10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Concerning 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 called overachievers. But underneath, they're struggling with anxiety and stress.
They can't stop thinking They may not be able to sleep well, and their health suffers due to stress. It is crucial to acknowledge the need for help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are available.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition where individuals can be productive and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a nervous energy they cannot control. They may appear professional and have a busy social life, but are terrified of falling short in their work or slipping under the pressure from friends and family. They don't have time to rest, and they are always striving for perfection. This constant anxiety may be masked by their accomplishments and successes but it can be detrimental to their physical and mental health.
Overachievers are also reluctant to seek treatment for their condition due to the fear that it could slow them down or damage their career. They don't want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised them for their efforts. It is important to recognize that you are suffering from anxiety with high-functioning and that it is able to be treated.
Therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to change irrational belief that feed anxiety, and teach clients to lessen their negative coping mechanism. People with high-functioning anxiety often react to criticism internally and then overreact. A therapist can help them learn to manage their feelings, and accept the failure.
Anxiety can trigger self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive problems and a lack motivation. It can also affect relationships and cause a feeling of loneliness. If you are a high achiever, it is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders.
Overthinking
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorders tend to be overthinking. They may ruminate on conversations long after the conversation has ended or fret about details that could go wrong in an upcoming event. This can lead chronic stress and anxiety. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People who have high-functioning anxiety are also more likely to hypochondria. This can cause them to overdiagnose their health, and then worry they are suffering from a serious illness.
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 achieve perfection. They're always testing their limits, which could lead to exhaustion and burnout.
People with high functioning anxiety who aren't in therapy can improve their coping abilities by managing their symptoms. For example they should get enough sleep and adhere to a healthy diet. They should also stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Attending group therapy sessions can also help them find support from other people who suffer from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is typically the first step in treating anxiety disorders that are high-functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These types of treatments can aid people in understanding the relationship between their thoughts and feelings. They can teach them how to modify negative thoughts, and how to respond to stressful situations more effectively. People with
anxiety disorders that are high functioning could also benefit from medication. This includes antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs and benzodiazepines for short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Self-care is not always taken care of
A hallmark of anxiety with high functioning is an inability to take care of yourself. This can manifest in a variety of ways including not getting enough sleep to skipping meals. It can also mean avoidance of people or situations that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge for someone with high functioning anxiety to acknowledge that they need help, since they tend to see their anxiety as positive characteristics, like perfectionism or fear of failure.
The first sign of high functioning anxiety may be a physical manifestation, such as chronic migraines or digestive issues. This is followed by a decrease in enthusiasm for hobbies, a decline in performance at work or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms continue it is important to talk to a doctor.
Even if the symptoms are moderate, it is crucial to recognize them as red flags. They should be a sign that you need to seek medical attention. For example, an executive may find that their constant worry is hindering their sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. For instance, a student who has high functioning anxiety might find that they're losing too much sleep and this is negatively impacting their performance.
You should also establish healthy boundaries for people who demand lots of your time. This could include family members, managers, and friends who would like you to do more than you are able to handle. Limiting stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety may also aid.
Fortunately, those with high functioning anxiety can be helped the same way that others suffering from anxiety disorders are. This includes psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle changes and, depending on the severity of their symptoms, medication. This can include practicing self-compassion, mindfulness and the ability to challenge or avoid negative self-talk.
Social isolation
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They continue to fulfill their life's responsibilities and appear to be successful on the outside, but may be unable to cope with their feelings of anxiety. Untreated, these feelings may turn into a debilitating. They can hinder the daily routine. To alleviate these symptoms, it is important to seek social support and employ stress management techniques. These include journaling, staying away from caffeine, and attending an organization that helps you share your concerns with others.
Anxiety can be difficult to manage and can trigger an array of physical symptoms, including restlessness muscular tension, digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue. Additionally, it can influence your sleep. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety usually have difficulty relaxing and have trouble staying focused on the task at their disposal. They may also experience a constant feeling of self-doubt or fear that they've let others down.
In certain instances people with high-functioning anxiety struggle to accept their need for treatment because they believe they are not "sick enough" or do not deserve the treatment. This is especially true for those with ACEs which can have a lasting effects on mental health.
However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for sufferers of high functioning anxiety because it allows them to better comprehend their anxiety and figure out how to cope with it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are all options to treat. CBT helps patients alter their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can teach them how to reframe thoughts and find solutions to the problems they face.
Turning to drugs and alcohol
Self-medicating using alcohol and drugs is common for people who suffer from high functioning anxieties. Other options for relief include dietary changes and exercise, or decaf coffee. However, these coping strategies are not an effective long-term solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and lead to addiction disorders. Additionally, they may cause other health issues like heart problems and digestive distress.
Although anxiety that is high-functioning may appear to be a positive quality however, it can also have serious consequences. 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 issues. Anxiety that is high-functioning can also affect their work performance. They may feel a need to perform better than other people and can create stress and tension. This can cause unhealthy behaviors such as binge-eating and drinking.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treat high functioning anxiety, but some strategies may 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. It is also important to ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help when needed. It can be difficult for someone with high-functioning anxiety to seek help because they aren't keen to be perceived as weak or as a failure. There are a variety of mental resources, such as online counseling, accessible. Some of these services are free. They can be a worthy alternative to in-person treatments for individuals who are unable to afford traditional services.