High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people struggle with high functioning anxiety. They might appear to be in a good mood, or even be called overachievers. But underneath, they are struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.
They are constantly thinking about their thoughts, they may not sleep well and their health suffers due to stress. It is essential to recognize the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where people can accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a fearful energy that they are unable to control. They may appear professional and have a lively social life but are afraid of failing at their job or slipping under the pressure of family and friends. They never take time to relax, and constantly strive for perfection. The constant anxiety can be masked by successes and achievements but it can be devastating to their mental and physical health.
Overachievers may also be unwilling to take care of their health issues, as they fear that it will slow them or hinder their career. They don't want to let anyone down particularly those who have praised their hard work. It is important to recognize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it is able to be treated.
Therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change irrational beliefs that feed anxiety and help clients learn to reduce their negative ways of coping. People with high-functioning anxieties often take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their emotions, and to accept failure.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a loss in motivation. It can also affect relationships and create an isolation. If you're a high-achieving person it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People who have high functioning anxiety disorders are often prone to overthinking. They might ponder conversations long after the conversation has ended, or worry about things that could go wrong in an upcoming situation. This can lead to constant anxiety and stress. It can also affect sleep and concentration. type of anxiety disorder who suffer from high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This could cause them to overdiagnose health issues and be concerned that they may be suffering from a serious illness.
They set high standards and have high expectations of themselves. They believe that they'll never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They are always working and pushing themselves to the limits which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
In addition to therapy, individuals who have high functioning anxiety can enhance their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for example, try to get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. Limit caffeine and other stimulants that may cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. Additionally they can seek help from other people who suffer from anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is usually the first step to treat high functioning anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapy can aid people in understanding the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are connected. They can also help them learn how to change negative thinking patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety may also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines can be utilized to alleviate acute symptoms.
Insufficient self-care
A common symptom of anxiety that is high functioning is a lack of self-care. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. This can also include staying clear of situations or people that cause anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need assistance, as they tend to see their anxiety as positive traits, like perfectionism or fear of failure.
The first sign of anxiety that is high functioning can be a physical symptom, such as chronic migraines or digestive issues. This can be followed by a decline in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decrease in performance at work, or a constant sense of unease. If these symptoms continue, it is important to consult a medical professional.
Even if symptoms appear mild, it is essential to treat them as red flags. They should be a warning sign that you require medical care. For instance, a supervisor might notice that constant anxiety hinders him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. A student with high functioning levels of anxiety might discover that they are losing too much sleep, which can affect their grades.
You should also set healthy boundaries for people who demand lots of your time. This could include family members, friends, or managers who demand you to do more than you can handle. It can also include restricting stimulants, like alcohol and caffeine, which can cause anxiety symptoms.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety can benefit from the same treatment that is available to people suffering from anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and lifestyle changes, and medications according to the severity. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their internal struggles. They are able to continue to perform their obligations and appear successful on outside, but are not able to handle their feelings of anxiety. If not addressed the anxiety can become chronic and hinder daily functions. To alleviate these symptoms, it is crucial to seek out social support and implement stress management strategies. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an online support group to discuss your concerns with others.
Anxiety is difficult to manage. It can cause a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, stomach problems and fatigue. Additionally, it can affect your sleep. People who have high levels of anxiety may have difficulty relaxing and concentrating on the task at the moment. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt or anxiety that they've are letting others down.
Some high-functioning anxiety patients are reluctant to seek mental health services, believing that they are "not sick enough" or don't deserve the care. This is especially true for those with ACEs, which can have an impact on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers because it helps them better understand their anxiety and learn how to cope with it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients recognize and alter their thinking patterns. It can also teach the patient to reframe their thinking and find solutions to the concerns they have about the future.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
People who suffer with anxiety that is high functioning frequently take alcohol and drugs as a way to self-medicate. Other options for relief include diet, exercise or decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not a long-term solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and lead to addiction disorders. Additionally, they may cause other health issues, such as heart issues and stomach distress.
Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive trait however, it can also cause serious harm. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at a higher chance of suffering from a cardiac event. They are also more likely to suffer from digestive issues and may have trouble sleeping. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their performance at work. They may feel a need to perform better than other people and this can lead to anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as binge-eating or drinking.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to manage anxiety that is high functioning However, some strategies can aid. Some include meditating, focusing on mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. Journals can be beneficial in helping you spot patterns and triggers. Also, you must try to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek professional therapy if needed. Certain people who have high-functioning anxiety are hesitant to ask for help because they don't want to appear weak or unprofessional. There are a lot of mental health resources that are available, including online counseling. Some of these services are free. These services could be an great alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who can't afford them.