High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear to be happy and content, or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they struggle with severe stress and anxiety.

They can’t stop thinking, they may not sleep well and their health suffers because of stress. It is important to recognize that they need help, and it’s readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.

Overachievers

High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people can be productive and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a tense energy they can’t manage. They may appear professional and have a lively social life but are afraid of failing at their job or falling apart under the pressure from family and friends. They don’t allow themselves to rest and constantly strive for perfection. This constant stress is often hidden by their successes and accomplishments, but it can be detrimental to their mental and physical health.

Overachievers can also be unwilling to seek treatment for their condition because they are afraid that it could slow them down or hinder their career. They don’t want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. It’s nevertheless important to recognize that you suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning and know that it is treatable.

Talk therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to shift negative beliefs that fuel anxiety. They also teach clients how to lessen their negative strategies for coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically overreact to criticism and accept it as a fact, and they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their emotions and learn to accept failure.

Anxiety can lead to self-doubt, and can lead to sleep disturbances, digestive problems and a lack of motivation. It can also affect relationships and cause a feeling of isolation. If you are an athlete it is essential to seek out treatment for anxiety disorders.

Overthinking

People who have high functioning anxiety disorders are more likely to think too much. They can ponder conversations that have not ended or obsess over details that could go wrong at an future event. This can cause chronic anxiety and stress. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety are also more likely to hypochondria. This can lead them to overdiagnose their health and worry they have a serious illness.

They have high expectations for themselves and set very demanding goals. They are convinced that they’ll never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They’re always testing their limits, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.

In addition to therapy, people who have anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For example, they should try to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants, as they can trigger anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions may aid in finding assistance from other people who are suffering from anxiety.

Psychotherapy is the first step in treating high functioning anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapy can aid people in understanding the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are linked. They can also help them learn how to change negative thinking patterns and respond to stressful situations in more efficient ways. Additionally, people who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from medications. Antidepressants like selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines can be used to relieve acute symptoms.

Insufficient self-care

Lack of self-care is a sign of high functioning anxiety. This can take many forms including not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. It can also mean staying clear of situations or people that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for people with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require assistance, as they may view their anxiety as positive traits, like perfectionism or fear of failure.

Often, the first indication that an individual has anxiety with high functioning is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive problems. This may be coupled with an absence of enthusiasm for activities or work, or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms persist it is crucial to talk to a healthcare professional.

Even if the symptoms are mild, they should be treated as warning signs and a signal to seek treatment. For example, an executive may find that their constant stress is hindering their sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weak immune system. A student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they’re losing too much sleep, and it’s negatively impacting their performance.

You should also establish limits for people who take up lots of your time. This could include managers, family, and people who want you to do more than you’re able to handle. It could also mean limiting stimulants, such as alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to anxiety-related symptoms.

Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that people with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications 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.

Lack of social support

Many people with high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They can continue to do their everyday tasks and appear successful, but they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If left untreated these issues can become debilitating and interfere with everyday activities. To alleviate these symptoms, it’s essential to seek out support from others and practice stress management techniques. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and attending a support group to share your concerns with others.

Anxiety can be difficult to manage. It can cause various physical symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, stomach issues and fatigue. In addition, it can influence your sleep. People with high functioning levels of anxiety may have difficulty relaxing and concentrating on the task at hand. They may also experience an unending feeling of self-doubt or fear that they are letting others down.

In some instances, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment because they feel that they are not „sick enough” or do not deserve it. This is particularly relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) which can have lasting effects on mental health.

Treatment is beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning as it allows them to better understand their anxiety and understand how to deal with it. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options for treatment. CBT assists patients to change their thinking patterns and recognize their distortions. It can teach them how to reframe thoughts and find solutions for the future worries they have.

Addiction to alcohol and drugs

People suffering from high functioning anxiety often utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a means of self-medicating. They may also get relief by dietary changes, exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. These coping strategies don’t provide a lasting solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems like heart problems and digestive discomfort.

The presence of anxiety in high-functioning individuals can appear to be an excellent trait. However, it can have grave consequences. According to research, people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to be at a higher chance of having an attack on their heart. They are more likely to experience stomach issues and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their work performance. They might feel pressured to perform better than others, which can lead to anxiety and stress. This can also cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking and eating too much.

There is no single solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, certain strategies can be helpful. Meditation, mindfulness, and a healthy diet are some strategies that can help. Journals can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to make sure your stress levels are under control and seek out professional therapy if needed. It can be hard for someone with high-functioning anxiety to seek help because they don’t want to be seen as weak or as a failure. There are many mental resources, such as online counseling available. Some of these services could even be completely free. These services are an excellent alternatives to traditional in-person therapies for those who can’t afford them.