15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They might appear to be happy and content, or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they struggle with anxiety and stress.
They don't stop thinking They may not be able to sleep well, and their health suffers because of stress. It's important to recognize that they require help, which is available in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where people are able to work and meet deadlines but are consumed by a tense energy they can't control. They appear professional and live a full social life, but within they are terrified that they'll fail in their job or fall apart under the pressure of friends and family. They don't allow themselves to rest and continuously strive to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety may be disguised by their accomplishments and successes but it can be a disaster for their physical and mental health.
Overachievers can also be reluctant to seek treatment for their conditions because they are afraid that it will slow them or hurt their career. They aren't looking to let anyone down particularly those who have praised their hard work. It's important to realize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it is able to 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 shift the belief system that feeds anxiety, and teach clients to lessen their negative coping mechanism. People who have high-functioning anxiety tend to react to criticism internally and then overreact. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their emotions, and to accept their failures.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt, and can lead to insomnia, digestive issues, and a lack of motivation. It can also cause a breakdown in relationships and lead to feeling of isolation. If you're a high-achieving person it's crucial to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People with high functioning anxiety disorder tend to be overthinking. They may mull over conversations long after they have ended or worry about issues that could go wrong during an upcoming event. This can lead chronic stress and anxiety. It can also affect the quality of sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This could cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and worry that they are suffering from an illness that is serious.
They have high expectations of themselves and set extremely demanding goals. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they're always failing and never getting to the point of the level of perfection. They work constantly and are pushing themselves to the limits, which can result in exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, individuals who suffer from high functioning anxiety can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For example they should get enough sleep and eat an appropriate diet. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Additionally they can seek out support from people who are suffering from anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is often the first step in treating anxiety that is high functioning, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapy are able to help people understand the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are connected. They can help them understand how to modify negative thoughts and how to react to stressful situations more effectively. Additionally, people with high functioning anxiety can benefit from taking medication. This can include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, and benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
A hallmark of anxiety that is high functioning is an inability to take care of yourself. This can take many forms, ranging from not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. It can also mean avoiding people or situations that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, as they often view their anxiety as a positive trait, like perfectionism or fear of failing.
The most common sign that an individual has anxiety with high functioning is physical that is a chronic headache or digestive problems. This can be associated with an absence of enthusiasm for hobbies or work, or the feeling of being uneasy on a regular basis. If these symptoms continue it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms are moderate, it is crucial to consider them red flags. They should be a sign that you need to seek medical care. For instance executives may discover that their constant stress is making it difficult for them to sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. A student who has high functioning levels of anxiety could discover that they are losing too much sleep, which could negatively impact their grades.
It is also important to establish healthy boundaries for people who are demanding lots of your time. This includes family members, friends, or managers who want you do more than you are able to manage. It can also include limiting stimulants, such as alcohol and caffeine, both of which can cause anxiety symptoms.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety can benefit from the same treatment that is available to those suffering from anxiety disorder s. 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.
Social isolation
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled at securing their internal struggles. They continue to fulfill their obligations and appear successful on the outside, but they may be struggling to manage their anxiety-related feelings. If they are not treated the anxiety can become chronic and disrupt everyday activities. It is essential to manage stress and seek out support from friends to help combat these symptoms. Writing, avoiding coffee, and attending support groups to share your worries are all great strategies to fight these symptoms.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage and can trigger many physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems headaches, fatigue, and more. It can also affect your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety have trouble in focusing and relaxing for the task at hand. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they're doing something wrong for others.
In some cases, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment because they believe that they are not "sick enough" or do not deserve the treatment. This is especially true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) which can have lasting impacts on mental health.
Treatment can be beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning, as it helps them better understand their anxiety and understand how to deal with it. Treatment options include talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as medication like selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients identify and change their thinking patterns. It can help them learn to reframe thoughts and find solutions to any future issues they have.
Alcohol and drugs addiction
People suffering with anxiety that is high functioning frequently utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a means of self-medicating. Other options for relief include diet changes and exercise, or decaf coffee. These coping mechanisms do not provide a lasting solution. They can actually worsen their anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. Additionally, they may lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and stomach discomfort.
High-functioning anxiety can appear to be an excellent trait. However, it can have serious consequences. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at greater risk of having a cardiac event. They are also more likely to develop gastrointestinal problems and may have trouble sleeping. High-functioning anxiety may also affect their performance at work. They may feel a need to perform better than other people, which can cause tension and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits such as drinking excessively or binge eating.
There isn't one solution to high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can be helpful. Meditation, mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet are a few of the strategies that may help. Journals can be helpful to recognize patterns and triggers. You should also make sure that your stress levels are in control and seek out professional help if necessary. It can be hard for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to seek help because they aren't keen to be perceived as weak or as a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health resources available for online counseling. Some of these services are even free. They are a viable alternative to in-person therapy for individuals who are unable to afford traditional treatment.