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High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Millions of people suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning. They may appear to be in control of their lives, or be referred to as “overachievers”, but they are actually struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.

They are constantly thinking about their thoughts, they may not sleep well and their health is impacted because of stress. It’s important to recognize that they need help, and it’s readily available through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

Overachievers

High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people can accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are engulfed by a nervous energy they can’t control. They present a professional exterior and lead a busy social life, but within they fear they’ll fail in their job or crumble under the pressure of their family and friends. They never give themselves time to rest and are constantly striving for perfection. The constant anxiety can be disguised by achievements and successes however it can be devastating to their mental and physical health.

Overachievers might also be hesitant to seek help for their condition due to the fear that it could cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They don’t want to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their hard work. It’s important to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it is able to be treated.

Therapy and medication can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists use techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the belief system that feeds anxiety, and also teach clients to lessen their negative coping mechanism. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety tend to overreact to criticism and internalize it, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their emotions and become more accepting of failure.

Anxiety can cause self-doubt, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and a loss in motivation. It can also cause a breakdown in relationships and create an feeling of isolation. If you’re a high-achieving person, it’s essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder .

Overthinking

People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder are often prone to overthinking. They may ruminate on conversations that continue long after the conversation is over, or obsess about details that could go awry in an upcoming situation. This can cause chronic anxiety and stress. It can also interfere in sleep and concentration. People who have high-functioning anxiety are also more prone to hypochondria. This can cause to them to overdiagnose their health and worry they may have a serious health issue.

They have high expectations of themselves and set extremely demanding goals. They believe that they’ll never achieve perfection, regardless of the positive feedback. They’re always working and testing their limits, which could lead to 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 try to get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. They should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions can also help them find support from other people who suffer from anxiety.

Psychotherapy is usually 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 show them how to modify negative thoughts and how to react to stressful situations more efficiently. In addition, those with high functioning anxiety can benefit from medication. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines may be used to relieve acute symptoms.

Lack of self-care

A hallmark of high functioning anxiety is the lack of self-care. It can manifest in many ways from not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. This could also include avoiding people or situations that cause anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for someone with high functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, since they tend to see their anxiety as positive traits, like perfectionism or fear of failure.

Often, the first sign that someone is suffering from anxiety that is high functioning is physical that is a chronic headache or digestive issues. This is followed by a decline in interest in hobbies, poor work performance or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms persist it’s crucial to talk to a medical professional.

Even if symptoms appear mild, it is important to recognize them as red flags. They are a signal that you require medical treatment. For example an executive might find that their constant stress is making it difficult for them to sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. A student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they are unable to get much sleep and it is negatively impacting their performance.

You should also set appropriate boundaries for those who take up a lot of your time. This includes family members, friends, and managers who want you do more than you are able to manage. It could also mean the restriction of stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to anxiety symptoms.

Fortunately, people with high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same way as other individuals with anxiety disorders are. This is through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and the ability to challenge or avoid negative self-talk.

Lack of social support

Many people with high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their internal struggles. They may continue to complete their day-to-day tasks and appear successful but they might not be able to deal with the anxiety. If they are not treated these issues can become chronic and hinder everyday activities. To combat these symptoms, it’s important to seek social support and implement stress management strategies. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an organization that helps you share your worries with others.

Anxiety is difficult to manage. It can cause various physical symptoms, such as headaches, restlessness, digestive problems and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety typically experience problems with relaxation and have trouble staying focused on the task at the moment. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they’re falling short of others.

In some instances, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to accept their need for treatment for mental health because they feel that they aren’t “sick enough” or that they do not deserve the treatment. This is particularly the case for those suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have long-lasting impacts on mental health.

However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for those suffering from high functioning anxiety because it helps them better understand their anxiety and learn how to manage it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT assists patients in recognizing and alter their thinking patterns. It can also help patients to change their thinking and discover solutions to the worries they have regarding the future.

The use of alcohol and drugs

People who suffer from high functioning anxiety often use drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Other methods of relief include diet and exercise, or decaf coffee. However, these coping mechanisms are not an effective long-term solution. They could actually worsen anxiety symptoms, and result in substance abuse disorders. generalized anxiety disorder can also cause other health issues, such as stomach problems and heart issues.

Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive quality but it can have serious repercussions. According to researchers, those who suffer from anxiety are more likely to be at a higher chance of suffering an attack on their heart. They also are more likely to suffer from digestive problems and may have trouble sleeping. Stress can also impact their performance at work. They may feel the need to perform better than others which can cause anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy habits such as drinking excessively or binge eating.

There is no single solution to high functioning anxiety. However, some strategies can be helpful. Meditation, mindfulness and eating a healthy diet are a few strategies that can help. A journal can be beneficial to help you spot patterns and triggers. You should also make sure that your stress levels are in control and seek professional assistance when needed. Certain people who have high-functioning anxiety are hesitant to ask for assistance because they do not want to appear weak or incompetent. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health services available, including online counseling. Some of these services are free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person treatments for those who aren’t able to afford traditional treatment.