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 to be in control of their lives, or even be referred to as "overachievers", but they're actually struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.
They are constantly thinking about their thoughts They may not be able to sleep well and their health is impacted due to chronic stress. It is crucial to be aware of the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where people can be productive and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a nervous energy that they are unable to control. They present a professional exterior and live a full social life, but within they are terrified that they'll fail at their jobs or crumble under the pressure of their family and friends. They don't allow themselves to rest and constantly strive for perfection. This constant anxiety can be masked by their accomplishments and successes but it can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers may be reluctant to seek assistance for their health issues due to the fear that it could cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They aren't looking to disappoint anyone particularly those who have praised their hard work. It's crucial to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it can be treated.
Therapy and medication can help people manage symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to change the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety and teach clients how to manage their negative coping mechanism. People with high-functioning anxieties often take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A counselor can help them learn to manage their emotions and to accept failure.
anxiety disorder physical symptoms can cause self-doubt, digestion issues, sleep disturbances, and a loss of motivation. It can also cause a breakdown in relationships and create an feeling of isolation. If you're an athlete it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
Overthinking is common in people with a high functioning anxiety disorder. They may mull over conversations that have not ended or obsess over issues that could go wrong in an upcoming event. This can cause chronic anxiety and stress. It can also interfere with sleep and concentration. People who suffer from high-functioning anxiety are also more prone to hypochondria. This can cause people to overdiagnose their health, and then worry they are suffering from a serious illness.
These individuals set high goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they're always failing and will never reach perfection. They're always working and pushing their limits which can cause exhaustion and burnout.
In addition to therapy, individuals who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping abilities by taking steps to manage their symptoms. For instance, they should, try to get enough rest and eat healthy food. They should also limit caffeine and other stimulants, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions may assist them in gaining support from other people who are suffering from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is the first step to combating anxiety with high functioning. This can be done through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of treatments can help people to understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can also help them learn how to change negative thought patterns and respond to stressful situations in more effective ways. People with high functioning anxiety may also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants like selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines may be used to relieve acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
One of the most common signs of anxiety that is high functioning is the lack of self-care. It can manifest in a variety of forms, ranging from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It could also be about avoiding people or places that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can also be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, since they tend to see their anxiety as a positive trait, like perfectionism or fear of failure.
Often, the first indication that an individual has high functioning anxiety is physical like chronic headaches or digestive issues. This may be associated with an absence of interest in activities or work, or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms persist it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to recognize them as red flags. They should be a warning sign that you should seek medical care. For example, a manager might notice that constant anxiety hinders him from sleeping and causing fatigue. Students with high levels of anxiety might find that they lose too much sleep, which can negatively impact their grades.
It is also essential to set healthy boundaries with those in your life who demand a lot of your time. This includes family members, friends, or managers who want you do more than you are able to manage. Limiting stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, both of which can cause anxiety symptoms may also aid.
Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same way as others suffering from anxiety disorders are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means taking a mindfulness class, learning how to practice self-compassion and staying away from or challenging negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many individuals with high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They can continue to do their day-to-day tasks and appear to be successful, but they may not be able to cope with the anxiety. If not treated, these issues can become debilitating. They can affect everyday activities. To help combat these symptoms, it's crucial to seek out social support and employ stress management techniques. Writing, avoiding coffee, and attending support groups to share your worries are all great strategies to fight these symptoms.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can trigger a wide range of physical symptoms including restlessness, muscle tension, digestive problems headaches, fatigue, and restlessness. In addition, it may affect how you sleep. People with high functioning levels of anxiety may have difficulty in focusing and relaxing for the task at the moment. They may also experience a constant sense of self-doubt or fear that they've have let others down.
In some instances people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to accept their need for mental health treatment because they feel that they are not "sick enough" or that they don't deserve the treatment. This is particularly the case for people suffering from ACEs which can have a an impact on mental health.
However, seeking treatment can be beneficial for sufferers of high functioning anxiety because it helps them better understand their anxiety and how to manage it. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options for treatment. CBT helps patients recognize and change their thinking patterns. It can teach them how to reframe thoughts and find solutions to the problems they face.
Relapse to alcohol and drugs
People who suffer from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often use drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating. Other methods of relief include diet and exercise, or decaf coffee. These coping strategies are not a long-lasting solution. They can actually worsen their anxiety symptoms and can lead to substance abuse disorders. They can also cause other health issues, such as heart problems and gastrointestinal distress.
While anxiety that is high-functioning can appear to be a positive trait however, it can also have serious consequences. According to research, those who suffer from anxiety are more likely to be at a higher risk of having heart attacks. They also are more likely to suffer from digestive issues and may have difficulty sleeping. Stress can also impact their work performance. They may feel a desire to perform better than others and can create stress and tension. This can lead to unhealthy habits such as binge-eating or drinking.
There is no single solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, some strategies can help. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and eating a healthy diet are a few of the strategies that may aid. Journals can be helpful to spot patterns and triggers. Finally, you should try to ensure that your stress levels are in check and seek professional therapy if you need. People with 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 resources that are available that offer online counseling. Some of these services are free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person treatment for those who are unable to afford traditional treatment.