High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear to have their lives together--or even be called overachievers. But underneath, they are struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.

Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking, sleep poorly, and affect their health. It is important to acknowledge the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.

Overachievers

People who have high functioning anxiety are able work and meet deadlines, yet they're often consumed by a tense energy they can't manage. They may appear professional and have a busy social life, but they are scared of failing at their job or slipping under the pressure of friends and family. They do not allow themselves to rest and are constantly striving for perfection. This constant stress is often disguised by achievements and successes but it can be devastating for their mental and physical well-being.

Overachievers can also be reluctant to take care of their health issues due to the fear that it will hinder them or hinder their career. They do not want to let anyone down particularly those who have praised their efforts. It's crucial to realize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it is able to be treated.

Therapy and medication can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists use 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 have high-functioning anxiety tend to take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A counselor can help them learn to manage their emotions, and to accept failure.

Anxiety can cause self-doubt, and can lead to insomnia, digestive issues and a lack motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and create a sense of being isolated. 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 tend to be overthinking. They may ruminate on conversations even after the conversation is over, or worry about things that could go wrong in a future situation. This can lead to anxiety and stress that lasts for a long time. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause them to overdiagnose their health and worry they are suffering from a serious illness.

These individuals set high goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive, they feel as though they're always failing and will never reach perfection. They are constantly working and pushing themselves to the limit and can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

In addition to therapy, individuals who have high functioning anxiety can enhance their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for example take the time to get adequate sleep and eat a balanced diet. Limit caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Additionally they can seek out support from others who have anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.

Psychotherapy is typically the first step to treat high functioning anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can help people understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can also teach them how to change negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. Additionally, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from medication. This includes antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, and benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.

Lack of self-care

A hallmark 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 cutting out meals. It can also mean avoiding people or places that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for people with high functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, since they may view their anxiety as positive characteristics such as perfectionists or fear of failing.

The first sign of high functioning anxiety could be a physical symptom like chronic migraines or digestive issues. This can be coupled with an absence of enthusiasm for activities 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 appear mild it is important to treat them as warning signs and a signal to seek treatment. For example, a manager may find that constant worry hinders him from sleeping and causing fatigue. A student with high functioning hyper anxiety disorder may find that they're losing too much sleep and it is impacting their grades.

It is also important to establish appropriate boundaries with people in your life who require lots of time from you. This includes family members, friends, or managers who would like you to do more than you can manage. Limiting stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger anxiety, can also help.

Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same manner that other individuals with anxiety disorders are. This includes psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This can include practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and being able to resist or challenge negative self-talk.

Lack of social support

Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They may continue to perform their day-to-day tasks and appear successful however they may not be able to deal with the anxiety. If they are not treated these issues can become debilitating and interfere with the daily activities. It is crucial to take control of stress and seek out support from friends to manage these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an organization that helps you share your worries with other people.

Anxiety can be difficult to manage and can cause an array of physical symptoms including restlessness, digestive issues, muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety usually have problems with relaxation and have a hard time staying focused on the task at hand. They may also feel an overwhelming sense of self-doubt and fear that they are letting others down.

Some patients with high-functioning anxiety may be not inclined to seek mental health treatment, believing that they are "not sick enough" or do not merit the care. This is particularly the case for those suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) which can have lasting consequences for mental health.

Treatment can be beneficial to high functioning anxiety sufferers as it allows them to be more aware of their anxiety and understand how to deal with it. Treatment options include talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medication such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients in recognizing and change their thinking patterns. It can help them learn to change their thinking and come up with solutions for the future worries they have.

Turning to drugs and alcohol

People who suffer with anxiety that is high functioning frequently take alcohol and drugs as a means of self-medicating. Other options for relief include dietary changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. These strategies for coping are not a long-lasting solution. They could actually worsen anxiety symptoms and can lead to substance abuse disorders. They can also cause other health issues, including heart problems and gastrointestinal distress.

High-functioning anxiety is often seen as a positive trait. However, it has grave consequences. Researchers have found that those who suffer from anxiety are at a higher chance of suffering from a cardiac event. They are more likely to suffer from digestive issues and sleep issues. Stress can also impact their work performance. They may feel a need to perform better than other people, which can cause generalized anxiety disorder and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits like drinking excessively and eating out.

There is no single solution to high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can be helpful. Some include meditating, focusing on mindfulness and eating a balanced diet. A journal can be useful to help you identify patterns and triggers. You should also make sure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help should you require it. People with high-functioning anxiety disorders description find it difficult to ask for help since they do not want to appear weak or unprofessional. Fortunately, there are many mental health services available that offer online counseling. Some of these services could even be free. These services are an great alternative to traditional in-person therapies for those who cannot pay for them.