15 Surprising Stats About High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear to be happy and content, or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they're struggling with severe stress and anxiety.
They are constantly thinking about their thoughts They may not be able to sleep well and their health is impacted due to chronic stress. It is important to recognize that they require help, which is readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Overachievers
People with high functioning anxiety are able to perform their jobs and meet deadlines, however they are often overwhelmed by a tense energy they can't manage. They appear professional and have a lively social life, but are terrified of failing in their job or slipping under the pressure of friends and family. They never give themselves time to rest and constantly strive to be the best they can be. This constant anxiety can be masked by their accomplishments and successes but it can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being.
Overachievers are also unwilling to seek treatment for their condition, as they fear that it will slow them or damage their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their work. However, it's crucial to recognize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it can be treated.
Therapy and medication can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists use techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to alter the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety, and teach clients how to manage their negative coping mechanism. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to react negatively to criticism and accept it as a fact, and they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their emotions and learn to accept the failures.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a lack of motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a sense of being isolated. If you're an athlete it is essential to get treatment for anxiety disorders.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common in people with high functioning anxiety disorder. They may mull over conversations that have not ended or obsess over things that could go wrong at an coming event. This can lead to constant stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria, which can cause them to overdiagnose health issues and be concerned that they may be suffering from an illness that is serious.
They set high standards and have high expectations of themselves. They are convinced that they will never achieve perfection, despite positive feedback. They are always working and pushing themselves beyond their limits and can lead to burning out and exhaustion.
In addition to therapy, people who have high functioning anxiety can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For example, they should try to get enough rest and eat an appropriate diet. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions may assist them in gaining support from other people who suffer from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is the first step towards combating anxiety with high functioning. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). These types of therapy can aid people in understanding the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are connected. They can also teach them how to change negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. In addition, those who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from medications. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines are utilized to alleviate acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
Self-care deficiency is a hallmark of high functioning anxiety. It can manifest in many ways, from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. This can also include staying clear of situations or people that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they need assistance, as they may view their anxiety as positive traits, like perfectionism or fear of failure.
Often, the first sign that a person has anxiety with high functioning is a physical one that is a chronic headache or digestive issues. This can be accompanied by a lack of interest in activities or work, or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms persist, it is important to consult a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to recognize them as warning signs. They should be a warning sign that you should seek medical attention. For instance, a supervisor might notice that constant anxiety is preventing him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may discover that they're losing too much sleep and it is negatively impacting their performance.
You should also establish limits for people who demand a lot of your time. This can include family members, managers, and people who want you to take on more than you are capable of handling. Limiting stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, both of which can trigger anxiety and can cause anxiety, can aid.
Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be treated in the same way as other individuals with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle changes and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This includes practicing mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and avoiding or confronting negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They continue to fulfill their life's responsibilities and appear successful on the outside, but are struggling to manage their anxiety-related feelings. If left untreated, the anxiety may become chronic. They can hinder daily activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it's important to seek social support and implement stress management strategies. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an online support group to discuss your worries with other people.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage. It can trigger many physical symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, stomach issues and fatigue. In addition, it can influence your sleep. People with high functioning levels of anxiety have trouble in focusing and relaxing for the task at the moment. They may also experience a constant sense of self-doubt or fear that they have let others down.
In certain instances, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment for mental health because they believe that they aren't "sick enough" or do not deserve it. This is particularly relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) which can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial for people with high functioning anxiety, as it helps them understand their anxiety better and understand how to deal with it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medications like selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and identify their distortions. It can teach them how to shift their thinking and discover solutions for the future worries they face.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common for people who suffer from high functioning anxieties. They may also seek relief through diet changes, exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. These coping mechanisms do not provide a lasting solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms, and result in substance abuse disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems including heart issues and gastrointestinal distress.
While anxiety that is high-functioning can appear to be a positive trait however, it can also have serious repercussions. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at greater chance of suffering from a cardiac event. They are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues and sleep problems. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their work performance. They may feel pressured to perform better than other people which can cause stress and tension. This can lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating or drinking.
There isn't a single solution to high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can be helpful. Meditation, mindfulness and eating a healthy diet are a few of the strategies that could help. Using a journal can also be helpful to spot patterns and triggers. In the end, it is important to make sure your stress levels are under control and seek professional therapy if you need. It can be hard for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to ask for assistance because they aren't keen to be perceived as weak or a failure. There are many mental resources, including online counseling available. Some of these services are even free. These services can be an excellent alternatives to traditional in-person therapies for those who cannot afford them.