High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of individuals struggle with anxiety that is high-functioning. They might appear to be happy and content, or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they struggle with extreme stress and anxiety.
They don't stop thinking and they might not sleep well and their health suffers due to stress. It's important to recognize that they require assistance, which is readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where people are able to be productive and meet deadlines, but are overwhelmed by a fearful energy they cannot manage. They appear professional and have a busy social life, but are terrified of failing at their job or slipping under the pressure from family and friends. They never take time to rest, and they strive to be the best at what they do. The constant anxiety can be hidden by their successes and accomplishments, but it can be devastating for their mental and physical health.
Overachievers may also be reluctant to seek treatment for their condition due to the fear that it could slow them down or hinder their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised them for their efforts. It's nevertheless important to recognize that you're suffering from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it is treatable.
Talk therapy and medications can help people manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety, and also teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People with high-functioning anxiety often react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their feelings and learn to accept failing.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt and may cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a lack of motivation. It can also affect relationships and create a sense of being isolated. If you are a high achiever It is crucial to seek out treatment for anxiety disorders.
Overthinking
People who have high functioning anxiety disorders are often prone to overthinking. They might think about conversations even after the conversation has ended or worry about things that could go awry in a future situation. This can lead to chronic anxiety and stress. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety are also more likely to hypochondria. This can lead people to overdiagnose their health, and then worry they are suffering from a serious illness.
They set high standards and have high expectations of themselves. They believe that they'll never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They are always working and testing their limits, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, those who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance, they should, try to get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine and other stimulants that may increase anxiety symptoms. In addition they can seek out support from others who have anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is the first step towards combating anxiety with high functioning. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapy can help people understand how their thoughts and emotions are connected. They can also help them learn how to change negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more efficient ways. People with anxiety disorder s that are high functioning could also benefit from medication. This could include antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, as well as benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
Lack of self-care is a symptom of high functioning anxiety. This can take many forms including not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It could also be about avoiding people or places that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to recognize that they need help, since they often view their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear of failing.
The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning may be a physical manifestation like chronic migraines or digestive issues. This may be accompanied by a lack of interest in hobbies or work, or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms persist, it's important to speak to a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild and not serious, they should be viewed as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For example, an executive may find that their constant worries are making it difficult for them to sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weak immune system. A student with high functioning levels of anxiety could notice that they're losing too much sleep, which can negatively impact their grades.
It is also essential to establish appropriate boundaries with people in your life who require a lot of your time. This could include managers, family, and friends who want you to do more than you're capable of handling. It could also mean the restriction of stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, both of which can trigger anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that people with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This includes taking a mindfulness class, learning how to practice self-compassion and avoiding or engaging in self-talk that is negative.
Lack of social support
Many people with high functioning anxiety have a knack of hiding their inner struggles. They may continue to complete their day-to-day tasks and appear to be successful, but they may not be able cope with the anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may become debilitating. They can affect daily activities. It is essential to take control of stress and seek social support to help combat these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and attending a support group to share your worries with other people.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage. It can cause many physical symptoms, such as headaches, restlessness, digestive issues, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety typically experience difficulties in relaxing and have trouble paying attention to the tasks at the moment. They may also experience an overwhelming feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they're falling short of others.
Some patients with high-functioning anxiety may be unwilling to seek out mental health services because they believe that they are "not sick enough" or do not merit the care. This is particularly true for those with ACEs that can have a a lasting effect on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers because it helps them better comprehend their anxiety and figure out how to manage it. Treatment options include talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients to change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It also helps them to reframe their thoughts and find solutions to the anxiety they feel regarding the future.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common among those who have high functioning anxiety. Other methods of relief include diet changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not the best long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and can result in substance abuse disorders. They can also trigger other health issues, such as digestive distress and heart problems.
The presence of anxiety in high-functioning individuals may appear to be an excellent trait. However, it has grave consequences. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at a greater risk of experiencing a heart event. They are more likely to have gastrointestinal issues and sleep problems. Anxiety that is high-functioning can also affect their work performance. They may feel a need to perform better than others, which can cause tension and stress. disorders anxiety could lead to unhealthy habits such as binge-eating or drinking.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach for treating anxiety with high functioning however, certain strategies could help. Meditation, mindfulness and a healthy diet are some of the strategies that could help. Using a journal can also be beneficial to help you recognize patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek out professional therapy if you need. Certain people who have high-functioning anxiety are hesitant to ask for help since they don't want to appear weak or unprofessional. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health resources available for online counseling. Some of these services could even be free. They are a viable alternative to in-person therapy for individuals who are unable to pay for traditional treatments.