Five Killer Quora Answers To High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear to be in control of their lives, or be labeled "overachievers", but they are actually struggling 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 have a negative impact on their health. It's crucial to recognize that they require assistance, which is available in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
People who have high functioning anxiety are able to perform their jobs and meet deadlines, but they're often engulfed by a fearful energy they can't manage. They appear professional and maintain an active social life, but within they fear they'll fail at their jobs or crumble under the pressure of their family and friends. They are never able to rest, and they are always striving for perfection. This constant anxiety is often disguised by achievements and successes however it can be detrimental to their mental and physical health.
Overachievers may also be hesitant to seek help for their conditions because they fear it could slow them down or damage their career. They do not want to let anyone down, especially those who have praised them for their efforts. It's nevertheless important to acknowledge that you suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning and know that it is treatable.
Talk therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change irrational beliefs that feed anxiety and teach clients ways to lessen their negative ways of coping. People with high-functioning anxiety often react to criticism in a way that they take it in, so they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their feelings and become more accepting of the failures.
Anxiety can trigger self-doubt, digestion issues, sleep disturbances and a loss in motivation. It can also cause a breakdown in relationships and create an isolation. If you're a high-achieving person it's crucial 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 ponder conversations even after the conversation has ended or fret about details that could go awry in a forthcoming event. This can cause to anxiety and stress that lasts for a long time. It can also affect sleeping and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more prone to hypochondria. This can cause to them to overdiagnose their health and be concerned that they are suffering from a serious illness.
They set themselves high-level goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they're always failing and will never achieve the level of perfection. They're always pushing themselves to the limit, which could lead to exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for instance, try to get enough rest and eat healthy food. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. In addition they can seek help from people who are suffering from anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is the first step towards treating anxiety that is high functioning. This can be done through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can aid people in understanding the relationship between their thoughts and feelings. They can show them how to alter negative thinking patterns and how to react to stressful situations more effectively. Additionally, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety may 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
A hallmark of high functioning anxiety is the lack of self-care. It can manifest in many ways, from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It can also mean avoiding people or situations that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to recognize that they need help, since they may view their anxiety as a positive trait such as perfectionists or fear of failing.
Often, the first sign that someone is suffering from high functioning anxiety is a physical one, such as chronic headaches or digestive problems. This can be followed by a loss of interest in hobbies, poor performance at work, or a constant sense of anxiety. If these symptoms persist it's crucial to talk to a doctor.
Even if symptoms appear moderate, it is crucial to consider them red flags. They are a signal that you should seek medical attention. For example, an executive may find that their constant worries are hindering their sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakened immune system. Similarly, a student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they're losing too much sleep and it is impacting their grades.
It is also essential to establish healthy boundaries with those in your life who require lots of your time. This could include family members, friends, and managers who demand you to do more than you can handle. Eliminating stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety may also help.
Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that people with anxiety disorders are. This includes psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Social support is lacking
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled at securing their internal struggles. They continue to fulfill their obligations and appear to be successful on the outside, but they may be struggling to manage the anxiety they feel. Untreated, these feelings may become chronic. They can hinder daily activities. To help combat these symptoms, it is crucial to seek out social support and employ stress management techniques. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and joining an online support group to discuss your concerns with other people.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can cause an array of physical symptoms, including restlessness muscle tension, digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety may have difficulty relaxing and concentrating on the task at being done. They may also experience an unending feeling of self-doubt, or worry that they have let others down.
In some cases, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to recognize their need for treatment for mental health because they believe that they aren't "sick enough" or that they do not deserve the treatment. This is particularly relevant for those suffering from ACEs, which can have an impact on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for those suffering from high functioning anxiety because it helps them better understand their anxiety and learn how to cope with it. Treatment options include talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It also helps them to reframe their thoughts and discover solutions to concerns they have about the future.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common for people who have high functioning anxiety. They might also attempt to seek relief through diet changes as well as exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. However, panic anxiety disorder coping strategies are not the best long-term solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and lead to substance use disorders. In addition, they can cause other health issues including heart issues and gastrointestinal discomfort.
While anxiety that is high-functioning can appear to be a positive quality but it can have serious consequences. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at a higher chance of suffering from a cardiac event. They are also more likely to develop gastrointestinal issues and may have trouble sleeping. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their performance at work. They may feel a desire to perform better than others, which can cause tension and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits like binge-eating and drinking.
There isn't a universal solution for treating anxiety with high functioning, but some strategies may aid. Some include meditating, practicing mindfulness and eating a balanced diet. A journal can be useful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to ensure that your stress levels are in check and seek professional therapy if needed. It can be hard for someone with high-functioning anxiety to seek help because they aren't keen to be perceived as weak or a failure. There are a lot of mental health resources available, including online counseling. Some of these services may even be free. They could be a great alternative to in-person treatments for those who aren't able to afford traditional treatment.