Notes

Then You've Found Your High Functioning Anxiety Disorder ... Now What?
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

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

Chronic stress can make them unable to stop thinking or sleep well, and affect their health. It's crucial to recognize that they require help, which is accessible in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication.

Overachievers

People with high functioning anxiety are able to perform their jobs and meet deadlines, yet they're often consumed by a tense energy they can't control. They appear professional and maintain an active social life, but within they fear they'll fail their jobs or crumble under the pressure of friends and family. They do not allow themselves to rest and continuously strive to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety is often masked by successes and achievements, but it can be devastating to their mental and physical well-being.

Overachievers may also be reluctant to seek treatment for their condition due to the fear that it will hinder them or damage their career. They aren't looking to let anyone down particularly those who have praised them for their dedication to their work. It is important to recognize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it is able to be treated.

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 change the belief system that feeds anxiety, and teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to react negatively to criticism and accept it as a fact, and they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their emotions and become more accepting of failing.

Anxiety can lead to self-doubt digestive issues, sleep disturbances and a loss in motivation. It can also affect relationships and create an feeling of isolation. If you're a high achiever, it is important to get treatment for anxiety disorder.

Overthinking

Overthinking is common among those with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They might think about conversations even after the conversation has ended, or worry about things that could get out of hand in a future situation. This can lead chronic stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria. This can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and fear that they might be suffering from an illness that is serious.

They set themselves high-level goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel like they are always failing and will never achieve perfection. They are always working and pushing themselves to the limit, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.

People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can improve their coping abilities by managing their symptoms. For example they should get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger anxiety symptoms. Additionally, they can seek support from others who have anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.

Psychotherapy is the first step towards treating high functioning anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can help people understand the connection between their feelings and thoughts. They can also help them learn how to change negative thought patterns and respond to stressful situations in more effective ways. People with anxiety disorders that are high functioning could also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines may be used to relieve acute symptoms.

Self-care is not always taken care of

Lack of self-care is a symptom of anxiety that is high functioning. This can take many forms, from not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. This could also include staying clear of situations or people that cause anxiety symptoms. It can also be difficult for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to recognize that they need help, as they often view their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear of failing.

The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning could be a physical symptom like chronic migraines or digestive issues. It can also be coupled with an absence of enthusiasm for activities or work or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms persist it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional.

Even if symptoms appear moderate, it is crucial to recognize them as red flags. They should be a sign that you should seek medical care. For instance executives may discover that their constant worries are making it difficult for them to sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. Students with high functioning levels of anxiety could discover that they are losing too much sleep, which could affect their grades.

It is also important to establish healthy boundaries for people who take up lots of your time. This includes family members, managers, and friends who want you to do more than you are capable of handling. Eliminating stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger anxiety and can cause anxiety, can help.

People who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment that is available to those with anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy), changes in lifestyle, and medication, depending on their severity. This includes practicing mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and avoiding or engaging in self-talk that is negative.

Lack of social support

Many people with high functioning anxiety are adept in securing their inner struggles. They may continue to complete their everyday tasks and appear to be successful, but they may not be able cope with the anxiety. If left untreated, the anxiety may become chronic. They can affect daily activities. It is important to manage stress and seek social support to manage these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an organization that helps you share your worries with other people.

anxiety disorders types can be difficult to manage and can cause an array of physical symptoms, including restlessness digestive issues, muscle tension headaches, fatigue, and more. It can also affect your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety may have difficulty in focusing and relaxing for the task at being done. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt or anxiety that they have let others down.

In some instances, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment for mental health because they believe that they are not "sick enough" or are not worthy of it. This is particularly true for people with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have long-lasting effects on mental health.


However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for sufferers of high functioning anxiety as it helps them understand their anxiety and learn how to manage it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients identify and alter their thinking patterns. It can teach them how to shift their thinking and discover solutions for the future worries they face.

Turning to drugs and alcohol

Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common for people who suffer from anxiety disorders that cause high functioning. They might also attempt to get relief by dietary changes as well as exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. But these strategies for coping are not an effective long-term solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and cause addiction disorders. They can also trigger other health issues, such as stomach problems and heart issues.

Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive trait but it can cause serious harm. Researchers have found that those who suffer from anxiety are at a greater risk of having a cardiac event. They are more likely to have stomach problems and sleep issues. High-functioning anxiety may also affect their work performance. They may feel the need to perform better than other people and can create anxiety and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating or drinking.

There is no single solution to high functioning anxiety. However, certain strategies can help. Meditation, mindfulness and a healthy diet are some of the strategies that may aid. Journals can be helpful to help you recognize patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek out professional therapy if you need. People with high-functioning anxiety are hesitant to ask for help because they do not want to appear weak or incompetent. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health resources available for online counseling. Some of these services may even be completely free. They are a viable alternative to in-person treatments for individuals who are unable to pay for traditional treatments.

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