High Functioning Anxiety
Anxiety is something people feel in a multitude of different ways. For some, they feel anxious because of a stressful event. For others, anxiety and anxious thoughts can be ongoing and excessive, even when there is no imminent danger. Many face this challenge where they experience constant symptoms of anxiety throughout the day but are still able to successfully manage their day-to-day life. This is what many define as high functioning anxiety.
What Is High Functioning Anxiety
High functioning anxiety is not a recognized clinical disorder, and is usually diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The term "high-functioning anxiety" represents people who exhibit anxiety symptoms while maintaining a high level of functionality in various aspects of their lives. An individual who suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder might try to remove themself from an anxiety-provoking situation, whereas an individual with high functioning anxiety tends to push themself to combat the anxiety and live their life accordingly. If you fall into this category, don’t worry. You’re not alone. According the National Health Institute of Mental Health, about 40 million adults deal with an anxiety disorder at any given time, and approximately 18 percent of that population fall into the high-functioning category.
High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms
Excessive worrying
Overthinking
Racing Mind
Perfectionism
Muscle Tension
Difficulty Concentrating
Panic Attacks
Fear of Criticism
How To Treat High Functioning Anxiety
If you have high-functioning anxiety, there are treatments available:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT is a common type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). You work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) : SFBT is one of the world's most widely used therapeutic treatments. Unlike traditional forms of therapy that take time to analyze problems, pathology, and past life events, SFBT concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring one’s hope for the future in order to find a quick and pragmatic resolution of one’s problems.
Deep-Breathing Exercises : There are many different types of breathing techniques that are beneficial and can help lower your anxiety symptoms.
Medication : Your doctor will work with you to find the right kind of medication.
Create a Support Network : Don’t be afraid to ask for help! You don’t need to combat this alone. Find friends or family that can help support you during the tough battles. We’re here as well :)
Create a Journal : Journaling is a great way to slow your mind and limit your anxious thoughts.
Limit Your Social Media Usage : With an influx of information, and many of it negative, it’s best to try and limit your social media usage. You don’t need to cut it out completely (we know it’s hard), but the less time your on it the better.
