a long-term condition, where on most days people feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues rather than one specific event. The anxiety often builds up slowly, with developing feelings of tension and stress.
“Despite the fact that GAD is the most common mental health condition after depression, only a minority of people tell their doctor about their anxiety symptoms,” said Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP. “This means it often goes unrecognised and untreated. As a result, people continue to suffer with symptoms like unrelenting worry, muscle tension, sleeplessness and difficulty concentrating. It’s important that anybody who recognises these symptoms, either in themselves, a friend or loved one, talks to their GP or contacts Anxiety UK for support.”
David Baldwin, Professor of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton, and a Medical Patron of Anxiety UK said: “Let’s Talk about GAD is a bold campaign that uses innovative technology to show the reality of living with this debilitating illness. Raising awareness in these ways is a great step in getting people to start talking about GAD, which should ultimately improve the lives of those who are affected.”
You can view the Let’s Talk about GAD video here. Anyone worried about GAD is encouraged to speak to their GP, visit the Anxiety UK website www.anxietyuk.org.uk, or call 08444 775 774 for help, support and advice.
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