High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear to be in a good mood, or even be called overachievers. But underneath, they're struggling with severe stress and anxiety.
They can't stop thinking and they might not sleep well and their health is impacted due to stress. It's crucial to recognize that they require help, which is accessible in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a state where individuals can be productive and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a fearful energy they cannot manage. They present a professional exterior and maintain an active social life, but within they are terrified that they'll fail their jobs or collapse under the pressure of friends and family. They don't have time to relax, and constantly strive for perfection. This constant anxiety can be masked by their accomplishments and successes but it can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being.
Overachievers may be reluctant to seek assistance for their health issues because they fear it could slow them down or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their efforts. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that you're suffering from anxiety that is high-functioning and know that it can be treated.
The use of medication and talk therapy can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety, and teach clients to lessen their negative coping mechanism. People who have high-functioning anxiety tend to internalize criticism and overreact. A counselor can help them learn to manage their emotions, and to accept their failures.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt, and can lead to sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a lack of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and cause a feeling of being isolated. If you're an athlete, it's essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder are often prone to overthinking. They may ruminate on conversations that continue long after the conversation has ended, or obsess about details that could get out of hand in an upcoming event. This can lead to anxiety and stress that lasts for a long time. It can also impact sleep and concentration. panic anxiety disorder with high functioning anxiety can also be prone to hypochondria, which can cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and be concerned that they may be suffering from a serious illness.
These individuals have high expectations of themselves and set high-stakes goals. They believe that they will never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They work constantly and are pushing themselves to the limits which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who aren't in therapy can improve their coping abilities by managing their symptoms. For instance, they should try to get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Additionally they can seek help from people who are suffering from anxiety by taking part in 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 types of treatments can help people understand the connection between their feelings and thoughts. They can also help them learn how to change negative thought patterns and respond to stressful situations in more effective ways. People who have anxiety that is high functioning may benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants like 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 anxiety that is high functioning is the lack of self-care. It can manifest in a variety of forms, ranging from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. This could also include avoiding people or situations that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help because they may consider their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear.
Often, the first sign that an individual has high functioning anxiety is a physical one, such as chronic headaches or digestive issues. This may be coupled with an absence of enthusiasm for hobbies or work or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms persist, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms appear mild, it is essential to recognize them as warning signs. They should be a sign that you should seek medical care. For instance an executive might find that their constant stress is preventing them from sleeping well and contributing to fatigue and a weak immune system. Students with high functioning levels of anxiety may also discover that they are losing too much sleep, which can adversely affect their academic performance.
You should also set limits for people who are demanding a lot of your time. This could include managers, family, and friends who want you to take on more than you're able to handle. It can also include the restriction of stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, both of which can trigger anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that others suffering from anxiety disorders are. This includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This can include taking a mindfulness class, learning how to practice self-compassion and staying away from or engaging in self-talk that is negative.
Social isolation
Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety have a knack of hiding their inner struggles. They may continue to perform their everyday tasks and appear to be successful however they may not be able to deal with the anxiety. If left untreated, these feelings can eventually become chronic and disrupt everyday activities. It is important to manage stress and seek out support from friends in order to combat these symptoms. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and attending an online support group to discuss your worries with others.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and may cause many physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems headaches, fatigue, and restlessness. In addition, it can affect your sleep. People who have high levels of anxiety may have difficulty getting their attention off the task at being done. They might also feel an unending feeling of self-doubt, or worry that they've have let others down.
Some patients with high-functioning anxiety may be reluctant to seek mental health treatment because they believe that they are "not sick enough" or do not merit the care. This is especially relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) that can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial for anxious people who have high functioning because it helps them understand their anxiety better and understand how to cope with it. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options to treat. CBT assists patients to change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can also help patients to change their thinking and discover solutions to the anxiety they feel about the future.
Drugs and alcohol addiction
Self-medicating using alcohol and drugs is common for people who suffer from high functioning anxieties. They may also find relief through dietary changes as well as exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. However, these coping mechanisms are not a long-term solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and lead to substance use disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and digestive distress.
The presence of anxiety in high-functioning individuals is often seen as an advantage. However, it has grave consequences. According to research, people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack. They are more likely to have gastrointestinal issues and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their performance at work. They might feel pressured to perform better than other people and this can lead to anxiety and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits like drinking and eating too much.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to manage anxiety that is high functioning However, some strategies can aid. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and a healthy diet are some strategies that can aid. A journal can be useful to help you identify patterns and triggers. In the end, it is important to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek out professional therapy if you need. People with high-functioning anxiety have a difficult time asking for assistance because they do not want to appear weak or unprofessional. Fortunately, there are many mental health resources that are available that offer online counseling. Some of these services are free. These services are an excellent alternatives to traditional in-person treatments for those who cannot pay for them.