5 Killer Quora Answers On High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people struggle with anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They might appear to be happy and content, or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they are struggling with extreme stress and anxiety disorders resources.
They can't stop thinking, they may not sleep well, and their health suffers due to stress. It is crucial to be aware of the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are available.
Overachievers
People with high functioning anxiety are able to perform their jobs and meet deadlines, but they're often engulfed by a nervous energy that they can't control. They present a professional exterior and lead a busy social life, but inside they are terrified that they'll fail their jobs or fall apart under the pressure of their family and friends. They don't have time to rest, and they are always striving for perfection. This constant anxiety may be disguised by their successes and achievements but it can be a disaster for their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers may also be unwilling to seek treatment for their conditions because they are afraid that it could slow them down or hurt their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their work. It's nevertheless important to recognize that you suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning and know that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to alter negative beliefs that fuel anxiety and teach clients ways to decrease their negative strategies for coping. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to overreact to criticism and accept it as a fact, and the therapist can help them learn how to manage their feelings and accept failure.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and a loss of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and cause a sense of loneliness. If you're a high-achieving person it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People who have high functioning anxiety disorder are more likely to think too much. They might think about conversations long after the conversation has ended, or fret about details that could go wrong in an upcoming situation. This can lead to chronic anxiety and stress. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety are also more likely to hypochondria. This can lead to them to overdiagnose their health and worry they are suffering from a serious illness.
They set high standards and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel like they are always failing and will never reach perfection. They're always testing their limits, which could lead to exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance, they should try to get enough sleep and adhere to a healthy diet. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants, which can trigger anxiety symptoms. Additionally, they can seek support from people who are suffering from anxiety by attending therapy sessions in groups.
Psychotherapy is the first step to treating anxiety that is high functioning. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can aid people in understanding the relationship between their feelings and thoughts. They can teach them how to cope with anxiety disorder without medication they can alter negative thinking patterns, and how to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. People who have high functioning anxiety may also benefit from 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 common symptom of high functioning anxiety is a lack of self-care. This can manifest in a variety of ways including not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. This could also include avoiding people or situations that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone who suffers from high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help since they may think of their anxiety as positive characteristics like perfectionists or fear.
The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning can be a physical symptom like chronic migraines or digestive issues. It can be followed by a decline in interest in hobbies, poor work performance or a constant feeling of unease. If the symptoms persist it is crucial to talk to a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to consider them warning signs. They should be a warning sign that you require medical attention. For instance an executive might find that their constant stress is preventing them from sleeping well and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may discover that they're losing too much sleep, and it's negatively impacting their performance.
It is also crucial to set healthy boundaries with people in your life who require an excessive amount of time from you. This includes family members, friends, or managers who want you take on more than you can manage. It could also be a matter of restricting stimulants, like caffeine and alcohol, which can cause anxiety-related symptoms.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety can benefit from the same treatment options as those suffering from anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) as well as lifestyle changes, and medications dependent on the severity. This can include practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Lack of severe social anxiety disorder support
Many people with high functioning anxiety are adept at concealing their internal struggles. They carry on with their obligations and appear successful on outside, but may be unable to cope with the anxiety they feel. If they are not treated these issues can become chronic and disrupt the daily activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it is crucial to seek out social support and implement stress management strategies. Writing, avoiding coffee, and attending support groups to share your concerns are all good strategies to fight these symptoms.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage. It can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, restlessness, digestive problems and fatigue. Additionally, it can affect your sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety typically experience difficulties in relaxing and are unable to paying attention to the tasks at hand. They may also feel an unending sense of self-doubt and fear that they are falling short of others.
Some high-functioning anxiety patients are not inclined to seek mental health care, believing that they are "not sick enough" or do not deserve the care. This is particularly true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have lasting impacts on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial for anxious people who have high functioning as it allows them to understand their anxiety disorder treatments at home better and discover ways to cope with it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with medication like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options to treat. CBT assists patients in recognizing and alter their thinking patterns. It can teach them how to shift their thinking and discover solutions to any future issues they have.
Turning to drugs and alcohol
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common among those who have high functioning anxiety. Other methods of relief include diet changes, exercise or decaf coffee. These coping strategies don't provide a lasting solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and can lead to substance use disorders. Additionally, they may cause other health issues like heart problems and stomach distress.
While high-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive characteristic however, it can also have serious consequences. According to research, those who are anxious are more likely to be at an increased risk of having heart attacks. They are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues and sleep problems. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their performance at work. They might feel pressured to perform better than other people and this can lead to anxiety and stress. This can result in unhealthy habits such as drinking and eating too much.
There is no single solution to high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can help. Some of them include meditation, practicing mindfulness and eating a balanced diet. A journal can be helpful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Also, you must try to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek out professional therapy if you need. People with high-functioning anxiety have a difficult time asking for help since they don't want to appear weak or incompetent. Fortunately, there are many mental health services available for online counseling. Some of these services may even be completely free. These services can be an great alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who cannot pay for them.