What To Say About High Functioning Anxiety Disorder To Your Boss
High Functioning Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people suffer from high functioning anxiety. They may appear to be in a good mood, or even be labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they struggle with anxiety and stress.
Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking and sleep less well, which can affect their health. It is important to acknowledge the need for assistance. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are available.
Overachievers
People who have high functioning anxiety are able to work and meet deadlines, yet they're often consumed by a tense energy they aren't able to control. They may appear professional and have a busy social life but are afraid of falling short in their work or falling apart under the pressure of family and friends. They don't allow themselves to rest and continuously strive for perfection. This constant stress can be disguised by their accomplishments and successes but can be devastating for their mental and physical well-being.
Overachievers are also unwilling to seek treatment for their conditions because they are afraid that it will slow them or hurt their career. They aren't looking to disappoint anyone, especially those who have praised their dedication to their work. It's important to realize that you suffer from high-functioning anxiety and that it is able to be treated.

Talk therapy and medications can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques such as cognitive restructuring and awareness-building to shift the belief system that feeds anxiety, and also teach clients how to reduce their negative coping mechanism. People with high-functioning anxiety often react negatively to criticism and internalize it, so they need a therapist to teach them how to manage their feelings and become more accepting of failure.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt and can cause sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a lack of motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and cause a feeling of loneliness. If you're a high-achieving person it's crucial to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Overthinking
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety disorder are more likely to think too much. They can ponder conversations that have not concluded or worry about the things that could go wrong in an future event. This can cause to anxiety and stress. It can also impact sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and worry that 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 as though they are always failing and will never achieve perfection. They are constantly working and pushing themselves to the limit and can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
People who suffer from high functioning anxiety who are not in therapy can enhance their coping skills by addressing their symptoms. For instance they should get enough rest and eat an appropriate diet. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. Participating in group therapy sessions can also help them find support from other people who suffer from anxiety.
Psychotherapy is the first step in treating high functioning anxiety. This can be done through 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 show them how to modify negative thoughts and how to react to stressful situations more efficiently. People with high functioning anxiety may also benefit from taking medication. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines can be utilized to alleviate acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
One of the most common signs of high functioning anxiety is the lack of self-care. This can take many ways, from not getting enough sleep to not eating meals. This could also include avoidance of people or situations that trigger anxiety symptoms. It can also be difficult for people with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they require help, as they may view their anxiety as positive traits, like perfectionism or fear of failure.
Often, the first sign that a person has anxiety with high functioning is physical, such as chronic headaches or digestive problems. It can also be accompanied by an absence of interest in hobbies or work, or an uneasy feeling that is constant. If these symptoms persist, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
Even if these symptoms are mild and not serious, they should be viewed as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For example an executive might find that their constant worries are making it difficult for them to sleep and causing fatigue and a weakened immune system. Similarly, a student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they're losing too much sleep and this is negatively impacting their performance.
It is also important to establish limits for people who take up a lot of your time. This includes family members, friends, and managers who would like you to do more than you can handle. It could also mean limiting stimulants, such as caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety-related symptoms.
People with high functioning anxiety may benefit from the same treatment that is available to people suffering from
anxiety disorders . This includes psychotherapy (talk-therapy), lifestyle changes, and medications, depending on their severity. This can include the practice of mindfulness, learning to practice self-compassion and staying away from or challenging negative self-talk.
Lack of social support
Many people with high functioning anxiety are adept at hiding their inner struggles. They carry on with their life's responsibilities and appear successful on outside, but may be not able to handle the anxiety they feel. If not treated, these issues can become chronic. They can affect daily activities. It is crucial to practice stress management and seek out social support in order to combat these symptoms. This includes journaling, avoiding caffeine, and attending a support group to share your concerns with other people.
Anxiety is a difficult thing to manage and can trigger many physical symptoms, including restlessness digestive issues, muscle tension headaches, fatigue, and restlessness. In addition, it may influence your sleep. People with high functioning anxiety typically experience problems with relaxation and have trouble staying focused on the task at the moment. They may also feel a constant feeling of self-doubt or anxiety that they've are letting others down.
In some cases those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to acknowledge their need for treatment for mental health because they believe they are not "sick enough" or do not deserve it. This is particularly relevant for people suffering from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) that can have lasting impacts on mental health.
Treatment is beneficial to anxious people who have high functioning, as it helps them better understand their anxiety and learn how they can manage it. Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options for treatment. CBT assists patients in recognizing and alter their thinking patterns. It can also teach them to reframe their thoughts and discover solutions to the anxiety they feel regarding the future.
Drugs and alcohol addiction
Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is common among people who suffer from anxiety disorders that cause high functioning. Other methods of relief include dietary changes as well as exercise and decaf coffee. These strategies for coping do not provide a lasting solution. They can actually exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and cause substance use disorders. They can also trigger other health issues, like heart problems and gastrointestinal distress.
High-functioning anxiety is often seen as an advantage. However, it has serious consequences. Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from anxiety are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart event. They also are more likely to experience digestive problems and may have trouble sleeping. The high-functioning anxiety can affect their performance at work. They may feel the need to perform better than others, which can cause anxiety and stress. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors like binge eating or drinking.
There is no single solution to high functioning anxiety. However, certain strategies can help. Some include meditating, practicing mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. A journal can be useful to help you recognize patterns and triggers. Also, you should ensure that your stress levels are under control and seek out professional help when needed. People with high-functioning anxiety have a difficult time asking for help because they do not want to appear weak or incompetent. There are many mental resources, such as online counseling available. Some of these services might even be completely free. They are a viable alternative to in-person therapy for individuals who are unable to afford traditional services.