Why We Why We High Functioning Anxiety Disorder And You Should Too
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear in control of their lives, or be described as "overachievers", but they're actually suffering from severe anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can cause them to be incapable of putting their thoughts to rest, sleep poorly, and affect their health. It is crucial to be aware of the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where individuals can accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are overwhelmed by a nervous energy they can't manage. They appear professional and have an active social life but are afraid of falling short in their work or falling apart under the pressure from friends and family. They never give themselves time to rest and continuously strive to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety can be masked by their accomplishments and successes but it can be a disaster for their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers may also be reluctant to seek help for their conditions because they fear it will slow them down or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their work. It's nevertheless important to recognize that you're suffering from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it can be treated.
Therapy and medication for social anxiety disorder can help people manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety. They also teach clients how to lessen their negative coping mechanisms. People who have high-functioning anxiety tend to internalize criticism and overreact. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their feelings, and accept the failure.
Anxiety can trigger self-doubt, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and a loss in motivation. It can also affect relationships and create a sense of being isolated. If you are a high achiever, it is important to seek out treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking what is severe anxiety disorder common among people who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder. They can ponder conversations long after they have ended or obsess over details that could go wrong at an upcoming 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 can cause them to overdiagnose health issues and worry that they are suffering from an illness that is serious.
These individuals set high goals and have high expectations of themselves. They feel that they will never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They are constantly working and pushing themselves to the limit and can lead to burning out and exhaustion.
People with high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can enhance their coping skills by addressing their symptoms. For instance they should get enough rest and eat nutritious meals. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants, as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions can aid in finding assistance from other people who are suffering from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is usually the first step in treating high functioning anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can help people understand the connection between their feelings and thoughts. They can teach them how to modify negative thoughts, and how to deal with anxiety disorder without medication to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. People who suffer from anxiety disorders that are high functioning could also benefit from taking medication. This includes antidepressants such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, and benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
Self-care deficiency is a symptom of anxiety that is high functioning. This can manifest in a variety of ways including not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. This could also include staying clear of situations or people that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for people with high functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need assistance, as they may view their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear of failing.
The most common sign that someone is suffering from anxiety with high functioning is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive problems. This can be followed by a decrease in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decrease in work performance or a constant feeling of anxiety. If these symptoms continue it is important to talk to a health professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to recognize them as warning signs. They should be a sign that you should seek medical attention. For example, a manager might notice that constant anxiety keeps him awake and contributing to fatigue. Students with high functioning levels of anxiety may also discover that they are losing too much sleep, which can negatively impact their grades.
You should also establish appropriate boundaries for those who take up lots of your time. This can include family members, managers, or people who want you to do more than you're able to handle. It can also include restricting stimulants, like caffeine and alcohol, which can cause anxiety symptoms.
People with high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment that is available to those with anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy), changes in lifestyle, and medication according to the severity. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and the ability to challenge or avoid negative self-talk.
Social support is lacking
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety have a knack of concealing their internal struggles. They may continue to perform their day-to-day tasks and appear to be doing well but they might not be able to deal with the anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may turn into a debilitating. They can interfere with the daily routine. It is crucial to manage stress and seek social support to help combat these symptoms. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and joining an online support group to discuss your worries with other people.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can cause many physical symptoms, including restlessness digestive issues, muscle tension headaches, fatigue, and more. Additionally, it can affect your sleep. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder gad often experience problems with relaxation and are unable to focusing on tasks at their disposal. They may also experience a constant sense of self-doubt or anxiety that they let others down.
Some patients with high-functioning anxiety may be reluctant to seek mental health services, believing that they are "not sick enough" or do not deserve the treatment. This is particularly the case for people suffering from ACEs that can have a a lasting effect on mental health.
However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for sufferers of high functioning anxiety as it helps them understand their anxiety and learn how to cope with it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can teach them how to shift their thinking and discover solutions for the future worries they have.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is common among those who have high functioning anxiety. They might also attempt to seek relief through diet changes, exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. These strategies for coping are not a long-lasting solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and can lead to substance use disorders. In addition, they can cause other health issues, such as heart issues and stomach discomfort.
While anxiety that is high-functioning can appear to be a positive characteristic however, it can also have serious repercussions. According to research, those who suffer from anxiety are more likely to have an increased risk of suffering an attack on their heart. They are more likely to experience stomach issues and sleep problems. Anxiety that is high-functioning can also affect their work performance. They may feel pressured to perform better than others which can cause stress and tension. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as binge-eating or drinking.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treat high functioning anxiety however, certain strategies could aid. Meditation, mindfulness, and a healthy diet are some of the strategies that could aid. Journals can be beneficial in helping you recognize patterns and triggers. In the end, it is important to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek professional therapy if you need. It can be hard for someone with high-functioning anxiety to ask for help because they aren't keen to be perceived as weak or as a failure. There are many mental resources, including online counseling available. Some of these services might even be free. These services are an great alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who are unable to afford them.