High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear to have their lives together--or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they struggle with severe stress and anxiety.
Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking and sleep less well, which can have a negative impact on their health. It is important to recognize that they need help, and it's 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 consumed by a tense energy they can't manage. They may appear professional and have an active social life but are afraid of failing in their job or falling apart under the pressure from friends and family. They don't allow themselves to rest and constantly strive to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety may be disguised by their successes and achievements but it can be a disaster for their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers are also unwilling to take care of their health issues due to the fear that it will slow them or hinder their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. It's crucial to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it can be treated.
The use of medication and talk therapy can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to alter the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety, and also teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their emotions and learn to accept the failures.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt, and can lead to sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and a lack of motivation. It can also affect relationships and cause a sense of loneliness. If you're a high-achieving person, 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 might think about conversations even after the conversation has ended, or worry about things that could go awry in an upcoming event. This can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria. This could cause them to misdiagnose health problems and fear that they might be suffering from an illness that is serious.
They have high expectations for themselves and set extremely demanding goals. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they're always failing and will never reach the level of perfection. They're always testing their limits, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, those who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for example, try to get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. Reduce the intake of caffeine and other stimulants that may cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. Attending group therapy sessions can assist them in gaining assistance from other people who are suffering from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is often the first step in treating anxiety disorders that are high-functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapies can help people to understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can also teach them how to alter negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. 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, as well as benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
A hallmark of high functioning anxiety is the lack of self-care. This can take many ways, from not getting enough rest to not eating meals. It can also be a matter of avoiding places or people that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require help, as they tend to consider their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear.
The most common sign that someone is suffering from anxiety that is high functioning is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive issues. This is 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 health professional.
Even if symptoms appear moderate, it is crucial to consider them warning signs. They are a signal that you need to seek medical attention. For example, a manager might find that constant stress hinders him from sleeping and causing fatigue. Students with high levels of anxiety could notice that they're losing too much sleep, which could affect their grades.
It is also crucial to establish appropriate boundaries with people in your life who require lots of your time. This could include managers, family, and people who want you to take on more than you're capable of handling. It can also include the restriction of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety-related symptoms.
People who have high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment as people suffering from anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) as well as changes in lifestyle, and medication, depending on their severity. This means practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are skilled in securing their inner struggles. depressive anxiety disorder may continue to perform their everyday tasks and appear to be successful but they might not be able cope with the anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may become debilitating. They can affect daily activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it's essential to seek out support from others and practice stress management techniques. Journaling, avoiding coffee, and joining support groups to talk about your concerns are all good ways to combat these symptoms.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage. It can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, including restlessness, headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety often experience problems with relaxation and have a hard time focusing on tasks at hand. They may also experience an unending sense of self-doubt and fear that they're letting others down.
In some cases, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment because they believe that they aren't "sick enough" or that they don't deserve it. This is particularly true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for those suffering from high functioning anxiety because it helps them better understand their anxiety and how to manage it. Treatment options include talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and identify their distortions. It can help them learn to shift their thinking and discover solutions to the problems they have.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
People suffering from high functioning anxiety often utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a means of self-medicating. They may also try to seek relief through diet changes or exercise, decaf coffee, or other methods. These strategies for coping are not a long-lasting solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and lead to substance use disorders. They can also lead to other health issues, including stomach problems and heart issues.
High-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive trait. However, it has serious consequences. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at greater risk of experiencing a heart event. They also are more likely to experience digestive issues and may have trouble sleeping. Stress can also impact their work performance. They may feel the need to perform better than others which can cause 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 and an appropriate diet are just a few strategies that can help. A journal can be helpful to help you identify patterns and triggers. You should also make sure that your stress levels are under control and seek professional help when needed. It can be hard for people with high-functioning anxiety to ask for help because they don't want to be seen as weak or a failure. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health services available for online counseling. Some of these services could even be free. These services could be an excellent alternative to traditional in-person therapies for those who cannot afford them.