High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear to be happy and content, or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they are struggling with severe stress and anxiety.
They don't stop thinking, they may not sleep well and their health suffers due to stress. It is crucial to recognize the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people are able to be productive and meet deadlines, but are engulfed by a fearful energy they can't manage. They may appear professional and have a lively social life, but are terrified of failing at their job or falling apart under the pressure from family and friends. They are never able 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 detrimental to their mental and physical health.
Overachievers are also unwilling to seek treatment for their condition, as they fear that it will slow them or hurt their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their efforts. It is important to recognize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it is able to be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness building to shift negative beliefs that fuel anxiety. They also teach clients how to lessen their negative coping mechanisms. People with high-functioning anxiety often react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their feelings and become more accepting of the failures.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive problems and a lack motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a feeling of being isolated. If you're an athlete, it is important to seek out treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common in people who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder. They can ponder conversations that have not concluded or worry about the things that could go wrong at an future event. This can lead to constant anxiety and stress. It can also interfere in sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety can also be prone to hypochondria. natural remedies for anxiety disorder can cause them to overdiagnose health issues and worry that they are suffering from an illness that is serious.
They have high expectations for themselves and set very demanding goals. They are convinced that they'll never achieve perfection, regardless of the positive feedback. They're always working and pushing their limits which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, people who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for instance try to get enough rest and eat healthy food. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants, as they can trigger anxiety symptoms. In addition they can seek help from other people who suffer from anxiety by attending therapy sessions in groups.
Psychotherapy is usually the first step in treating high functioning anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapies can help people understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can teach them how to change negative thought patterns and how to react to stressful situations more efficiently. People who have high functioning anxiety may also benefit from medication. This can include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs and benzodiazepines to provide short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
One of the most common signs of anxiety that is high functioning is a lack of self-care. This can take many forms, from not getting enough rest to skipping meals. This can also include avoiding people or situations that cause anxiety symptoms. It is often difficult for someone who has high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require help, as they tend to view their anxiety as positive attributes like perfectionists or fear.
The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning may be a physical manifestation like chronic migraines or digestive issues. It can also be associated with an absence of interest in hobbies or work or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms continue, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild it is important to treat them as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For instance executives may discover that their constant stress is making it difficult for them to sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may find that they're losing too much sleep and it is impacting their grades.
It is also important to establish appropriate boundaries for those who demand lots of your time. This could include family members, managers, or people who want you to do more than you're able to handle. Eliminating stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety, can also help.
Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same way as people with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This means practicing mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and staying away from or engaging in self-talk that is negative.
Lack of social support
Many people with high functioning anxiety are skilled at securing their internal struggles. They can continue to do their daily tasks and appear to be successful however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If they are not treated, these feelings can eventually become chronic and disrupt the daily activities. To help combat these symptoms, it's essential to seek out support from others and employ stress management techniques. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining a support group to share your worries with other people.
Anxiety can be a challenge to manage and may cause an array of physical symptoms including restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems headaches, fatigue, and more. In addition, it may affect how you sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety typically experience problems with relaxation and have trouble focusing on tasks at hand. They may also experience a constant feeling of self-doubt, or worry that they let others down.
Certain patients with high-functioning anxiety are unwilling to seek out mental health treatment, believing that they are "not sick enough" or don't deserve the treatment. This is especially true for those with ACEs, which can have a lasting effect on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers because it allows them to better understand their anxiety and how to cope with it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients in recognizing and alter their thinking patterns. It can also teach them to reframe their thoughts and discover solutions to the anxiety they feel regarding the future.
Drugs and alcohol addiction
People who suffer with anxiety that is high functioning frequently take alcohol and drugs as a way to self-medicate. Other methods of relief include diet changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. But these strategies for coping are not the best long-term solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and cause addiction-related disorders. Additionally, they may lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and gastrointestinal discomfort.
The presence of anxiety in high-functioning individuals may appear to be an excellent trait. However, it can have grave consequences. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at a higher risk of having a cardiac event. They are more likely to have stomach problems and sleep issues. High-functioning anxiety may also affect their work performance. They may feel a desire to perform better than other people and can create tension and stress. This can lead to unhealthy habits such as binge-eating or drinking.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to manage anxiety that is high functioning However, some strategies can help. Some include meditating, practicing mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. A journal can be useful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to make sure your stress levels are under control and seek out professional therapy if you need. It can be difficult for people with high-functioning anxiety to seek help because they do not want to be perceived as weak or a failure. There are many mental resources, including online counseling that is accessible. Some of these services may even be completely free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person therapy for those who are unable to afford traditional services.