15 Reasons To Not Overlook High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear in control of their lives, or be labeled "overachievers" however, they're actually suffering from severe anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can make them in a state of mind that is difficult to control or sleep well, and have a negative impact on their health. It's important to recognize that they need help, and it's accessible in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people can work and meet deadlines but are engulfed by a tense energy they cannot control. They appear professional and have a busy social life but are afraid of falling short in their work or slipping under the pressure of family and friends. They are never able to take a break, and they strive to be the best at what they do. The constant anxiety can be hidden by their successes and accomplishments, but it can be devastating for their mental and physical health.
Overachievers may be hesitant to seek help for their conditions because they fear it will hinder or harm their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their work. It's nevertheless important to acknowledge that you suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning and understand that it can be treated.
Therapy and medication can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to shift the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety. They also teach clients how to reduce their negative ways of coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so the therapist can help them learn how to manage their emotions and learn to accept failing.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt and can cause insomnia, digestive issues and a lack motivation. It can also cause a breakdown in relationships and lead to feeling of isolation. If you're a high achiever, it is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common in people with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They might ponder conversations even after the conversation has ended or worry about things that could go wrong in a future event. This can lead to constant anxiety and stress. It can also affect sleeping and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This could cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and fear that they might be suffering from an illness that is serious.
These individuals have high expectations for themselves and set extremely demanding goals. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel like they're never achieving their goals and will never reach perfection. They are constantly working and pushing themselves beyond their limits, which can result in exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, people who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for example try to get enough rest and eat healthy food. They should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can trigger anxiety symptoms. Participating in generalized anxiety disorder can assist them in gaining assistance from other people who suffer from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is the first step to combating anxiety with high functioning. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapy can aid people in understanding how their thoughts and emotions are linked. They can also help them learn how to change negative thinking patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. People who have high functioning anxiety may also benefit from medication. Antidepressants like selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines can be used to treat acute symptoms.

Lack of self-care
Self-care deficiency is a hallmark of anxiety that is high functioning. It can manifest in many ways including not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. This could also include avoidance of people or situations that cause anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they need help since they often think of their anxiety as positive attributes like perfectionists or fear.
The first indication of anxiety that is high functioning could be a physical symptom, such as chronic migraines or digestive issues. This is followed by a decrease in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decline in performance at work, or a constant sense of unease. If these symptoms continue, it's important to speak to a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild it is important to treat them as red flags and a signal to seek treatment. For instance an executive might find that their constant worries are hindering their sleep and causing fatigue and a weakened immune system. Similarly, a student with high functioning anxiety might find that they are losing too much sleep and it is affecting their academic performance.
You should also set healthy boundaries for people who take up lots of your time. This can include family members, managers, and friends who would like you to take on more than you're capable of handling. Eliminating stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can cause anxiety symptoms and can cause anxiety, can aid.
People with high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment options as people suffering from anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and lifestyle changes, and medications according to the severity. This includes practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and the ability to challenge or avoid negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled at securing their internal struggles. They may continue to perform their day-to-day tasks and appear to be successful however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If not treated, these issues can turn into a debilitating. They can affect everyday activities. It is essential to take control of stress and seek social support to manage these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining a support group to share your concerns with others.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and may cause many physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue. In addition, it can affect how you sleep. People with high levels of anxiety have trouble relaxing and concentrating on the task at the moment. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt or anxiety that they have let others down.
In some cases, high-functioning anxiety sufferers struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment because they feel that they are not "sick enough" or are not worthy of the treatment. This is especially relevant for those suffering from ACEs, which can have an impact 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 how to cope with it. Treatment choices include therapy for talk, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication such as selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and recognize their distortions. It can teach them how to change their thinking and come up with solutions to the problems they face.
Drugs and alcohol addiction
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety often use drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating. Other methods of relief include dietary changes and exercise, or decaf coffee. But these strategies for coping are not the best long-term solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and lead to addiction disorders. In addition, they can lead to other health problems including heart issues and gastrointestinal distress.
High-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive trait. However, it can have grave consequences. According to researchers, those who experience anxiety are more likely to have a higher chance of having a heart attack. They are also more likely to develop gastrointestinal issues and may have trouble sleeping. High-functioning anxiety may also affect their work performance. They might feel pressured to perform better than other people, which can lead to tension and stress. This could cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking and eating too much.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to treat high functioning anxiety However, some strategies can aid. Some include meditating, practicing mindfulness and eating a balanced diet. Journals can be beneficial in helping you spot patterns and triggers. In the end, it is important to make sure your stress levels are in check and seek out professional therapy if you need. Some people with high-functioning anxieties are hesitant to ask for help since they do not want to appear weak or unprofessional. There are a variety of mental resources, such as online counseling, accessible. Some of these services might even be completely free. These services could be an excellent alternative to traditional in-person therapies for those who are unable to pay for them.