The Main Issue With High Functioning Anxiety Disorder, And How You Can Repair It
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They might appear to be happy and content, or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they struggle with anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can cause them to be incapable of putting their thoughts to rest or sleep well, and affect their health. It is essential to acknowledge the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people can work and meet deadlines but are overwhelmed by a fearful energy they can't manage. They appear professional and maintain an active social life, but within they fear they'll fail at their jobs or crumble under the pressure of their family and friends. They never take time to relax, and constantly strive for perfection. This constant anxiety is often disguised by achievements and successes but it can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers may be reluctant to seek help for their condition because they fear it will slow them down or damage their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. It is important to recognize that you are suffering from anxiety with high-functioning and that it can be treated.
The use of medication and talk therapy can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists use techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift irrational belief that feed anxiety, and teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to overreact to criticism and internalize it, so they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their emotions and learn to accept the failures.
Anxiety can trigger self-doubt, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and a loss of motivation. It can also affect relationships and create an sense of loneliness. If you are an athlete it is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common among those who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder. They may ruminate on conversations that continue long after the conversation is over, or obsess about details that could get out of hand in an upcoming situation. This can lead to constant stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria. This could cause them to misdiagnose health problems and fear that they might be suffering from a serious illness.
They have high expectations of themselves and set high-stakes goals. They feel that they'll never achieve perfection, regardless of the positive feedback. They are constantly working and pushing themselves beyond their limits and can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can improve their coping abilities by managing their symptoms. They should, for example take the time to get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet. Reduce the intake of caffeine and other stimulants that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Additionally they can seek help from other people who suffer from anxiety by attending therapy sessions in groups.
Psychotherapy is typically the first step to treat anxiety disorders that are high-functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of treatments can help people to understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can teach them how they can alter negative thinking patterns and how to react to stressful situations more efficiently. In addition, those who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from medications. 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
A common symptom of anxiety with high functioning is an inability to take care of yourself. This can manifest in a variety of ways from not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. It could also be a matter of avoiding places or people that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It is often difficult for someone who suffers from anxiety that is high functioning to realize that they require help, as they tend to think of their anxiety as positive attributes such as perfectionists or fear.
The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning can be a physical symptom, such as chronic migraines or digestive issues. 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 persist it is essential to talk to a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is essential to recognize them as warning signs. They are a signal that you require medical care. For example, a manager might notice that constant anxiety is preventing him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. A student with high functioning levels of anxiety might find that they lose too much sleep, which can adversely affect their academic performance.
It is also important to establish limits for people who are demanding a lot of your time. This can include family members, managers, and friends who would like you to take on more than you are capable of handling. It could also be a matter of restricting stimulants, like alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same manner that people with anxiety disorders are. This is through psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and the ability to challenge or avoid negative self-talk.
Social isolation
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their internal struggles. They may continue to perform their everyday tasks and appear to be doing well 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 the daily routine. To alleviate these symptoms, it is essential to seek out support from others and practice stress management techniques. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and attending an online support group to discuss your worries with other people.
Anxiety can be a challenge to manage and can cause an array of physical symptoms including restlessness, muscular tension, digestive issues headaches, fatigue, and more. Additionally, it can influence your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety may have difficulty getting their attention off the task at the moment. They might also feel an unending feeling of self-doubt or fear that they've are letting others down.
In some cases those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to acknowledge their need for mental health treatment because they feel that they aren't "sick enough" or are not worthy of the treatment. This is especially the case for people suffering from ACEs which can have a an impact on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to people with high functioning anxiety as it allows them to understand their anxiety better and discover ways to deal with it. Treatment options include talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication like selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients in recognizing and change their thinking patterns. It can also teach the patient to reframe their thinking and discover solutions to the worries they have regarding the future.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common among people who suffer from anxiety disorder s that cause high functioning. Other options for relief include diet, exercise or decaf coffee. But these strategies for coping are not the best long-term solution. They can actually worsen their anxiety symptoms and lead to substance abuse disorders. In addition, they can lead to other health problems like heart problems and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be an excellent trait. However, it can have serious consequences. According to researchers, those who are anxious are more likely to be at a higher risk of having heart attacks. They are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their work performance. They may feel the need to perform better than other people, which can lead to stress and tension. This could result in unhealthy habits such as drinking and eating too much.
There isn't a universal solution to manage anxiety that is high functioning, but some strategies may help. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and an appropriate diet are just a few of the strategies that may help. Using a journal can also be helpful to recognize patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are in control and seek professional help when needed. Certain people who have high-functioning anxiety find it difficult to ask for help since they do not want to appear weak or unprofessional. There are a lot of mental health resources that are available that offer online counseling. Some of these services might even be free. These services can be an excellent alternatives to traditional in-person treatments for those who are unable to afford them.