High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of individuals struggle with high functioning anxiety. They may appear in control of their lives, or even be referred to as "overachievers" however they're actually suffering from extreme stress and anxiety.
They can't stop thinking and they might not sleep well, and their health suffers due to stress. It's crucial to recognize that they require help, which is readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people are able to accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are engulfed by a nervous energy that they are unable to control. They may appear professional and have a lively social life, but are terrified of falling short in their work or falling apart under the pressure from friends and family. They don't have time to rest, and they are always striving for perfection. This constant stress can be masked by their achievements and successes but can be devastating for their physical and mental health.
Overachievers might also be hesitant to seek help for their health issues because they fear it could cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their work. It's crucial to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change irrational beliefs that feed anxiety and help clients learn to lessen their negative ways of coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so the therapist can help them learn how to manage their emotions and accept the failures.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a lack of motivation. It can also affect relationships and lead to sense of loneliness. If you're a high-achieving person, it's essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People with high functioning anxiety disorders tend to be overthinking. They might ponder conversations long after they have ended or obsess over issues that could go wrong in an coming event. This can cause chronic stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People who have high-functioning anxiety are also more susceptible to hypochondria. This could cause people to overdiagnose their health and be concerned that they are suffering from a serious illness.
They have high expectations of themselves and set extremely demanding goals. They believe that they will never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They are always working and pushing themselves to the limit and can lead to burning out and exhaustion.
People with high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can improve their coping skills by addressing their symptoms. For instance they should get enough rest and eat nutritious meals. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions may also help them find support from other people who are suffering from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is often the first step to treat anxiety disorders that are high-functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapies can aid people in understanding the relationship between their feelings and thoughts. They can also help them learn how to change negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from medication. This can include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs and benzodiazepines to provide short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
A lack of self-care is a hallmark of anxiety that is high functioning. It can manifest in many ways including not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. It can also be a matter of avoiding places or people that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone who has high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help because they often view their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear.
The most common sign that an individual has anxiety with high functioning is a physical one, such as chronic headaches or digestive problems. This is followed by a decrease in interest in hobbies, poor work performance or a constant feeling of anxiety. If these symptoms persist it's crucial to talk to a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild it is important to treat them as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For example, an executive may find that their constant stress is preventing them from sleeping well and contributing to fatigue and a weakened 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 require an excessive amount of your time. This includes family members, friends, or managers who want you do more than you are able to handle. panic anxiety disorder could also be a matter of the restriction of stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can cause anxiety symptoms.
People with high functioning anxiety can benefit from the same treatment that is available to those with anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy), changes in lifestyle, and medication, depending on their severity. This can include the practice of mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and avoiding or confronting negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are skilled in securing their inner struggles. They can continue to do their daily tasks and appear to be successful however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If not treated, these issues can turn into a debilitating. They can affect daily activities. It is crucial to manage stress and seek social support to help combat these symptoms. Writing, avoiding coffee, and joining support groups to share your worries are all great strategies to fight these symptoms.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage. It can trigger many physical symptoms, such as headaches, restlessness, digestive issues and fatigue. Additionally, it can influence your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety have trouble in focusing and relaxing for the task at being done. They may also feel an unending feeling of self-doubt or fear that they've are letting others down.
In certain instances people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to accept their need for treatment for mental health because they feel that they aren't "sick enough" or that they do not deserve it. This is especially the case for people suffering from ACEs which can have a a lasting effect on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning as it allows them to be more aware of their anxiety and discover ways to manage it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as medication like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options to treat. CBT assists patients to change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can help them learn to reframe thoughts and find solutions to the problems they have.
Turning to drugs and alcohol
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common for people who suffer from anxiety disorders that cause high functioning. They might also attempt to get relief by dietary changes or exercise, decaf coffee, or other methods. These strategies for coping do not provide a lasting solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms, and result in substance abuse disorders. They can also trigger other health issues, like stomach problems and heart issues.
Anxiety that is high-functioning can appear to be a positive trait. However, it can have grave consequences. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at a greater risk of having a cardiac event. They are more likely to experience digestive issues and sleep issues. Stress can also impact their performance at work. They may feel a desire to perform better than others and can create tension and stress. This can cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking excessively and eating out.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to manage anxiety that is high functioning However, some strategies can aid. Some of them include meditation, practicing mindfulness and eating a balanced diet. Journals can be helpful to help you recognize patterns and triggers. Also, you must try to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek professional therapy if you need. It can be difficult for people with high-functioning anxiety to ask for assistance since they do not want to be perceived as weak or as a failure. There are many mental resources, such as online counseling accessible. Some of these services may even be free. These services are an great alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who cannot afford them.