I'm not sure if I have GAD as such, but I have anxiety attacks.
Thought I was having heart problems, they checked that, it was fine. Blah test blah, they say I'm having anxiety attacks.
It took some doing to convince me. I was offended. I thought stuff like that was for the weak-minded, which I knew I was not.
But in the years since I've come to realize that mental illness is just as real as physical illness. You can't just "snap out of it" any more than you can just snap out of having a hernia, or diabetes. It has to be addressed with treatment and/or lifestyle changes.
A lot of times, something like this is a sign that you've "been strong too long" in the face of hardship, and while you are presenting a tough front things are fraying around the edges and something needs to be done.
I balked at being constantly medicated. The doc gave me some mild sedatives to take when the anxiety attacks were too much for me to cope with. However, I've learned to cope mostly through my own efforts with any but the worst attacks.
Recognition of what is going on is key. Controlled breathing and mental imagery help a lot. Something to distract me from whatever is driving my anxiety helps... music, talking to someone, reading, all these have helped at various times.
But once in a while I have to take a pill anyway... or if I'm at home, a double-shot of bourbon, which I actually prefer. The doctor wouldn't approve I'm sure, but it relaxes me enough to shake off any but the worst anxiety attacks. It isn't necessary very often, fortunately... I wouldn't want to turn into an alcoholic, but it probably doesn't reach that point more than once a month.