There’s nothing wrong with feeling anxious at times, especially when undergoing stressful situations in life. For some people though, these feelings of anxiety can be so overwhelming that they make it difficult to function normally.
If the feelings of anxiety are getting in the way of day-to-day activities, then you’re likely suffering from an anxiety disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 301 million people across the globe suffer from anxiety. This makes it the most common mental illness.
One thing that’s important to note is that there are different kinds of anxiety disorders. So while one individual might be suffering from selective mutism, another might be struggling with separation anxiety. High functioning anxiety is one of the lesser known anxiety disorders. This post aims to shed more light on what it is, its symptoms and ways to manage it.
High Functioning Anxiety Explained
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders doesn’t recognize high-functioning anxiety as a distinct psychiatric disorder. Rather, it usually classifies it as part of generalized anxiety disorder.
People diagnosed with this condition experience the feelings of anxiety. However, they’re still able to maintain a reasonable amount of functionality in different aspects of their lives.
These individuals excel in their careers and familial obligations. But deep down, they grapple with feelings of uncertainty, not being good enough and immense pressure. They judge themselves internally and feel like they have to put more effort into measuring up.
From the outside looking in, an individual suffering from high functioning anxiety looks perfectly fine. They’ll seem like they have everything under control; be it at the workplace or home. But behind this “picture-perfect” life, they constantly experience fear and a ton of stress.
Signs of High Functioning Anxiety
The easiest way to treat high-functioning anxiety is by first familiarizing yourself with common symptoms. If you can spot these telltale signs, then you can seek proper treatment. People with high-functioning anxiety tend to:
- Avoid eye contact
- Linger on past mistakes
- Always say ‘yes’ (they’re people pleasers)
- Talk constantly
- Exhibit anxiety by biting their lip or playing with their hair
- Procrastinate then compensate by working for extended periods
- Have a need for constant reassurance
- Have difficulty enjoying the present moment
- Avoid social gatherings
In some cases, they’ll experience physical symptoms as well, such as:
- Excessive sweating
- Poor sleep patterns
- Tension in their muscles
- Digestion problems like ulcers and diarrhea
- Racing heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Numbness in their toes and fingers
How to Manage High Functioning Anxiety
High functioning anxiety can be managed in the same way that other anxiety disorders are managed. This means making lifestyle changes, going for therapy and taking prescribed medications.
If you’re only experiencing mild symptoms, you can keep it in check by:
- Exercising regularly
- Following a consistent sleep schedule
- Practicing meditation and relaxation techniques
- Being conscious of your workload and timelines
- High Quality supplements such as magnesium glycinate, Inositol, 5HTP, Ashwagandha
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For more severe symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of talk therapy designed to help patients recognize their negative thinking patterns. This way, they’re able to view and face challenges in a more positive way.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t try to get by or hide your anxiety. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to seek medical help. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
