5 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About Regarding High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people struggle with anxiety that is high-functioning. They might appear to be in a good mood, or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they struggle with extreme stress and anxiety.
Chronic stress can make them unable to stop thinking, sleep poorly, and affect their health. 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 individuals can accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are overwhelmed by a tense energy that they are unable to manage. They present a professional exterior and live a full social life, but within they fear they'll fail at their jobs or fall apart under the pressure of friends and family. They are never able to rest, and they are always striving for perfection. This constant stress can be masked by their accomplishments and successes but it can be a disaster for their physical and mental well-being.
Overachievers can also be reluctant to take care of their health issues due to the fear that it could slow them down or hurt their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their hard work. It's crucial to realize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it can be treated.
Therapy and medication can help people manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change irrational beliefs that feed anxiety. They also teach clients how to decrease their negative strategies for coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety tend to internalize criticism and overreact. A therapist can help them learn to manage their emotions, and to accept failure.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt, and can lead to insomnia, digestive issues and a lack motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a sense of being isolated. If you're an athlete, it's essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common among those with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They might ponder conversations that continue long after the conversation has ended, or obsess about details that could get out of hand in an upcoming situation. This can lead chronic stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and worry that they are suffering from a serious illness.
They have high expectations for themselves and set extremely demanding goals. They believe that they'll never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They're always working and testing their limits, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, people who have anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for instance, try to get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger anxiety symptoms. In addition, they can seek support from others who have anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is typically the first step to treat anxiety that is high functioning, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapy are able to aid people in understanding the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are linked. They can also teach them how to change negative thought patterns and respond to stressful situations in more effective ways. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety may also benefit from medication. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines may be used to treat acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
A common symptom of high functioning anxiety is the lack of self-care. It can manifest in many ways from not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. It can also mean avoiding people or places that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It is often difficult for someone who suffers from high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help because they often view their anxiety as positive attributes such as perfectionists or fear.
The most common sign that a person has anxiety with high functioning is physical, such as chronic headaches or digestive problems. It can be followed by a decline in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decline in performance at work or a constant feeling of unease. If the symptoms persist, it is important to consult a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms appear mild it is important to treat them as red flags and a signal to seek treatment. For instance an executive might find that their constant worry is preventing them from sleeping well and causing fatigue and a weak immune system. A student who has high levels of anxiety might notice that they're losing too much sleep, which can negatively impact their grades.
It is also crucial to establish healthy boundaries with those in your life who demand lots of time from you. This could include managers, family, and people who want you to take on more than you are able to handle. It can also include limiting stimulants, such as alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be treated in the same manner that people with anxiety disorders are. This includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This can include practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled at securing their internal struggles. They can continue to do their daily tasks and appear to be doing well but they might not be able to cope with the anxiety. If not addressed the anxiety can become debilitating and interfere with everyday activities. It is essential to take control of stress and seek out social support in order to combat these symptoms. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and attending an organization that helps you share your concerns with others.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can cause many physical symptoms, including restlessness muscle tension, digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. generalised anxiety disorder with high levels of anxiety have trouble getting their attention off the task at being done. They may also experience an overwhelming sense of self-doubt and fear that they are doing something wrong for others.
In some cases people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to accept their need for treatment for mental health because they feel that they are not "sick enough" or that they are not worthy of the treatment. This is especially true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have lasting effects on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers as it allows them to be more aware of their anxiety and discover ways to cope with it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medications such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients in recognizing and change their thinking patterns. It can teach them how to reframe thoughts and find solutions to any future issues they face.
Turning to drugs and alcohol
People suffering from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often use drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating. Other methods of relief include dietary changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. However, these coping mechanisms are not the best long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms, and cause addiction disorders. Additionally, they could cause other health issues including heart issues and digestive distress.
Anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be an advantage. However, it has grave consequences. According to research, those who experience anxiety are more likely to have an increased risk of suffering an attack on their heart. They are also more likely to suffer from digestive problems and may have trouble sleeping. Stress can also impact their performance at work. They may feel a need to perform better than other people and this can lead to stress and tension. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as drinking excessively or binge eating.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to treat high functioning anxiety, but some strategies may aid. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and an appropriate diet are just a few of the strategies that could aid. Using a journal can also be beneficial in helping you recognize patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help when needed. Some people with high-functioning anxieties have a difficult time asking for assistance because they do not want to appear weak or incompetent. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health services available for online counseling. Some of these services are free. They are a viable alternative to in-person treatment for individuals who are unable to afford traditional treatment.