14 Common Misconceptions About High Functioning Anxiety Disorder

High Functioning Anxiety Disorder Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders that are high-functioning. They may appear to have their lives together—or even be labelled as overachievers, but underneath, they're struggling with severe stress and anxiety. Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking and sleep less well, which can affect their health. It is important to recognize that they need assistance, which is accessible in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medication. Overachievers People with high functioning anxiety are able to perform their jobs and meet deadlines, yet they're often consumed by a nervous energy that they can't manage. They present a professional exterior and live a full social life, but inside they fear they'll fail in their job or crumble under the pressure of friends and family. They never give themselves time to rest and continuously strive to achieve their goals. This constant anxiety may be disguised by their successes and achievements but it can be a disaster for their physical and mental well-being. Overachievers may be reluctant to seek assistance for their conditions because they fear it could hinder or harm their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, particularly those who have praised their efforts. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that you suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning and know that it can be treated. The use of medication and talk therapy can assist people in managing their symptoms. Therapists use techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to change irrational belief that feed anxiety, and teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People who have high-functioning anxiety typically react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so a therapist can teach them how to manage their emotions and accept failure. Anxiety can trigger self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues and a lack motivation. It can also destroy relationships and cause an isolation. If you're an athlete it is essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder. Overthinking Overthinking is common in people with high functioning anxiety disorder. They might ponder conversations that continue long after the conversation has ended, or obsess about details that could get out of hand in a forthcoming event. This can lead to anxiety and stress that lasts for a long time. It can also impact the quality of sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause them to overdiagnose health concerns and be concerned that they may be suffering from an illness that is serious. They set high standards and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive they feel like they're never achieving their goals and will never reach perfection. They're always pushing their limits which can cause exhaustion and burnout. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can improve their coping abilities by managing their symptoms. For instance they should get enough sleep and adhere to a healthy diet. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. Participating in group therapy sessions may also help them find support from other people who are suffering from anxiety. Psychotherapy is typically the first step to treat anxiety disorders that are high-functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapies can help people to understand the connection between their feelings and thoughts. They can teach them how they can change negative thought patterns, and how to respond to stressful situations more efficiently. Additionally, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety may benefit from medication. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines are used to treat acute symptoms. Insufficient self-care A lack of self-care is a symptom of anxiety that is high functioning. This can take many forms, ranging from not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It can also mean avoidance of people or situations that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for a person with high functioning anxiety to realize that they need help since they tend to consider their anxiety as positive traits like perfectionism or fear. Often, the first indication that an individual has high functioning anxiety is physical that is a chronic headache or digestive issues. This is followed by a decline in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decrease in performance at work or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms persist it is important to talk to a doctor. Even if these symptoms are mild, they should be treated as warning signs and a signal to seek treatment. For example executives may discover that their constant worry is preventing them from sleeping well and causing fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. A student with high functioning anxiety may find that they're losing too much sleep and this is impacting their grades. You should also establish appropriate boundaries for those who are demanding a lot of your time. This could include family members, friends, or managers who demand you to take on more than you can manage. Eliminating stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety and can cause anxiety, can aid. Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety can be helped in the same manner that other individuals with anxiety disorders are. This is through psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as lifestyle modifications and, based on the severity of their symptoms, medications. This means practicing mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and staying away from or engaging in self-talk that is negative. Social isolation Many people who suffer from high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their internal struggles. They can continue to do their day-to-day tasks and appear successful but they might not be able cope with the anxiety. If left untreated, these feelings can eventually become chronic and disrupt the daily activities. It is important to manage stress and seek out social support to help combat these symptoms. Journaling, avoiding coffee, and attending support groups to share your worries are all excellent methods to manage these symptoms. Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can trigger a wide range of physical symptoms like restlessness, muscular tension, digestive issues headaches, fatigue, and restlessness. In addition, it may influence your sleep. People with high levels of anxiety may have difficulty in focusing and relaxing for the task at being done. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt and anxiety that they are letting others down. In some cases those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to accept their need for treatment for mental health because they believe that they aren't “sick enough” or that they are not worthy of it. This is particularly the case for those suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) which can have lasting effects on mental health. Treatment can be beneficial to people with high functioning anxiety because it helps them better understand their anxiety and understand how to manage it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with medication like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options for treatment. CBT helps patients change their thinking patterns and recognize their distortions. It can also help them to reframe their thoughts and find solutions to the anxiety they feel regarding the future. Alcohol and drugs addiction People who suffer from high functioning anxiety often use drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating. Other methods of relief include diet, exercise or decaf coffee. But these strategies for coping are not the best long-term solution. They can actually increase their anxiety symptoms and lead to addiction-related disorders. They can also lead to other health issues, such as digestive distress and heart problems. While high-functioning anxiety may appear to be a positive trait, it can cause serious harm. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at greater risk of having a cardiac event. They are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues and sleep problems. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their performance at work. They may feel the need to perform better than other people and this can lead to tension and stress. This could lead to unhealthy habits such as drinking excessively or binge eating. There isn't one solution for anxiety that is high functioning. However, certain strategies can help. Meditation, mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet are a few of the strategies that may aid. A journal can be useful to help you identify patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are in control and seek professional assistance should you require it. It can be difficult for someone suffering from high-functioning anxiety to ask for assistance since they don't want to be seen as weak or as a failure. There are a variety of mental resources, such as online counseling, accessible. Some of these services are free. These services could be an great alternative to traditional in-person treatments for those who can't afford them.