7 Things About High Functioning Anxiety Disorder You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Millions of people struggle with anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear to have their lives together--or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they're struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.

Chronic stress can make them incapable of putting their thoughts to rest and sleep less well, which can have a negative impact on their health. It is essential to recognize the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are available.

Overachievers

People who have high functioning anxiety are able to perform their jobs and meet deadlines, however they are often overwhelmed by a fearful energy they can't manage. They may appear professional and have a busy social life, but they are scared of failing in their job or falling apart under the pressure from family and friends. They never give themselves time to rest and are constantly striving for perfection. This constant anxiety may be disguised by their successes and achievements but can be devastating for their physical and mental well-being.

Overachievers may be reluctant to seek assistance for their condition because they fear it will cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their efforts. It's crucial to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it can be treated.

Therapy and medication can help patients manage their symptoms. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change negative beliefs that fuel anxiety and help clients learn to reduce their negative ways of coping. People with high-functioning anxiety often take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their feelings, and to accept their failures.

Anxiety can lead to self-doubt and may cause insomnia, digestive issues and a lack motivation. It can also destroy relationships and lead to sense of loneliness. If you're a high-achiever it's crucial to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.

Overthinking

Overthinking is common among those with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They may mull over conversations long after they have ended or worry about details that could go wrong during an upcoming event. This can cause chronic stress and anxiety. It can also interfere with sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and fear that they might be suffering from a serious illness.

These individuals have high expectations for themselves and set very demanding goals. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they are always failing and will never reach the level of perfection. They're always working and pushing themselves to the limit, which could lead to exhaustion and burnout.

People with high functioning anxiety who aren't in therapy may improve their coping skills by addressing their symptoms. For example they should get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. Reduce the intake of caffeine and other stimulants which can increase anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions may aid in finding support from other people who suffer from anxiety.

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 kinds of therapy are able to help people understand how their thoughts and emotions are linked. They can also teach them how to alter negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. People with high functioning anxiety can benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants, such as 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 hallmark of high functioning anxiety is a lack of self-care. This can take many forms, from not getting enough rest to skipping meals. It can also mean avoiding people or situations that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It is often difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require help, as they often consider their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear.

Often, the first sign that an individual has high functioning anxiety is a physical one like chronic headaches or digestive issues. This is followed by a loss of interest in hobbies, poor work performance, or a constant sense of unease. If the symptoms persist it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional.

Even if the symptoms appear moderate, it is crucial to recognize them as red flags. They are a signal that you should seek medical care. For example, an executive may find that their constant stress is preventing them from sleeping well and contributing to fatigue and a weakened immune system. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may discover that they are unable to get much sleep and this is affecting their academic performance.

It is also essential to set healthy boundaries with people in your life who expect lots of your time. This could include family members, friends, or managers who demand you to do more than you can manage. It could also be a matter of the restriction of stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to anxiety-related symptoms.

People with high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment options as those with anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and changes in lifestyle, and medication, depending on their severity. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and being able to resist or challenge negative self-talk.

Lack of social support

Many people with high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their inner struggles. They continue to fulfill their life's responsibilities and appear successful on the outside, but are unable to cope with their feelings of anxiety. If not treated, these issues can become debilitating. They can affect everyday activities. It is important to take control of stress and seek out support from friends to help combat these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and attending an organization that helps you share your worries with other people.

Anxiety can be a challenge to manage and can cause an array of physical symptoms like restlessness, muscular tension, digestive issues headaches, fatigue, and more. In addition, it can affect how you sleep. People with high functioning anxiety often experience problems with relaxation and have trouble staying focused on the task at hand. They may also feel a constant sense of self-doubt, or worry that they've are letting others down.

In some instances people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to accept their need for treatment because they believe that they are not "sick enough" or that they do not deserve it. This is particularly relevant for those suffering from ACEs that can have a an impact on mental health.

However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers as it helps them comprehend their anxiety and figure out how to manage it. Talk  mixed anxiety depressive disorder , including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options for treatment. CBT assists patients to change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can teach them how to shift their thinking and discover solutions to the problems they have.

The use of alcohol and drugs

Self-medicating using alcohol and drugs is common for people who have high functioning anxiety. Other options for relief include diet changes, exercise or decaf coffee. However, these coping mechanisms are not an effective long-term solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and cause addiction-related disorders. In addition, they can lead to other health problems like heart problems and digestive distress.

Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive quality but it can have serious repercussions. Researchers have found that those who suffer from anxiety are at a greater risk of experiencing a heart event. They are also more likely to experience digestive issues and may have difficulty sleeping. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their performance at work. They may feel a need to perform better than other people, which can cause anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy habits such as binge-eating or drinking.

There isn't one solution to high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can help. Meditation, mindfulness, and an appropriate diet are just a few strategies that can help. Journals can be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are in control and seek out professional help when needed. It can be hard for people with high-functioning anxiety to ask for assistance since they don't want to be seen as weak or as a failure. There are a variety of mental resources, such as online counseling, available. Some of these services are even free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person treatments for individuals who are unable to afford traditional services.