If You've Just Purchased High Functioning Anxiety Disorder ... Now What?
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people struggle with anxiety that is high-functioning. They might appear to have their lives together--or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they're struggling with severe stress and anxiety.
They are constantly thinking about their thoughts and they might not sleep well and their health is impacted because of stress. It's crucial to recognize that they need assistance, which is accessible in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Overachievers
People with high functioning anxiety are able work and meet deadlines, but they are often overwhelmed by a fearful energy they aren't able to control. They present a professional exterior and lead a busy social life, but inside they are terrified that they'll fail their jobs or fall apart under the pressure of their family and friends. They do not allow themselves to rest and continuously strive to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety can be disguised by their accomplishments and successes but it can be a disaster for their physical and mental well-being.
Overachievers are also unwilling to take care of their health issues because they are afraid that it could slow them down or hinder their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their hard work. It's crucial to realize that you have high-functioning anxiousness and that it is able to be treated.
Talk therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists 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 have high-functioning anxiety tend to take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their emotions, and accept the failure.
Anxiety can lead to self-doubt digestion issues, sleep disturbances, and a loss of motivation. It can also destroy relationships and create a sense of being isolated. If you're an athlete, it is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People with high functioning anxiety disorders are more likely to think too much. They may ruminate on conversations even after the conversation has ended, or worry about things that could go awry in an upcoming event. This can lead to constant anxiety and stress. It can also interfere in sleeping and concentration. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety can also be prone to hypochondria. This could cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and be concerned that they may be suffering from a serious illness.
They set themselves high-level goals and have high expectations of themselves. They believe that they will never achieve perfection, regardless of the positive feedback. They're always pushing themselves to the limit, which can cause exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, individuals who have high functioning anxiety can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance they should get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. Reduce the intake of caffeine and other stimulants which can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. In addition, they can seek support from others who have anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is the first step to treating high functioning anxiety. This can be done through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of treatments can aid people in understanding the relationship between their thoughts and feelings. They can also help them learn how to alter negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more efficient ways. People with high functioning anxiety may also benefit from medication. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines can be used to relieve acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
A common symptom of anxiety that is high functioning is a lack of self-care. This can manifest in a variety of ways including not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. It can also be about avoiding people or places that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, as they may view their anxiety as positive characteristics, like perfectionism or fear of failure.
Often, the first indication that a person has anxiety with high functioning is physical like chronic headaches or digestive problems. This can be followed by a loss of interest in hobbies, poor work performance, or a constant sense of anxiety. If the symptoms persist it is crucial to consult a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, they should be treated as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For example, a manager might find that constant stress is preventing him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. A student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they are unable to get much sleep and this is impacting their grades.
It is also important to establish healthy boundaries for people who are demanding a lot of your time. This could include family members, managers, and friends who would like you to take on more than you are able to handle. Limiting stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, both of which can trigger anxiety may also help.
Fortunately, people 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 changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This includes practicing mindfulness, self-compassion and learning to avoid or challenge negative self-talk.
Social isolation
Many people with high functioning anxiety are adept in securing their inner struggles. They can continue to do their day-to-day tasks and appear successful but they might not be able cope with the anxiety. If left untreated these issues can become chronic and hinder everyday activities. It is important to manage stress and seek social support to help combat these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an organization that helps you share your worries with others.
Anxiety is difficult to manage. It can trigger many physical symptoms, such as restlessness, headaches, digestive problems and fatigue. In addition, it may affect your sleep. People with high functioning anxiety usually have difficulty relaxing and have a hard time paying attention to the tasks at the moment. They may also experience a constant sense of self-doubt or anxiety that they have let others down.
Some patients with high-functioning anxiety may be reluctant to seek mental health treatment as they believe they are "not sick enough" or don't deserve the care. This is particularly true for those with ACEs, which can have an impact on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning as it allows them to be more aware of their anxiety and understand how to cope with it. Treatment options include talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medication such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients change their thinking patterns and recognize their distortions. It also helps the patient to reframe their thinking and discover solutions to the concerns they have regarding the future.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
People who suffer from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a means of self-medicating. Other options for relief include dietary changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not the best long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and cause addiction-related disorders. Additionally, they could lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and digestive discomfort.
High-functioning anxiety is often seen as a positive trait. However, it can also have grave consequences. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at a higher chance of suffering from a cardiac event. They are also more likely to experience digestive issues and may have difficulty sleeping. Anxiety that is high-functioning can affect their work performance. They might feel pressured to perform better than others, which can lead to tension and stress. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors like binge eating or drinking.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to treat high functioning anxiety however, certain strategies could help. Meditation, mindfulness, and an appropriate diet are just a few of the strategies that may aid. A journal can be beneficial to help you identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help when needed. anxiety disorder gad can be difficult for people with high-functioning anxiety to ask for help because they do not want to be perceived as weak or a failure. There are a lot of mental health services available, including online counseling. Some of these services are even free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person treatment for those who aren't able to pay for traditional treatments.