5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know On The Subject Of High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of individuals struggle with anxiety that is high-functioning. They may appear to be happy and content, or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they struggle with extreme stress and anxiety.
Chronic stress can cause them to be incapable of putting their thoughts to rest, sleep poorly, and affect their health. It is essential to be aware of the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication 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 cannot manage. They present a professional exterior and lead a busy social life, but within they are terrified that they'll fail their jobs or fall apart under the pressure of family and friends. They are never able to rest, and they strive to be the best at what they do. This constant anxiety may be masked by their accomplishments and successes but can be devastating for their physical and mental health.
Overachievers can also be reluctant to take care of their health issues, as they fear that it could slow them down or hurt their career. They aren't looking to let anyone down, especially those who have praised them for their dedication to their work. However, it's crucial to recognize that you're suffering from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to shift negative beliefs that fuel anxiety and help clients learn to decrease their negative coping mechanisms. People with high-functioning anxieties often take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A counselor can help them learn to manage their emotions and to accept failure.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt and may cause insomnia, digestive issues and a lack of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and cause a sense of isolation. If you're a high-achiever it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorders are more likely to think too much. They might think about conversations that continue long after the conversation is over, or fret about details that could get out of hand in an upcoming situation. This can lead to constant stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety are also more prone to hypochondria. This could cause people to overdiagnose their health, and then worry they have a serious illness.
These individuals set high goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they are always failing and never getting to the point of perfection. They are constantly working and pushing themselves to the limit and can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
In addition to therapy, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance, they should try to get enough rest and eat healthy food. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. Attending group therapy sessions can assist them in gaining support from other people who are suffering from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is typically the first step to treat anxiety that is high functioning, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapy can aid people in understanding how their thoughts and feelings are interconnected. They can show them how to modify negative thoughts and how to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. People with high functioning anxiety can benefit from taking medication. This can include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs and benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Insufficient self-care
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 sleep to cutting out meals. This could also include avoiding people or situations that cause anxiety symptoms. It is often difficult for someone who suffers from anxiety that is high functioning to realize that they need help because they tend to consider their anxiety as positive attributes like perfectionism or fear.
Often, the first sign that a person has anxiety with high functioning is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive issues. This can be followed by a decrease in interest in hobbies, poor work performance or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms persist it's crucial to talk to a doctor.
Even if the symptoms appear mild, it is important to consider them red flags. They should be a warning sign that you should seek medical treatment. For example executives may discover that their constant stress is preventing them from sleeping well and causing fatigue and a weakened immune system. mixed anxiety depressive disorder who has high functioning levels of anxiety might find that they lose too much sleep, which could negatively impact their grades.
It is also important to establish healthy boundaries for people who are demanding a lot of your time. This could include family members, managers, and friends who would like you to take on more than you are able to handle. It could also mean limiting stimulants, such as alcohol and caffeine, both of which can trigger anxiety-related symptoms.
People who have high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment as those with anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) as well as changes in lifestyle, and medication dependent on the severity. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and being able to resist or challenge negative self-talk.
Social isolation
Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their internal struggles. They can continue to do their everyday tasks and appear successful but they might not be able to cope with the anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may become chronic. They can interfere with everyday activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it is important to seek social support and practice stress management techniques. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining a support group to share your worries with others.
Anxiety is difficult to manage. It can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, stomach problems and fatigue. Additionally, it can influence your sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety usually have problems with relaxation and have a hard time staying focused on the task at hand. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they are falling short of others.
In some cases those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to accept their need for mental health treatment because they feel that they aren't "sick enough" or that they are not worthy of it. This is especially the case for people suffering from ACEs that can have a a lasting effect on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to high functioning anxiety sufferers as it allows them to better understand their anxiety and discover ways to manage it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options for treatment. CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can teach them how to shift their thinking and discover solutions to any future issues they face.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
People suffering with anxiety that is high functioning frequently take alcohol and drugs as a way to self-medicate. Other options for relief include dietary changes and exercise, or decaf coffee. However, these coping mechanisms are not a long-term solution. They can actually worsen their anxiety symptoms and can lead to substance abuse disorders. They can also lead to other health issues, including stomach problems and heart issues.
While high-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive trait however, it can also have serious consequences. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at greater risk of having a cardiac event. They are more likely to experience stomach issues and sleep issues. The high-functioning anxiety can affect their work performance. They may feel pressured to perform better than other people which can cause anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as drinking excessively or binge eating.
There isn't a single solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, certain strategies can be helpful. Some of them include meditation, practicing mindfulness and a healthy diet. Journals can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. It is also important to ensure that your stress levels are in control and seek professional assistance if necessary. It can be difficult for someone suffering from anxiety that is high-functioning to seek assistance because they do not want to be perceived as weak or as a failure. There are a lot of mental health resources that are available that offer online counseling. Some of these services are free. They could be a great alternative to in-person treatment for those who are unable to afford traditional services.