Five Killer Quora Answers To High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Millions of individuals struggle with anxiety that is high-functioning. They may appear to be in control of their lives, or even be labeled "overachievers", but they're actually struggling with extreme stress and anxiety.

Chronic stress can cause them to be incapable of putting their thoughts to rest, sleep poorly, and affect their health. It is important to acknowledge the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are available.

Overachievers

High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people can be productive and meet deadlines, but are engulfed by a nervous energy they cannot manage. They present a professional exterior and lead a busy social life, but within they are terrified that they'll fail at their jobs or fall apart under the pressure of family and friends. They never take time to rest, and they constantly strive for perfection. The constant anxiety can be masked by successes and achievements, but it can be devastating for their physical and mental health.

Overachievers are also reluctant to seek treatment for their condition because they are afraid that it could slow them down or hinder their career. They don't wish to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their hard work. However, it's crucial to recognize that you're suffering from anxiety that is high-functioning and know that it is treatable.

The use of medication and talk therapy can help people manage their symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the belief system that feeds anxiety, and teach clients to lessen their negative coping mechanism. People who have high-functioning anxiety tend to internalize criticism and overreact. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their emotions and accept the failure.

Anxiety can trigger self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive problems and a lack of motivation. It can also affect relationships and cause a feeling of being isolated. If you're an athlete it's crucial to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.

Overthinking

People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorders are often prone to overthinking. They may mull over conversations long after they have ended or worry about issues that could go wrong during an coming event. This can cause chronic stress and anxiety. It can also affect sleep and concentration. People with high-functioning anxiety are also more prone to hypochondria. This can lead them to overdiagnose their health and be concerned that they may have a serious health issue.

These individuals have high expectations of themselves and set very demanding goals. They feel that they'll never reach perfection, despite positive feedback. They're always working and pushing their limits which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

In addition to therapy, individuals who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning can improve their coping skills by taking steps to manage their symptoms. They should, for instance, try to get enough rest and eat healthy food. Limit caffeine and other stimulants which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Participating in group therapy sessions may aid in finding support from other people who suffer from anxiety.

Psychotherapy is the first step in treating anxiety that is high functioning. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). These types of treatments can help people understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings. They can also teach them how to alter negative thought patterns and react to stressful situations in more effective ways. Additionally, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from taking medication. This can include antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs, and benzodiazepines to provide short-term relief from acute symptoms.

Insufficient self-care

Self-care deficiency is a hallmark of anxiety that is high functioning. This can come in many ways, from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It could also be a matter of avoiding places or people that trigger anxiety. It is often difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help since they tend to consider their anxiety as positive attributes like perfectionism or fear.

The first sign of anxiety that is high functioning may be a physical manifestation, such as chronic migraines or digestive issues. This is followed by a decrease in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decrease in work performance or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms persist it is essential to talk to a healthcare professional.

Even if the symptoms appear mild and not serious, they should be viewed as red flags and a signal to seek treatment. For example, a manager might find that constant stress is preventing him from sleeping and leading to fatigue. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety may discover that they are unable to get much sleep and this is impacting their grades.

It is also important to establish healthy boundaries for people who are demanding lots of your time. This includes family members, managers, or people who want you to do more than you're capable of handling. Eliminating stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, both of which can trigger anxiety and can cause anxiety, can aid.

Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be treated in the same manner that people with  anxiety disorders  are, through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This can include the practice of mindfulness, learning to cultivate self-compassion, and avoiding or challenging negative self-talk.

Lack of social support

Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They continue to fulfill their obligations and appear successful on the outside, but they may be unable to cope with their feelings of anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may become debilitating. They can interfere with daily activities. It is essential to take control of stress and seek social support in order to combat these symptoms. The practice of journaling, avoiding coffee and joining support groups to share your concerns are all good strategies to fight these symptoms.

Anxiety is difficult to manage. It can trigger various physical symptoms, including headaches, restlessness, digestive problems, and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep. People who have high functioning anxiety usually have problems with relaxation and are unable to paying attention to the tasks at the moment. They might also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt, or worry that they've are letting others down.

In some cases people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to acknowledge their need for treatment because they feel that they are not "sick enough" or do not deserve the treatment. This is particularly relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) that can have long-lasting effects on mental health.

However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for high functioning anxiety sufferers because it helps them better comprehend their anxiety and figure out how to manage it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options to treat. CBT assists patients in recognizing and change their thinking patterns. It also helps the patient to reframe their thinking and discover solutions to worries they have regarding the future.

Relapse to alcohol and drugs

People who suffer from anxiety disorders that are high functioning often use drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. They might also attempt to find relief through dietary changes as well as exercise, decaf coffee or other methods. However, these coping strategies are not a long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and cause substance use disorders. Additionally, they may lead to other health problems, such as heart issues and digestive discomfort.

Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive quality, it can have serious repercussions. According to researchers, those who suffer from anxiety are more likely to have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack. They are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues and sleep issues. The high-functioning anxiety can also affect their work performance. They may feel the need to perform better than others which can cause anxiety and stress. This could cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking excessively and eating out.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to manage anxiety that is high functioning However, some strategies can aid. Some of them include meditation, practicing mindfulness and eating a balanced diet. Using a journal can also be helpful to identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek professional help when needed. People with high-functioning anxiety are hesitant to ask for help since they don't want to appear weak or incompetent. Fortunately, there are plenty of mental health resources that are available for online counseling. Some of these services are even free. These services can be an excellent alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who cannot pay for them.