Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) produces exaggerated worry about everyday things. Individuals with GAD experience unrealistic concerns over issues of family, work, health and money, far beyond what the average person feels. Even if an individual with GAD realizes her anxiety is unfounded, she feels unable to control it. GAD affects more than 3 percent of the U.S. population, with women twice as likely to experience it than men, according to The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). The whole family suffers when an individual suffers from anxiety.
Relationship Stress
Relationships between parents and children, siblings, spouses and extended family members become strained when an individual suffers from anxiety. Symptoms of nervousness and irritability create communication challenges. Family members may withdraw from each other. Children may not understand the issues and feel that they are the cause of the family discord.
Household Stress
Anxiety may impair daily function by restricting or limiting a person's ability to do chores, drive and grocery shop. Basic home maintenance may be neglected. Alternatively, family members may need to undertake extra chores such as housecleaning, lawn maintenance and meal preparation to maintain the running of the household.
Financial Stress
When suffering from anxiety, a person's ability to work may be impaired. A family may suffer financial stress if their family member quits his job or reduces his hours. Financial difficulties may result in less money for family outings or vacations, or may even necessitate moving to another home.
Additional Complications
HealthyPlace.com suggests that in addition to the direct problems within a family caused by anxiety, secondary psychological and physical issues may arise. Family members may develop depression or participate in self-destructive behaviors as as result of the stress that anxiety causes within the family. Children may do poorly in school or have difficulties socializing.
