Does a whirlwind of self-doubt and self-criticism always occupy your mind? It may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. — TNS
It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes, especially in stressful situations.
However, for some people, excessive and ongoing anxiety can be a challenge to control and interferes with daily activities.
There are several types of anxiety disorders.
The term “high-functioning anxiety” represents people with anxiety symptoms who maintain a high level of functionality in various aspects of their lives.
Often, they are successful in their careers or other roles, yet internally struggle with persistent feelings of stress, self-doubt and the fear of not measuring up.
They feel extremely uncomfortable inside and struggle with significant self-criticism.
High-functioning anxiety isn’t recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but is instead a subset of generalised anxiety.
Many emotional and physical symptoms are associated with generalised anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of high-functioning anxiety mirror many of these, but some may be more prominent.
Some symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder include overall general nervousness and worry.
Other symptoms that may lead you towards high-functioning anxiety include internal struggles with:
- Fears of criticism or significant self-criticism.
- Fears of looking inadequate or foolish to others.
- Feeling on the edge or on the verge of losing control.
- Sense of impending doom.
- Significant stress.
It’s important that you meet with a mental health professional to talk about your symptoms and obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Then, if it is determined that you have high-functioning anxiety, you can develop a care plan for having the best quality of life.
Counselling and therapy play crucial roles in helping people with high-functioning anxiety manage their symptoms effectively.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you learn to reframe your thoughts about life and transform behaviours that may feed your anxiety.
ALSO READ: Change your negative thoughts and behaviours with CBT
Instead of being self-critical and looking for what could go wrong, you can be taught to manage your thoughts, seek solutions and guide yourself through anxious feelings.
In addition to therapy, other coping strategies to ease symptoms include:
People with high-functioning anxiety may believe they must deal with their behaviours alone because they fear criticism or negative outcomes.
A positive support network of people who care for you, regardless of outcomes, can help ease anxiety symptoms.
This can help improve relationships with others and establish rules for yourself.
The importance of saying “no” is often talked about as part of boundary setting.
That’s because many people overextend themselves, but some people with high-functioning anxiety should also embrace saying “yes” to opportunities that stretch their comfort levels.
Their lives grow in experiences and fulfilment the more they face their fears.
People with anxiety tend to compare themselves to others, feel the need to improve and want to be more like someone else.
Comparison can rob you of joy and contentment.
Some people with high-functioning anxiety become fixated on society-defined success, like having the “right” job, car, house and material possessions.
Often, these items are only important because other people believe they are important.
A therapist can help you uncover what is important to you outside society’s expectations, and align your thoughts and actions with your core values.
This can be difficult for many people, but especially people with high-functioning anxiety.
You may find yourself getting defensive.
A therapist can help you identify ways to step back at this moment and evaluate the feedback neutrally without emotion.
This is the practice of purposefully being aware of and focusing on the present moment.
Concentrating on one thing or moment can increase feelings of calm and peace.
Medications can help some people with high-functioning anxiety, but should only be used in conjunction with other coping strategies and under the care of a healthcare professional.
Talk with your healthcare team about how you are feeling.
They can connect you to a skilled mental health counsellor or therapist if needed, and assist you with coping strategies to manage your anxiety and lead a fulfilling life. – By Linda Hubbard/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
Linda Hubbard is a psychotherapist in Wisconsin, United States.
