Do you worry a lot and constantly overthink everything? Are you continually planning, scheduling, and preparing for things? Does everyone else think of you as a master multitasker who always has everything under control? At the same time, internally, do you feel like you’re riding a rollercoaster of fear, self-doubt, self-criticism, and stress? Welcome to high-functioning anxiety.
High-functioning anxiety is not a diagnosable mental health disorder according to the DSM-5, which sets the parameters for diagnosing mental health disorders. However, it is a real syndrome for millions of people who experience significantly high levels of anxiety yet appear outwardly fine to everyone else and can manage the responsibilities of everyday life. If you live with high-functioning anxiety, you know its toll on your well-being. Rose Hill Center offers anxiety treatment that can help you overcome high-functioning anxiety. Call us at 866.367.0220.
Do You Have High-Functioning Anxiety?
While high-functioning anxiety is not currently an official mental health disorder, it is not something you should ignore. The symptoms of high-functioning anxiety can be just as detrimental to your well-being as any diagnosable psychological or physical health issue. Moreover, it can severely affect your overall well-being because you are constantly living on the brink of burning out or having a breakdown.
Signs you have high-functioning anxiety can include the following:
- You are significantly irritated when things do not go as you planned
- You have muscle tension, such as clenching your jaw or fists
- You use alcohol or drugs to cope or manage stress
- You are a harsh critic or have unreasonably high expectations for how people should do things
- You are unable to delegate tasks or trust others to do them
- You have excessive worry or anxiety on most days
- You have sleep issues, including trouble going to sleep and staying asleep
- You have racing thoughts about things you should be doing, even while you are doing things
People with high-functioning anxiety typically feel restless, on-edge, or jumpy most of the time. They cannot relax or slow down, even though they may feel exhausted. They can function and achieve things but rarely feel any sense of accomplishment. Even when praised by others for all they do, individuals with high-functioning anxiety will downplay their achievements and find fault in their performance.
High-Functioning Anxiety Causes
As with all mental health issues, there is not one specific factor that causes high-functioning anxiety. More likely, it is the result of a combination of several risk factors, including:
- Family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
- Exposure to adverse or stressful life events
- Certain physical conditions, particularly related to thyroid issues
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Childhood trauma, including abuse, neglect, and family chaos
- Personality traits, mainly being shy or quiet in childhood
Some people are born with a strong biological predisposition to high-functioning anxiety, while others are influenced by their environment and life experiences.
Discover the Benefits of Anxiety Treatment at Rose Hill Center
Countless people with high-functioning anxiety never seek treatment because they do not recognize the need for it. However, they frequently rely on maladaptive behaviors to cope with the stress of getting through their days.
At Rose Hill Center, we understand the underlying harmful effects of stress and anxiety on overall well-being. Through anxiety treatment at Rose Hill Center, you can discover the underlying causes of high-functioning anxiety and receive the help and guidance needed to work through these issues. In addition to evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, we incorporate holistic practices, such as:
- Yoga
- Mindfulness meditation
- Lifestyle management
- Nutritional counseling
- Team sports
- Art therapy
- Horticulture program
Our 400-acre campus in Holly, Michigan provides holistic, compassionate treatment for various mental health issues, including anxiety disorders. Our residential program allows you to heal and grow in a safe environment without the distractions and stresses of daily life that contribute to your anxiety. Contact us at 866.367.0220 to learn more about the benefits of anxiety treatment.
