Can people with anxiety be high-functioning?Yes, people with anxiety can be high-functioning. High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause mental and physical symptoms of anxiety, but the person is still able to manage life responsibilities—such as work, relationships, or school—while coping with the condition. They may look ‘fine’ on the outside and others may never guess that they struggle, but inside it’s a different story.
Common symptoms include intense worrying and rumination, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, and physical symptoms such as headaches, sweating, trembling, and chest pain. People with high-functioning anxiety often experience perfectionism when it comes to their responsibilities or goals. It is important for people with this type of anxiety to seek professional help in order to manage their condition.
What is high-functioning anxiety?It’s characterised by feelings of anxiety and worry, even though the person appears to be functioning normally in daily life. People with high-functioning anxiety may juggle work, social activities, and relationships while still regularly experiencing anxious thoughts or feelings of stress.
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What are the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety?Common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety are:
Despite having high levels of anxiety, people with high-functioning anxiety disorders are more likely to be able to manage their daily routines and responsibilities. This is because they have learned how to mask their anxiety or manage it to a point where they can still function in everyday life.
How is high-functioning anxiety diagnosed?High-functioning anxiety is often used to describe the type of anxiety that is more high-functioning than other types in that people may appear to be coping outwardly. It's not listed in the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual for mental illnesses and is therefore not something you would be diagnosed with. However, you may still be diagnosed with anxiety, even if it is high-functioning.
What's the difference between high-functioning anxiety and anxiety?People with high-functioning anxiety may be able to manage their daily responsibilities. In contrast, people with GAD often experience more severe symptoms and difficulty functioning daily. Those with high-functioning anxiety may appear to have it all together to the outside world, whilst inside, they struggle.
How is high-functioning anxiety treated?Treatment for high-functioning anxiety may include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), hypnotherapy, mindfulness-based therapy, exposure therapy, lifestyle and diet changes, medication, trauma therapy, or a combination of approaches. Medicines used to treat anxiety include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines.
Hypnotherapy for anxiety works firstly by helping the person to relax deeply. Once relaxed, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive ideas and suggestions. It can help you to change the way you think and feel at a deep level, release old programming, and feel more optimistic about the future.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to help a person identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to their anxiety. This can include learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, as well as challenging and changing distorted thoughts.
Mindfulness-based therapy involves learning to pay attention to one's thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way, and to recognise when anxiety is starting to build. This can include practising mindfulness meditation or other techniques, such as paying attention to the present moment, practising self-compassion and letting go of negative thoughts.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing a person to the things they fear or avoid to reduce their anxiety. This can be done in a controlled environment, such as in a therapy session or in real-life situations. By slowly exposing ourselves to anxiety triggers, we can teach our nervous system that it's safe and that we can cope.
Can high-functioning anxiety be managed or cured?With proper treatment, high-functioning anxiety can be effectively managed, and the symptoms significantly reduced. People with high-functioning anxiety often experience periods of remission. Still, it is crucial to continue treatment and self-care strategies to keep symptoms from returning.
Is high-functioning anxiety a mental illness?High-functioning anxiety isn't listed in the DSM-5 and therefore isn't classified as a mental illness but is usually considered to be a type of generalised anxiety disorder.
What can I do to treat high-functioning anxiety?A simple step you can take now is to download this free workbook to help with high-functioning anxiety. Then try to High Functioning Anxiety Hypnotherapy Pack to get started with hypnotherapy in just 10 minutes a day.
The post Questions About High-Functioning Anxiety – Answered! appeared first on Calmer you.