High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of individuals struggle with high functioning anxiety. They may appear in control of their lives, or be described as “overachievers” however they’re actually suffering from intense anxiety and stress.
They don’t stop thinking, they may not sleep well and their health suffers due to stress. It is important to recognize that they need assistance, which is readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
People who have high functioning anxiety are able work and meet deadlines, but they’re often engulfed by a nervous energy that they can’t manage. They appear professional and have a lively social life, but are terrified of failing at their job or slipping under the pressure from family and friends. They don’t allow themselves to rest and are constantly striving to be the best they can be. This constant stress is often 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 conditions because they fear it will hinder or harm their career. They don’t want to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their work. It’s nevertheless important to recognize that you’re suffering from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it is treatable.
Talk therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to alter negative beliefs that fuel anxiety and help clients learn to decrease their negative strategies for coping. People with high-functioning anxiety often overreact to criticism and internalize it, so the therapist can help them learn how to manage their emotions and learn to accept failing.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt, digestion issues, sleep disturbances and a loss of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and create an sense of loneliness. If you’re an athlete, it’s essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common among people with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They might ponder conversations even after the conversation has ended, or worry about things that could go awry in a forthcoming situation. This can lead to anxiety and stress that lasts for a long time. 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 worry they have a serious illness.
They have high expectations for themselves and set high-stakes goals. They feel that they’ll never reach perfection, despite positive feedback. They’re always pushing themselves to the limit, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, those who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance, they should take the time to get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Additionally they can seek out support from other people who suffer from anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is usually the first step in treating high functioning anxiety disorders in adults, particularly cognitive behavioral 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 also teach them how to change negative thought patterns and respond to stressful situations in more effective ways. In addition, those who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines are utilized to alleviate acute anxiety disorder symptoms.
Lack of self-care
One of the most common signs of high functioning anxiety is a lack of self-care. This can manifest in a variety of ways from not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. It could also mean avoiding people or places that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for a person with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they need help because they may consider their anxiety as positive traits like perfectionists or fear.
Often, the first sign that an individual has anxiety with high functioning is physical like chronic headaches or digestive problems. This can be followed by a loss of enthusiasm for hobbies, a decline in performance at work, or a constant sense of anxiety. If these symptoms continue, it’s important to speak to a doctor.
Even if the symptoms are mild and not serious, they should be viewed as warning signs and a signal to seek treatment. For instance, a manager may find that constant worry hinders him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. Similarly, a student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they’re losing too much sleep and it is affecting their academic performance.
It is also important to establish limits for people who take up a lot of your time. This can include family members, managers, or people who want you to do more than you are capable of handling. It could also mean the restriction of stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, both of which can cause anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that people with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety have a knack of hiding their internal struggles. They can continue to do their daily tasks and appear to be successful however they may not be able to deal with the anxiety. If not addressed the anxiety can become chronic and hinder daily functions. It is essential to manage stress and seek out social support to manage these symptoms. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining a support group to share your concerns with other people.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and may cause a wide range of physical symptoms including restlessness, muscular tension, digestive issues headaches, fatigue, and more. Additionally, it can affect how you sleep. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety typically experience difficulties in relaxing and what are the 6 types of anxiety disorders unable to paying attention to the tasks at hand. They may also feel an overwhelming feeling of self-doubt or fear that they are doing something wrong for others.
In some cases those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to recognize their need for treatment because they believe they aren’t “sick enough” or that they are not worthy of it. This is particularly relevant for those suffering from ACEs which can have a a lasting effect on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to high functioning anxiety sufferers as it allows them to better understand their anxiety and understand how to cope with it. Treatment options include talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients in recognizing and alter their thinking patterns. It can help them learn to reframe thoughts and find solutions to the problems they have.
Alcohol and drugs addiction
People suffering from high functioning anxiety often utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a way to self-medicate. Other methods of relief include diet and exercise, or decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not a long-term solution. They could actually worsen anxiety symptoms and result in substance abuse disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems like heart problems and digestive discomfort.
Anxiety that is high-functioning is often seen as an excellent trait. However, it can also have grave consequences. According to research, people who are anxious are more likely to have a higher chance of suffering heart attacks. They are more likely to experience digestive problems and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their performance at work. They might feel pressured to perform better than others which can cause anxiety and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating or drinking.
There isn’t a single solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, certain strategies can help. Some include meditating, practicing mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. A journal can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek professional help when needed. It can be difficult for people with high-functioning anxiety to ask for assistance because they aren’t keen to be perceived as weak or as a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health services available for online counseling. Some of these services are even free. These services could be an great alternative to traditional in-person therapies for those who can’t afford them.
