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 even be referred to as "overachievers", but they are actually struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.
They can't stop thinking and they might not sleep well and their health is impacted due to chronic stress. It is important to recognize that they need help, which is accessible in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
People with high functioning anxiety are able work and meet deadlines, but they're often engulfed by a fearful energy they can't control. They may appear professional and have an active social life but are afraid of falling short in their work or falling apart under the pressure of friends and family. They never take time to rest, and they strive to be the best at what they do. The constant anxiety can be hidden by their successes and accomplishments but it can be detrimental to their physical and mental health.
Overachievers might also be hesitant to seek help for their health issues because they fear it will slow them down or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their work. It's important to realize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it is able to be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to change the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety, and teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically overreact to criticism and take it in, so they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their emotions and become more accepting of failure.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt, digestion issues, sleep disturbances and a loss of motivation. It can also cause a breakdown in relationships and cause an isolation. If you're a high-achiever it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common among people with high functioning anxiety disorder. They might ponder conversations that continue long after the conversation has ended, or fret about details that could go awry in a future situation. This can lead chronic stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria, which can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and fear that they might be suffering from an illness that is serious.
These individuals set high goals and have high expectations of themselves. They are convinced that they will never achieve perfection, regardless of the positive feedback. They are constantly working and pushing themselves to the limit which can lead to burning out and exhaustion.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who aren't in therapy can improve their coping skills by addressing their symptoms. They should, for example take the time to get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants, as they can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions can aid in finding support from other people who suffer from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is the first step towards combating anxiety with high functioning. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapies can help people to understand the connection between their feelings and thoughts. They can show them how they can alter negative thinking patterns, and how to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. People who have high functioning anxiety may also benefit from taking medication. This could include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, and benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
A lack of self-care is a hallmark of anxiety that is high functioning. This can come in many ways, from not getting enough rest to not eating meals. It can also mean avoidance of people or situations that cause anxiety symptoms. It is often difficult for someone with anxiety that is high functioning to realize that they need help because they may view their anxiety as positive characteristics like perfectionism or fear.
Often, the first indication that a person has high functioning anxiety is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive problems. It can also be coupled with an absence of enthusiasm for activities or work, or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms continue it is important to talk to a health professional.
Even if symptoms appear mild, it is essential to consider them red flags. They are a signal that you require medical care. For instance, an executive may find that their constant worries are making it difficult for them to sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakened immune system. A student who has high functioning levels of anxiety could discover that they are losing too much sleep, which could affect their grades.
It is also essential to set healthy boundaries with those in your life who demand lots of time from you. This can include family members, managers, and friends who would like you to do more than you're able to handle. It could also mean restricting stimulants, like alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger anxiety symptoms.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety can benefit from the same treatment options as those with anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) as well as changes in lifestyle, and medication, depending on their severity. This includes taking a mindfulness class, learning how to practice self-compassion and staying away from or engaging in self-talk that is negative.
Lack of social support
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their internal struggles. They may continue to perform their daily tasks and appear to be doing well however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If they are not treated the anxiety can become chronic and disrupt everyday activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it's crucial to seek out social support and implement stress management strategies. Journaling, avoiding coffee, and joining support groups to share your concerns are all good methods to manage these symptoms.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage. It can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including restlessness, headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue. Additionally, it can affect your sleep. People with high functioning anxiety often experience difficulties in relaxing and are unable to focusing on tasks at hand. They may also experience a constant feeling of self-doubt or anxiety that they let others down.
In some cases, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to recognize their need for mental health treatment because they believe that they are not "sick enough" or are not worthy of it. This is particularly true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have lasting effects on mental health.
Treatment can be beneficial to high functioning anxiety sufferers as it allows them to understand their anxiety better and understand how to deal with it. Treatment options include talk therapy like cognitive behavioral 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 shift their thinking and discover solutions for the future worries they have.
Drugs and alcohol addiction
Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is common among people who suffer from high functioning anxieties. They might also attempt to find relief through dietary changes, exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. But these strategies for coping are not an effective long-term solution. They could actually worsen anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems including heart issues and digestive discomfort.
Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive trait but it can have serious consequences. According to research, those who suffer from 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 issues and may have difficulty sleeping. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their work performance. They may feel pressured to perform better than others, which can lead to stress and tension. This can lead to unhealthy habits such as binge-eating or drinking.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to manage anxiety that is high functioning, but some strategies may aid. Meditation, mindfulness, and a healthy diet are some of the strategies that may help. generalized anxiety disorder can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. In the end, it is important to make sure your stress levels are under control and seek out professional therapy if you need. It can be hard for people with anxiety that is high-functioning to seek assistance since they do not want to be perceived as weak or as a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health resources that are available for online counseling. Some of these services might even be free. They could be a great alternative to in-person therapy for those who aren't able to afford traditional treatment.