Anxiety is a normal but highly subjective human emotion. While normal anxiety serves a beneficial and adaptive purpose, anxiety can also become the cause of tremendous suffering for millions of people. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that affects approximately four to five per cent of the general population. This disorder can be illustrated by excessive anxiety and worry that lasts a minimum of six months and deals with various events or activities. People who struggle with this disorder have difficulties controlling their worry and this worry can permeate into every action or thought which further leads to more anxiety. Some of the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder include:

• Restlessness
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Insomnia
• Fatigue,
• Irritability

To help our friends who are dealing with this disorder we should let them know that they are not alone and you are here for them. Even if they do not want to talk, offer to meet with them or sit with them in silence, reminding them that you care for them and love them. It is a taboo to belittle the problems in their head by telling them that it is normal and they’ll get over it. Although we have come a long way in dealing with mental health, India still has miles to go to instil empathy in the values of people.