What's Holding Back The High Functioning Anxiety Disorder Industry
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people struggle with anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear in control of their lives, or be referred to as "overachievers" however they're actually struggling with severe anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking, sleep poorly, and affect their health. It's important to recognize that they need help, and it's readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.
Overachievers
People who have high functioning anxiety are able work and meet deadlines, however they are often overwhelmed by a fearful energy they can't manage. They appear professional and have a busy social life, but they are scared of falling short in their work or slipping under the pressure of friends and family. They do not allow themselves to rest and continuously strive to be the best they can be. This constant stress can be masked by their achievements and successes but can be devastating for their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers might also be reluctant to seek assistance for their conditions due to the fear that it could cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They do not want to disappoint anyone particularly those who have praised them for their dedication to their work. It is important to recognize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to alter the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety. They also teach clients how to decrease their negative strategies for coping. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to overreact to criticism and internalize it, so the therapist can help them learn how to manage their feelings and become more accepting of the failures.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt and may cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a lack motivation. panic anxiety disorder can also destroy relationships and create a sense of isolation. If you're an athlete, it's essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common among those with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They can ponder conversations long after they have ended or worry about details that could go wrong in an future event. This can cause chronic anxiety and stress. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria. This could cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and fear that they might be suffering from a serious illness.
They have high expectations for themselves and set very demanding goals. Despite the positive feedback they receive, they feel as though they're never achieving their goals and never getting to the point of the level of perfection. They are always working and pushing themselves beyond their limits and can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
In addition to therapy, those who suffer from high functioning anxiety can enhance their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance they should get enough sleep and adhere to nutritious meals. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions can also help them find assistance from other people who suffer from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is often the first step in treating anxiety disorders that are high-functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can help people to understand the connection between their feelings and thoughts. They can help them understand how to alter negative thinking patterns and how to react to stressful situations more efficiently. People who suffer from anxiety disorders that are high functioning could also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants like selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines may be utilized to alleviate acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
Lack of self-care is a sign of high functioning anxiety. It can manifest in many ways, from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It could also mean avoiding people or places that trigger anxiety. It can be a challenge for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to recognize that they require assistance, as they may view their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear of failing.
Often, the first sign that an individual has anxiety that is high functioning is a physical one that is a chronic headache or digestive problems. This is followed by a decline in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decline in work performance, or a constant sense of anxiety. If these symptoms continue it's crucial to talk to a health professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild it is important to treat them as red flags and a signal to seek treatment. For example an executive might find that their constant worry is hindering their sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. A student with high functioning anxiety might find that they're losing too much sleep and it is negatively impacting their performance.
It is also important to establish healthy boundaries with those in your life who require a lot of your time. This includes family members, friends, or managers who would like you to do more than you can manage. It could also mean restricting stimulants, like alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that other individuals with anxiety disorders are. This is through psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and the ability to challenge or avoid negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their inner struggles. They can continue to do their everyday tasks and appear to be successful however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If left untreated, the anxiety may turn into a debilitating. They can interfere with everyday activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it's crucial to seek out social support and implement stress management strategies. Writing, avoiding coffee, and joining support groups to discuss your concerns are all good strategies to fight these symptoms.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can trigger a wide range of physical symptoms like restlessness, muscular tension, digestive issues headaches, fatigue, and restlessness. Additionally, it can affect your sleep. People who have high levels of anxiety may have difficulty getting their attention off the task at the moment. They may also experience a constant feeling of self-doubt or anxiety that they let others down.
Some high-functioning anxiety patients are reluctant to seek mental health care because they believe that they are "not sick enough" or do not merit the care. This is particularly relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have lasting effects on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for sufferers of high functioning anxiety as it helps them understand their anxiety and learn how to manage it. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options for treatment. CBT helps patients recognize and alter their thinking patterns. It can also help patients to change their thinking and discover solutions to the worries they have regarding the future.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
People suffering from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a way to self-medicate. Other methods of relief include dietary changes, exercise or decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not the best long-term solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. They can also lead to other health issues, such as digestive distress and heart problems.
While high-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive characteristic however, it can also have serious consequences. According to researchers, those who experience anxiety are more likely to have an increased risk of having an attack on their heart. They are more likely to have stomach issues and sleep problems. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their performance at work. They may feel the need 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 universal solution to manage anxiety that is high functioning, but some strategies may help. Meditation, mindfulness, and a healthy diet are some of the strategies that could help. Using a journal can also be beneficial in helping you identify patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional therapy if needed. Some people with high-functioning anxieties have a difficult time asking for help since they do not want to appear weak or incompetent. There are a variety of mental resources, such as online counseling, accessible. Some of these services could even be completely free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person therapy for individuals who are unable to afford traditional services.