14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning. They might appear to be in a good mood, or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they struggle with extreme stress and anxiety.
Chronic stress can make them in a state of mind that is difficult to control and sleep less well, which can affect their health. It is important to recognize that they require assistance, which is available in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
People with high functioning anxiety are able to work and meet deadlines, but they are often overwhelmed by a tense energy they can't control. They may appear professional and have an active social life but are afraid of failing at their job or slipping under the pressure of family and friends. They do not allow themselves to rest and constantly strive to be the best they can be. This constant anxiety may be masked by their accomplishments and successes but can be devastating for their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers may also be reluctant to seek assistance for their health issues because they fear it could slow them down or damage their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. It's important to realize that you are suffering from anxiety with high-functioning and that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medication can help people manage symptoms. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to alter irrational beliefs that feed anxiety and help clients learn to reduce their negative strategies for coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically react negatively to criticism and accept it as a fact, and a therapist can teach them how to manage their emotions and accept the failures.
Anxiety can trigger self-doubt, sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a loss of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and create an isolation. If you are an athlete It is crucial to seek out treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People who have high functioning anxiety disorders are more likely to think too much. They can ponder conversations that have not ended or worry about details that could go wrong in an future event. This can cause chronic stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleeping and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause to them to overdiagnose their health and worry they may have a serious health issue.
They have high expectations for themselves and set very demanding goals. They feel that they'll never achieve perfection, despite positive feedback. They are always working and pushing themselves beyond their limits and can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, individuals who have high functioning anxiety can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for example take the time to get adequate rest and eat healthy food. Reduce the intake of caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. In addition they can seek out support from other people who suffer from anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is usually the first step in treating anxiety that is high functioning, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can aid people in understanding the relationship between their feelings and thoughts. They can show them how they can modify negative thoughts, and how to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. People who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning may benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines may be utilized to alleviate acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
A hallmark of anxiety with high functioning is the lack of self-care. This can take many ways, from not getting enough rest to cutting out meals. This can also include avoiding people or situations that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone who has anxiety that is high functioning to realize that they need help since they may consider their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear.
The first sign of anxiety that is high functioning may be a physical manifestation like chronic migraines or digestive issues. This is followed by a loss of interest in hobbies, poor work performance, or a constant sense of anxiety. If these symptoms persist it is important to talk to a doctor.
Even if symptoms appear mild, it is important to treat them as warning signs. They should be a sign that you should seek medical attention. For instance, a manager might find that constant stress keeps him awake and leading to fatigue. A student with high functioning levels of anxiety may also discover that they are losing too much sleep, which could negatively impact their grades.
You should also establish appropriate boundaries for those who demand lots of your time. This includes family members, friends, or managers who demand you to do more than you are able to manage. It could also mean restricting stimulants, like alcohol and caffeine, which can cause anxiety-related symptoms.
Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety can be treated the same way that people with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle changes and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means practicing mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and staying away from or confronting negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their inner struggles. They can continue to do their everyday tasks and appear successful however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If they are not treated these issues can become chronic and disrupt daily functions. To combat these symptoms, it is important to seek social support and practice stress management techniques. The practice of journaling, avoiding coffee and joining support groups to discuss your worries are all excellent strategies to fight these symptoms.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage. It can trigger many physical symptoms, such as restlessness, headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety often experience difficulties in relaxing and have a hard time staying focused on the task at their disposal. They may also feel a constant sense of self-doubt and fear that they're doing something wrong for others.
In certain instances, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to accept their need for mental health treatment because they believe they are not "sick enough" or that they don't deserve it. This is especially true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) that can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
Treatment can be beneficial to people with high functioning anxiety, as it helps them understand their anxiety better and understand how to deal with it. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options to treat. CBT assists patients in recognizing and change their thinking patterns. It can teach them how to change their thinking and come up with solutions to the problems they have.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is common for people who suffer from high functioning anxieties. Other options for relief include diet as well as exercise and decaf coffee. However, these coping mechanisms are not a long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. In addition, they can lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive quality however, it can also have serious consequences. According to researchers, those who experience anxiety are more likely to be at an increased risk of having heart attacks. They are more likely to suffer from stomach problems and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their work performance. They may feel a need to perform better than other people, which can cause anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating or drinking.
There isn't a single solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, some strategies can be helpful. Some of them include meditation, practicing mindfulness and a healthy diet. A journal can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. It is also important to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help should you require it. People with high-functioning anxiety find it difficult to ask for help because they do not want to appear weak or unprofessional. Fortunately, there are many mental health resources available for online counseling. Some of these services are free. These services are an excellent alternatives to traditional in-person therapies for those who can't pay for them.