Why We Enjoy High Functioning Anxiety Disorder (And You Should Also!)

High Functioning Anxiety Disorder Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear in control of their lives, or be described as “overachievers” however, they're actually struggling with intense anxiety and stress. They can't stop thinking and they might not sleep well and their health suffers due to stress. It is important to be aware of the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available. Overachievers People who have high functioning anxiety are able to work and meet deadlines, but they are often overwhelmed by a fearful energy they can't manage. They appear professional and live a full social life, but within they fear that they'll fail in their job or fall apart under the pressure of friends and family. They don't allow themselves to rest and are constantly striving to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety can be disguised by their successes and achievements but it can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. Overachievers are also unwilling to take care of their health issues, as they fear that it will slow them or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised them for their hard work. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it is treatable. Therapy and medication can assist people in managing their symptoms. panic anxiety disorder employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety, and teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to react to criticism in a way that they internalize it, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their feelings and accept the failures. Anxiety can trigger self-doubt, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and a loss in motivation. It can also affect relationships and cause a sense of isolation. If you're a high achiever, it is important to seek out treatment for anxiety disorder. Overthinking Overthinking is common among people with high functioning anxiety disorder. They may ruminate on conversations that continue long after the conversation has ended, or fret about details that could go awry in a future event. This can cause chronic stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety can also be prone to hypochondria, which can cause them to overdiagnose health issues and worry that they are suffering from a serious illness. These individuals have high expectations of themselves and set extremely demanding goals. They believe that they'll never achieve perfection, despite the positive feedback. They're always working and testing their limits, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout. People with high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can improve their coping abilities by managing their symptoms. They should, for instance take the time to get adequate sleep and eat a balanced diet. They should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger anxiety symptoms. In addition, they can seek support from others who have anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions. Psychotherapy is the first step to combating anxiety with high functioning. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of therapies can help people to understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can also teach them how to change negative thinking patterns and respond to stressful situations in more efficient ways. People with high functioning anxiety can benefit from medications. This could include antidepressants, such as 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 A common symptom of anxiety with high functioning is an inability to take care of yourself. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from not getting enough rest to not eating meals. It could also be a matter of avoiding places or people that trigger anxiety. It can be difficult for people with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require help, since they tend to see their anxiety as a positive trait such as perfectionists or fear of failing. The most common sign that an individual has anxiety that is high functioning is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive problems. This can be coupled with an absence of enthusiasm for activities or work or the feeling of being uneasy on a regular basis. If these symptoms continue it is crucial to consult a medical professional. Even if the symptoms are mild and not serious, they should be viewed as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For example, a manager may find that constant worry hinders him from sleeping and causing fatigue. Similarly, a student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they are losing too much sleep and this is affecting their academic performance. It is also essential to set healthy boundaries with those in your life who demand an excessive amount of time from you. This includes family members, friends, and managers who demand you to take on more than you can manage. Limiting stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can cause anxiety symptoms, can also aid. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment as those with anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) as well as lifestyle changes, and medications according to the severity. This means taking a mindfulness class, learning how to cultivate self-compassion, and avoiding or engaging in self-talk that is negative. Social support is lacking Many people with high functioning anxiety have a knack of concealing their internal struggles. They can continue to do their everyday tasks and appear to be doing well however they may not be able cope with the anxiety. If left untreated, the anxiety may become chronic. They can interfere with daily activities. It is essential to take control of stress and seek out support from friends to help combat these symptoms. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and attending a support group to share your concerns with others. Anxiety can be difficult to manage and may cause an array of physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue. In addition, it can affect your sleep. People with high functioning levels of anxiety may have difficulty getting their attention off the task at hand. They might also feel a constant sense of self-doubt or fear that they have let others down. In some cases, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to accept their need for mental health treatment because they believe that they are not “sick enough” or that they don't deserve it. This is particularly relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) that can have long-lasting consequences for mental health. Treatment is beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning, as it helps them be more aware of their anxiety and understand how to manage it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options for treatment. CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. panic anxiety disorder can also teach patients to change their thinking and discover solutions to concerns they have about the future. Turning to drugs and alcohol People suffering from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often take alcohol and drugs as a way to self-medicate. Other options for relief include diet, exercise or decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not an effective long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and cause substance use disorders. They can also lead to other health issues, including heart problems and gastrointestinal distress. High-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive trait. However, it has grave consequences. According to research, people who are anxious are more likely to be at a higher risk of having heart attacks. They are more likely to have stomach issues and sleep problems. Stress can also impact their work performance. They may feel a need to perform better than others, which can cause stress and tension. This could result in unhealthy habits such as drinking and eating too much. There isn't one solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, some strategies can help. Some include meditating, practicing mindfulness and a healthy diet. Journals can be helpful to help 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 needed. It can be difficult for someone with anxiety that is high-functioning to seek help because they do not want to be perceived as weak or a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health resources available that offer online counseling. Some of these services are free. These services are an great alternative to traditional in-person therapies for those who are unable to afford them.