In the broader field of mental health, anxiety is well understood and includes both physical and psychological symptoms. It is characterized by factors such as restlessness, increased heart rate, and frequent anxiety. However, a lesser-known variant exists, known as high-functioning anxiety. It’s not always obvious and the results of this often invisible battle can be quite profound, which is why it’s so important to identify it and seek the right help. What is high-functioning anxiety? functional anxiety is where people look good on the outside; professional, successful, and functioning optimally from within, they live with chronic anxiety, self-doubt, and chronically underachieving against their perceived standards. Origin & Nature Constant striving accompanies high-functioning anxiety and can be triggered by past events in a person’s life. High-functioning anxiety may be a consequence of genetically low self-esteem and low self-confidence due to anxious parental behavior, childhood stressors, and disruption of the home environment. family. Therefore, early experiences are often deeply ingrained and accompanied by fear of criticism, embarrassing situations and failure; these carry over into adulthood as a constant striving for perfection and approval. A growing crisis. Although studies show that women are twice as likely as men to have functional anxiety, like most mental disorders, high functional anxiety can affect anyone. anyone. First, it is a silent disease and often goes unnoticed. High-functioning anxiety is characterized by patients hiding their symptoms in such a way that they achieve success in aspects of their lives such as school, work, or even friendships. However, high-functioning anxiety will go unnoticed until they are able to face their fears and mask the symptoms. This means that a person can suffer from this condition for years without anyone knowing until they are faced with socio-vocational dysfunction and disruption in their daily life. Surname.
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The primary impact of high-functioning anxiety is an excessive need for achievement, which is a direct result of the standards of success imposed on individuals by society. This pressure can lead to what I call “high-functioning burnout” or complete exhaustion of the mind and body. It is important for people to maintain such a pace that they can get sick, both physically and mentally. This internal conflict, when combined with an outward appearance of success, is not easy to maintain over the long term. The results of untreated high-functioning anxiety are dire, as many life functions are affected. “If a person goes through life with untreated high-functioning anxiety, the possible consequences can include potential strains on interpersonal relationships as well as the self in terms of nutrition, sleep and exercise. Additionally, it can cause the development of other mental disorders such as depression or substance use disorders as people seek ways to cope with increased anxiety levels. Seeking Professional Support It is therefore important for a person who is experiencing or observing signs of high anxiety. cause anxiety in others to seek help for professional diagnosis and treatment. In general, some signs include thinking too much, having high standards, needing constant reassurance, and being unable to relax even when there is no reason to worry. People may also receive physical stress signals, such as muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue. People must be aware that although high-functioning anxiety may sound like a minor problem, it is actually a serious condition that requires attention and help. If these signs appear in yourself or a loved one, it is imperative to seek professional help. “While treating high-functioning anxiety, a person may be advised to take certain medications, undergo therapy, or even both. It is especially useful because cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) assists people in changing the way they evaluate situations and addressing their anxious thoughts with better methods. Sometimes, therapy that includes medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be recommended. With the right support system, people diagnosed with high-functioning anxiety disorder can be taught how to deal with their worries effectively, finding one way or another to deal with their thoughts. their thoughts and achieve the goal of having a good and peaceful life. , the concept of high-functioning anxiety describes a condition that may not be obvious but has the potential to very significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. These people appear to be well-adjusted and often work in well-paying jobs while internally they are facing great difficulties. Therefore, it is important to identify the symptoms that alert the patient to seek proper medical help or support as required. When people become aware of high-functioning anxiety, it becomes easier for such individuals to receive social support and thus they are not only able to provide for their families and achieve socially expect from them but also happiness or find inner self. peace. (Written by Dr. Arun Kumar, a renowned psychiatrist at Cadabam Hospital)
