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15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

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

They can't stop thinking, they may not sleep well and their health is impacted because of stress. It is important to recognize the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.

Overachievers

People with high functioning anxiety are able work and meet deadlines, but they're often consumed by a tense energy they aren't able to control. They may appear professional and have an active social life, but are terrified of falling short in their work or slipping under the pressure of family and friends. They do not allow themselves to rest and are constantly striving to be the best they can be. This constant stress can be masked by their successes and achievements but can be devastating for their mental and physical well-being.

Overachievers may also be reluctant to seek help for their health issues because they fear it could hinder or harm their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and realize that it is treatable.


The use of medication and talk therapy can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness building to alter irrational beliefs that feed anxiety and help clients learn to lessen their negative coping mechanisms. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to react negatively to criticism and take it in, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their feelings and learn to accept the failures.

Anxiety can lead to self-doubt and may cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a lack of motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a sense of being isolated. If you're a high achiever, it is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorder.

Overthinking

People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder are more likely to think too much. They might ponder conversations that have not ended or worry about issues that could go wrong at an coming event. This can lead to constant anxiety and stress. It can also impact the quality of sleep and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more prone to hypochondria. This can lead them to overdiagnose their health and worry they may have a serious health issue.

They set themselves high-level goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel like they're always failing and never getting to the point of perfection. They are always working and pushing themselves beyond their limits which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

In addition to therapy, individuals who have anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for example, try to get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. In addition, they can seek support from others who have anxiety by attending therapy sessions in groups.

Psychotherapy is usually 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 can aid people in understanding how their thoughts and emotions are interconnected. They can teach them how to alter negative thinking patterns, and how to respond to stressful situations more effectively. People who have high functioning anxiety may also benefit from taking medication. This can include antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs and benzodiazepines to provide short-term relief from acute symptoms.

Self-care is not always taken care of

Lack of self-care is a hallmark of high functioning anxiety. This can take many ways, from not getting enough rest to cutting out meals. This could also include staying clear of situations or people that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone who suffers from high functioning anxiety to realize that they require help, as they tend to consider their anxiety as positive attributes like perfectionism or fear.

The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning may be a physical manifestation like chronic migraines or digestive issues. This can be followed by a decline in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decrease in work performance or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms persist, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Even if the symptoms appear mild, it is important to consider them warning signs. They should be a sign that you should seek medical treatment. For example, a manager might notice that constant anxiety hinders him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety might find that they are unable to get much sleep, and it's affecting their academic performance.

It is also important to establish limits for people who demand a lot of your time. This includes family members, friends, and managers who demand you to do more than you can handle. Limiting disorders anxiety like caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety, can also help.

Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be treated in the same way as people with anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This means practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and being able to resist or challenge negative self-talk.

Social support is lacking

Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety have a knack of hiding their inner struggles. They continue to fulfill their obligations and appear to be successful on the outside, but are unable to cope with the anxiety they feel. If left untreated, these feelings can eventually become chronic and disrupt everyday activities. It is crucial to take control of stress and seek social support to manage these symptoms. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an organization that helps you share your concerns with others.

Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and may cause an array of physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People with high functioning anxiety often experience difficulties in relaxing and have a hard time paying attention to the tasks at hand. They may also experience a constant sense of self-doubt, or worry that they are letting others down.

Certain patients with high-functioning anxiety are not inclined to seek mental health services as they believe they are "not sick enough" or do not merit the care. This is particularly the case for people suffering from ACEs which can have a an impact on mental health.

Treatment is beneficial for people with high functioning anxiety, as it helps them be more aware of their anxiety and discover ways to deal with it. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options to treat. CBT helps patients recognize and change their thinking patterns. It also helps the patient to reframe their thinking and find solutions to the anxiety they feel regarding the future.

Alcohol and drugs addiction

People who suffer with anxiety that is high functioning frequently utilize alcohol and/or drugs to help themselves cope. They might also attempt to find relief through dietary changes, exercise, decaf coffee, or other methods. However, these coping mechanisms are not an effective long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and can cause addiction disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems like heart problems and gastrointestinal distress.

High-functioning anxiety is often seen as a positive trait. However, it can also have serious consequences. According to research, people who experience anxiety are more likely to be at a higher chance of having heart attacks. They are more likely to suffer from digestive issues and sleep issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their performance at work. They may feel pressured to perform better than others which can cause anxiety and stress. This could cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking excessively and eating out.

There is no single solution for high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can be helpful. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and a healthy diet are some strategies that can help. A journal can be helpful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help should you require it. It can be hard for someone with anxiety that is high-functioning to seek help because they don't want to be seen as weak or as a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health resources that are available for online counseling. Some of these services may even be completely free. They could be a great alternative to in-person therapy for those who are unable to pay for traditional treatments.

Homepage: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders