Five 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 described as "overachievers", but they're actually struggling with intense anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can cause them to be incapable of putting their thoughts to rest and sleep less well, which can affect their health. It is crucial to recognize the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people are able to work and meet deadlines but are consumed by a tense energy they cannot manage. They appear professional and have a lively social life, but are terrified of falling short in their work or falling apart under the pressure from family and friends. They never take time to relax, and strive to be the best at what anxiety disorder feels like they do. The constant anxiety can be hidden by their successes and accomplishments, but it can be devastating for their physical and mental health.
Overachievers might also be reluctant to seek assistance for their condition because they fear it will cause them to lose speed or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. It is important to recognize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medications can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to alter negative beliefs that fuel anxiety and help clients learn to reduce their negative strategies for coping. People with high-functioning anxieties often take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A therapist can help them learn to manage their emotions and accept the failure.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt, sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a loss in motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a sense of isolation. If you're a high-achieving person it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People with high functioning anxiety disorders are often prone to overthinking. They might ponder conversations that have not concluded or worry about the issues that could go wrong in an upcoming event. This can lead to constant stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more likely to hypochondria. This can lead them to overdiagnose their health, and then worry they may have a serious health issue.
These individuals set high goals and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel that they are always failing and never getting to the point of perfection. They are constantly working and pushing themselves to the limits, which can result in burning out and exhaustion.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who aren't in therapy can enhance their coping skills by addressing their symptoms. For example they should get enough sleep and adhere to a healthy diet. They should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Additionally they can seek out support from others who have anxiety by attending group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is the first step to combating anxiety with high functioning. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapy can help people understand the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are interconnected. They can teach them how to change negative thought patterns, and how to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. People with anxiety disorders that are high functioning could also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines can be used to treat acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
One of the most common signs of anxiety with high functioning is an inability to take care of yourself. This can come in many forms, ranging from not getting enough sleep to cutting out meals. It could also mean avoiding people or places that trigger anxiety. It can also be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require help, as they may view their anxiety as positive traits such as perfectionists or fear of failure.
The most common sign that an individual has anxiety that is high functioning is a physical one, such as chronic headaches or digestive problems. It can be followed by a loss of enthusiasm for hobbies, a decline in work performance, or a constant sense of unease. If these symptoms continue it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional.
Even if these symptoms are mild it is important to treat them as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For example executives may discover that their constant stress is preventing them from sleeping well and causing fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may discover that they are unable to get much sleep and this is negatively impacting their performance.
It is also essential to establish healthy boundaries with those in your life who require lots of time from you. This can include family members, managers, and people who want you to take on more than you are capable of handling. It could also be a matter of the restriction of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can cause anxiety symptoms.
People with high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment options as those suffering from anxiety disorders. This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and lifestyle changes, and medication dependent on the severity. This includes 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 skilled at concealing their internal struggles. They may continue to complete their daily tasks and appear to be doing well but they might not be able cope with the anxiety. If they are not treated the anxiety can become chronic and disrupt daily functions. To alleviate these symptoms, it is essential to seek out support from others and implement stress management strategies. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and attending an organization that helps you share your worries with others.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage and may cause an array of physical symptoms, including restlessness digestive issues, muscle tension headaches, fatigue, and more. In addition, it may influence your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety have difficulty relaxing and concentrating on the task at hand. They may also feel a constant sense of self-doubt or anxiety disorders types that they've let others down.
In certain instances people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to acknowledge 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 those suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), which can have lasting effects on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning, as it helps them be more aware of their anxiety and discover ways to deal with it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options to treat. 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 for the future worries they have.
The use of alcohol and drugs
People suffering from high functioning anxiety often utilize alcohol and/or drugs as a means of self-medicating. They might also attempt to find relief through dietary changes, exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. These coping strategies are not a long-lasting solution. They can actually worsen anxiety symptoms and can lead to substance use disorders. They can also cause other health issues, like heart problems and gastrointestinal distress.
Anxiety that is high-functioning can appear to be an advantage. However, it can have grave consequences. According to research, people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to be at a higher chance of having a heart attack. They also are more likely to develop gastrointestinal issues and may have difficulty sleeping. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their work performance. They may feel the need to perform better than others, which can cause stress and tension. This can result in unhealthy habits such as binge-eating and drinking.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to treat high functioning anxiety, but some strategies may aid. Meditation mindfulness, mindfulness and a healthy diet are some of the strategies that may aid. A journal can be useful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Also, you must try to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional therapy if needed. It can be hard for people with anxiety that is high-functioning to seek assistance since they don't want to be seen as weak or a failure. Fortunately, there are many mental health services available for online counseling. Some of these services might even be completely free. They are a viable alternative to in-person treatment for individuals who are unable to afford traditional treatment.