20 Great Tweets Of All Time 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 labeled as overachievers--but underneath, they struggle with severe stress and anxiety.
Chronic stress can cause them to be unable to stop thinking or sleep well, and affect their health. It's important to recognize that they need help, which is available in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Overachievers
High functioning anxiety is a condition in which people are able to accomplish their tasks and meet deadlines, but are consumed by a nervous energy that they are unable to control. They present a professional exterior and live a full social life, but within they fear they'll fail in their job or collapse under the pressure of their family and friends. They never give themselves time to rest and are constantly striving to be the best they can be. This constant anxiety can be masked by their achievements and successes but it can be a disaster for their physical and mental health.
Overachievers are also reluctant to take care of their health issues, as they fear that it could slow them down 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 have high-functioning anxiousness and that it can be treated.
Talk therapy and medication can aid in managing symptoms. Therapists employ techniques like cognitive restructuring and awareness building to change the irrational beliefs that fuel anxiety. They also teach clients how to reduce their negative ways of coping. People who have high-functioning anxiety tend to take on criticism and react in a way that is overly emotional. A therapy therapist can assist them in learning to manage their feelings, and to accept their failures.
Anxiety can cause self-doubt, digestion issues, sleep disturbances, and a loss of motivation. It can also eat away at relationships and create a sense of being isolated. If you're an athlete, it's essential to seek treatment for your anxiety disorder .
Overthinking
People who have high functioning anxiety disorder are often prone to overthinking. They might ponder conversations that have not concluded or worry about the issues that could go wrong at an upcoming event. This can cause chronic stress and anxiety. It can also interfere in sleep and concentration. People with high functioning anxiety are also susceptible to hypochondria. This can cause them to misdiagnose health problems and fear that they might be suffering from a serious illness.
They set high standards and have high expectations of themselves. Despite the positive feedback they receive, they feel as though they're never achieving their goals and will never achieve the level of perfection. They're always pushing themselves to the limit, which could lead to exhaustion and burnout.
People with high functioning anxiety who aren't in therapy may improve their coping capabilities by managing their symptoms. For example they should get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may increase anxiety symptoms. Additionally they can seek help from others who have anxiety by taking part in group therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is often the first step to treat high functioning anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These kinds of therapy can help people understand the ways in which their thoughts and feelings are linked. They can teach them how to alter negative thinking patterns and how to respond to stressful situations more effectively. People who suffer from anxiety that is high functioning may benefit from taking medication. This includes antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs and benzodiazepines to provide short-term relief from acute symptoms.
Lack of self-care
Lack of self-care is a hallmark of high functioning anxiety. This can come in many forms, from not getting enough rest to cutting out meals. It can also mean avoiding people or places that can trigger anxiety symptoms. It can be difficult for someone with high functioning anxiety to recognize that they need help, as they may view their anxiety as a positive trait such as perfectionists or fear of failing.
The first sign of high functioning anxiety can be a physical symptom like chronic migraines or digestive issues. It can be followed by a loss of enthusiasm for hobbies, a decrease in performance at work or a constant feeling of unease. If these symptoms continue, it's important to speak to a doctor.
Even if the symptoms appear mild and not serious, they should be viewed as warning signs and an indication to seek treatment. For instance an executive might find that their constant worry is hindering their sleep and contributing to fatigue and a weak immune system. Similarly, a student with high functioning anxiety may discover that they are losing too much sleep, and it's impacting their grades.
You should also set healthy boundaries for people who demand lots of your time. This includes managers, family, and people who want you to take on more than you are able to handle. It can also include limiting stimulants, such as caffeine and alcohol, which can cause anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, people suffering from high functioning anxiety can be treated in the same way as others suffering from anxiety disorders are. This includes 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 engaging in self-talk that is negative.
Lack of social support
Many people suffering from high functioning anxiety are skilled at hiding their internal struggles. They are able to continue to perform their obligations and appear to be successful on the outside, but they may be unable to cope with the anxiety they feel. If they are not treated these issues can become debilitating and interfere with the daily activities. It is crucial to practice stress management and seek out support from friends to manage these symptoms. These include journaling, avoiding caffeine, and joining an online support group to discuss your worries with other people.
Anxiety is difficult to manage. It can cause various physical symptoms, such as restlessness, headaches, digestive problems, and fatigue. In addition, it may affect your sleep. People who suffer from high functioning anxiety often experience difficulty relaxing and have trouble focusing on tasks at the moment. They might also feel an unending feeling of self-doubt or fear that they've let others down.
In certain instances those with high functioning anxiety have difficulty to acknowledge their need for mental health treatment because they feel that they aren't "sick enough" or don't deserve the treatment. This is especially relevant for those suffering from ACEs, which can have a lasting effect on mental health.
However, seeking treatment may be beneficial for those suffering from high functioning anxiety because it allows them to better understand their anxiety and how to manage it. Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all options to treat. CBT assists patients to change their thinking patterns and understand their distortions. It can teach them how to change their thinking and come up with solutions to any future issues they face.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs
People who suffer with anxiety that is high functioning frequently take alcohol and drugs as a means of self-medicating. They may also try to get relief by dietary changes as well as exercise, decaf coffee, or other methods. These coping mechanisms do not provide a lasting solution. They can actually worsen their anxiety symptoms and can result in substance abuse disorders. Additionally, they may lead to other health problems including heart issues and gastrointestinal discomfort.
The presence of anxiety in high-functioning individuals can appear to be a positive trait. However, it has serious consequences. According to research, people who experience anxiety are more likely to have a higher risk of having heart attacks. They also are more likely to develop gastrointestinal issues and may have trouble sleeping. High-functioning anxiety can also affect their work performance. They may feel the need to perform better than other people and this can lead to tension and stress. This can also cause unhealthy behaviors such as drinking and eating too much.
There isn't one solution for high functioning anxiety. However, certain strategies can be helpful. Some include meditating, focusing on mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. A journal can be beneficial in helping you identify patterns and triggers. In the end, it is important to ensure that your stress levels are in check and seek professional therapy if you need. It can be hard for someone with anxiety that is high-functioning to seek assistance since they don't want to be seen as weak or as a failure. There are a lot of mental health resources that are available for online counseling. Some of these services could even be free. They could be a great alternative to in-person therapy for those who aren't able to afford traditional treatment.