High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people struggle with anxiety that is high-functioning. They may appear in control of their lives, or be described as "overachievers", but they're actually suffering from intense anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can make them unable to stop thinking or sleep well, and affect their health. It's important to recognize that they need assistance, which is readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people can accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a tense energy they cannot control. They may appear professional and have a busy social life, but they are scared of failing in their job or slipping under the pressure from friends and family. They do not allow themselves to rest and constantly strive for perfection. This constant anxiety can be masked by their accomplishments and successes but can be devastating for their physical and mental well-being.
Overachievers may be reluctant to seek help for their health issues due to the fear that it could cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their efforts. It's important to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it is able to be treated.
Therapy and medication can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness building to shift negative beliefs that fuel anxiety and teach clients ways to decrease their negative ways of coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically react to criticism in a way that they internalize it, so the therapist can help them learn how to manage their feelings and accept the failures.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a loss of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and cause a feeling of loneliness. If you're an athlete it is essential to seek out treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common among those who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder. They may mull over conversations that have not ended or obsess over details that could go wrong in an future event. This can lead to constant stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more likely to hypochondria. This can cause to them to overdiagnose their health and worry they are suffering from a serious illness.
These individuals have high expectations of themselves and set high-stakes goals. They believe that they'll never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They are always working and pushing themselves to the limits and can lead to burning out and exhaustion.
In addition to therapy, individuals who have high functioning anxiety can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance, they should try to get enough rest and eat an appropriate diet. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. In addition they can seek out support from people who are suffering from anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is often the first step to treat anxiety that is high functioning, specifically 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 show them how to change negative thought patterns, and how to respond to stressful situations more effectively. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety may also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants like selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines are used to relieve acute symptoms.
Insufficient self-care
A hallmark of high functioning anxiety is a lack of self-care. It can manifest in many ways including not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. This can also include staying clear of situations or people that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, since they may view their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear of failure.
The most common sign that someone is suffering from anxiety with high functioning is a physical one that is a chronic headache or digestive problems. This can be associated with a lack of interest in hobbies or work, or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms continue it's crucial to talk to a doctor.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is essential to recognize them as warning signs. They are a signal that you should seek medical treatment. For instance executives may discover that their constant worry is preventing them from sleeping well and contributing to fatigue and a weak immune system. Students with high levels of anxiety could notice that they're losing too much sleep, which can affect their grades.
It is also crucial to establish healthy boundaries with those in your life who expect lots of your time. This can include managers, family, and friends who want you to take on more than you are able to handle. Limiting stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger anxiety and can cause anxiety, can help.
Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same way as other individuals with anxiety disorders are. This is through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. 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 at securing their internal struggles. They carry on with their obligations and appear successful on the outside, but may be unable to cope with their feelings of anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may become debilitating. They can hinder everyday activities. To help combat these symptoms, it is essential to seek out support from others and employ stress management techniques. The practice of journaling, avoiding coffee and joining support groups to discuss your worries are all excellent ways to combat these symptoms.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and may cause many physical symptoms like restlessness, muscular tension, digestive issues headaches, fatigue, and more. It can also affect your sleep. People with high functioning anxiety typically experience problems with relaxation and have a hard time staying focused on the task at their disposal. They may also feel an overwhelming feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they are falling short of others.
Certain patients with high-functioning anxiety are unwilling to seek out mental health care because they believe that they are "not sick enough" or don't deserve the treatment. This is especially true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have long-lasting consequences for mental health.
However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for those suffering from high functioning anxiety as it helps them comprehend their anxiety and figure out how to cope with it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as medication like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options for treatment. CBT assists patients in recognizing and alter their thinking patterns. It can teach them how to reframe thoughts and find solutions to any future issues they face.
Drugs and alcohol addiction
People suffering from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often use drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Other methods of relief include dietary changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. These coping mechanisms don't provide a lasting solution. They could actually worsen anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. Additionally, they may lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and stomach distress.
High-functioning anxiety is often seen as an excellent trait. However, it can also have serious consequences. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at a higher risk of having a cardiac event. They are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their performance at work. They may feel pressured to perform better than others, which can lead to anxiety and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating or drinking.
There isn't disorders anxiety -size-fits-all approach to manage anxiety that is high functioning however, certain strategies could aid. Meditation, mindfulness and a healthy diet are some strategies that can help. A journal can be useful to identify patterns and triggers. It is also important to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek professional help should you require it. It can be hard for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to ask for help because they aren't keen to be perceived as weak or as a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health services available, including online counseling. Some of these services could even be free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person treatments for those who are unable to afford traditional services.