Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear in control of their lives, or be labeled "overachievers" however they're actually suffering from intense anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking, sleep poorly, and have a negative impact on their health. It's important to recognize that they require help, which is readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where people are able to be productive and meet deadlines, but are engulfed by a fearful energy that they are unable to control. They present a professional exterior and lead a busy social life, but inside they are terrified that they'll fail in their job or collapse under the pressure of their family and friends. They don't allow themselves to rest and are constantly striving to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety can be masked by their achievements and successes but can be devastating for their physical and mental health.
Overachievers may be hesitant to seek help for their health issues due to the fear that it could slow them down or damage their career. They don't want to let anyone down, especially those who have praised their efforts. It's nevertheless important to recognize that you suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning and understand that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medication can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to shift the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety and help clients learn to reduce their negative coping mechanisms. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to react to criticism in a way that they take it in, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their emotions and accept failing.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a loss in motivation. It can also affect relationships and cause a feeling of loneliness. If you're a high achiever It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common medications for anxiety disorders among those with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They might ponder conversations that have not concluded or worry about the things that could go wrong during an future event. This can lead to anxiety and stress that lasts for a long time. It can also interfere with sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria. This can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and be concerned that they may be suffering from an illness that is serious.
They set themselves high-level goals and have high expectations of themselves. They believe that they'll never reach perfection, despite the positive feedback. They're always working and pushing themselves to the limit, which could lead to 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 get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger anxiety symptoms. Additionally they can anxiety disorder Cause high blood pressure seek out support from people who are suffering from anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is the first step towards treating high functioning anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can aid people in understanding the relationship between their thoughts and feelings. They can show them how to alter negative thinking patterns and how to react to stressful situations more effectively. People with anxiety that is high functioning may benefit from medication. This includes antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, as well as benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
Self-care deficiency is a symptom of high functioning anxiety. This can take many forms, from not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. This could also include avoidance of people or situations that cause anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone who suffers from high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help since they tend to think of their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear.
The first sign of anxiety that is high functioning may be a physical manifestation that is chronic migraines or digestive issues. This may be associated with an absence of interest in hobbies or work or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms continue, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to recognize them as warning signs. They should be a warning sign that you need to seek medical attention. For instance, a supervisor may find that constant worry keeps him awake and contributing to fatigue. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may find that they are unable to get much sleep, and it's affecting their academic performance.
You should also set healthy boundaries for people who demand lots of your time. This includes family members, friends, or managers who want you do more than you can handle. It could also mean the restriction of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety-related symptoms.
Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that others suffering from anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This means practicing mindfulness, learning to cultivate self-compassion, and avoiding or challenging negative self-talk.
Social support is lacking
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled in securing their inner struggles. They can continue to do their daily tasks and appear to be successful but they might not be able to deal with the anxiety. If left untreated, the anxiety may become debilitating. They can interfere with everyday activities. To help combat these symptoms, it is essential to seek out support from others and employ stress management techniques. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and attending a support group to share your worries with others.
Anxiety can be a challenge to manage and may cause an array of physical symptoms like restlessness, digestive issues, muscle tension headaches, fatigue, and restlessness. It can also affect your sleep. People with high functioning levels of anxiety have difficulty getting their attention off the task at the moment. They may also experience an overwhelming feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they are letting others down.
In some instances people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to recognize their need for treatment because they feel that they aren't "sick enough" or that they are not worthy of it. This is particularly the case for people suffering from ACEs that can have a a lasting effect on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for high functioning severe anxiety disorder sufferers because it helps them better understand their anxiety and how to cope with it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options to treat. CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and recognize their distortions. It can also help patients to change their thinking and discover solutions to worries they have about the future.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common for people who suffer from anxiety disorders that cause high functioning. Other options for relief include diet changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. These coping strategies are not a long-lasting solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and lead to addiction-related disorders. In addition, they can cause other health issues including heart issues and digestive discomfort.
Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive characteristic but it can have serious repercussions. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at a higher chance of suffering from a cardiac event. They are more likely to have gastrointestinal issues and sleep issues. Stress can also impact their performance at work. They may feel a desire to perform better than others and can create stress and tension. This can also cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking and eating too much.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treat high functioning anxiety, but some strategies may aid. Some of them include meditation, practicing mindfulness and a healthy diet. Journals can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. It is also important to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek professional help when needed. Certain people who have high-functioning anxiety are hesitant to ask for help since they do not want to appear weak or unprofessional. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health services available, including online counseling. Some of these services are even free. These services can be an great alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who cannot pay for them.
