5 Killer Quora Answers To High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear in control of their lives, or be referred to as "overachievers", but they're actually suffering from intense anxiety and stress.
They can't stop thinking and they might not sleep well, and their health suffers due to stress. It's crucial to recognize that they require help, and it's available in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Overachievers
People with high functioning anxiety are able to work and meet deadlines, yet they're often consumed by a nervous energy that they aren't able to control. They appear professional and maintain an active social life, but within they fear they'll fail at their jobs or collapse under the pressure of friends and family. They never give themselves time to rest and are constantly striving for perfection. This constant anxiety can be disguised by their successes and achievements but can be devastating for their physical and mental well-being.
Overachievers can also be reluctant to seek treatment for their condition, as they fear that it could slow them down or damage their career. They aren't looking to let anyone down, especially those who have praised them for their dedication to their work. It's important to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it is able to be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety and teach clients to lessen their negative coping mechanism. People with high-functioning anxiety often overreact to criticism and accept it as a fact, and they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their feelings and accept the failures.
Anxiety can trigger self-doubt, and can lead to sleep disturbances, digestive problems, ocd and anxiety disorder a lack of motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a feeling of being isolated. If you're a high-achiever it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common in people with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They may ruminate on conversations long after the conversation has ended or fret about details that could go awry in an upcoming situation. This can cause chronic anxiety and stress. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also prone to hypochondria, which can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and worry that they are suffering from a serious illness.
These individuals have high expectations of themselves and set very demanding goals. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they are always failing and will never achieve the level of perfection. They're always working and testing their limits, which could lead to exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, those who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For example they should get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants, which can trigger anxiety symptoms. In addition they can seek help from other people who suffer from anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is the first step in treating anxiety that is high functioning. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). These types of therapy can help people understand how their thoughts and emotions are linked. They can also help them learn how to change negative thinking patterns and respond to stressful situations in more effective ways. In addition, those who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines are utilized to alleviate acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
One of the most common signs of anxiety that is high functioning is a lack of self-care. It can manifest in many natural ways to treat anxiety disorder including not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. This could also include avoidance of people or situations that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require assistance, as they often view their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear of failure.
The first sign of high functioning anxiety could be a physical symptom, such as chronic migraines or digestive issues. This may be accompanied by a lack of interest in activities or work, or the feeling of being uneasy on a regular basis. If these symptoms persist it is essential to consult a medical professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to recognize them as warning signs. They should be a sign that you require medical attention. For instance executives may discover that their constant worry is preventing them from sleeping well and contributing to fatigue and a weakened immune system. A student with high functioning levels of anxiety may also 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 a lot of your time. This can include managers, family, and people who want you to do more than you're able to handle. Limiting stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, both of which can cause anxiety symptoms may also help.
Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety disorders medicine can be treated in the same manner that others suffering from anxiety disorders are. This is through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle changes and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and being able to resist or challenge negative self-talk.
Social support is lacking
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety have a knack of hiding their inner struggles. They may continue to perform their everyday tasks and appear to be doing well however they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If not treated, these issues can become chronic. They can interfere with everyday activities. It is crucial to manage stress and seek out support from friends in order to combat these symptoms. The practice of journaling, avoiding coffee and joining support groups to talk about your concerns are all good methods to manage these symptoms.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage and can cause an array of physical symptoms including restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems headaches, fatigue, and more. It can also affect your sleep. People who have high levels of anxiety have trouble relaxing and concentrating on the task at hand. They may also experience an unending sense of self-doubt and fear that they're letting others down.
In certain instances those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to recognize their need for mental health treatment because they believe they aren't "sick enough" or don't deserve the treatment. This is particularly the case for people suffering from ACEs, which can have lasting effects on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers because it helps them better comprehend their anxiety and figure out how to cope with it. Treatment options include talk therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medications such as selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can teach them how to change their thinking and come up with solutions to the problems they face.
Alcohol and drugs addiction
Self-medicating through alcohol and other drugs is common among those who have high functioning anxiety. They may also try to get relief by dietary changes as well as exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. But these strategies for coping are not a long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and lead to addiction-related disorders. In addition, they can lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and gastrointestinal distress.
Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive trait however, it can also have serious repercussions. Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from anxiety are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart event. They are more likely to have gastrointestinal issues and sleep problems. Anxiety that is high-functioning can also affect their work performance. They may feel a desire to perform better than other people and can create anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating or drinking.
There isn't one solution for high functioning anxiety. However, certain strategies can be helpful. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and an appropriate diet are just a few of the strategies that may aid. Journals can be helpful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are in control and seek professional assistance if necessary. Certain people who have high-functioning anxiety find it difficult to ask for assistance because they don't want to appear weak or unprofessional. There are many mental resources, including online counseling that is available. Some of these services are free. They are a viable alternative to in-person therapy for those who are unable to afford traditional services.