Do you find yourself constantly being on edge no matter how much you get done? Do you get keyed up for no apparent reason and have trouble relaxing? Do you tend to worry about the next shoe dropping and find yourself planning for the worst-case scenario? If this sounds like you, then you need to keep reading.
High Functioning Anxiety is More Common Than You Think
According to ADAA (The Association for Depression and Anxiety of America), there are 40 million Americans who suffer from anxiety disorders each year. This is the most common form of mental illness, and has only gotten worse with Covid-19. You may think you are unique in this respect, but that can also go with high-functioning anxiety. That can be a reflection of the low self-esteem that often accompanies high functioning anxiety. This can tend to make people feel like they have to over-compensate, to do more than the typical person because you feel like you are at a disadvantage compared to other people. In one respect you are right, but it’s only because you tend to be harder on yourself than others.
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Am I Destined to Suffer From High Functioning Anxiety the Rest of My Life?
That may be one of the repetitive negative thoughts you’ve entertained, but this is really only that. There’s not a magic wand to wave and miraculously make the problem go away, but by the same token there’s a lot you can do to improve the situation. Here are my four suggestions:
Learn a systematic way of relaxing: something as simple as taking deep breaths for 5 to 10 minutes at a time is one of the absolute best ways of working against high functioning anxiety because you are giving yourself something your body is starving for: air! This can also involve things like doing yoga or listening to meditation music, but it needs to be something you do consistently.
Get regular exercise: This can be aerobic exercise, weight training, or some combination of the two. If you have trouble falling asleep because of anxiety then having 5 - 10 minutes of vigorous exercise later in the day, but not within a couple hours of bedtime can be very beneficial.
Have a way to deal with negative thoughts: There are at least a couple of tried and true ways of doing this, including journaling, thought-stopping statements, mindfulness practice, and using CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) exercises. Find one that works for you and use it regularly when you find yourself getting into thought spirals, which are looping thoughts that keep going without any effort on your part.
Get therapy help if you need it. When you’ve tried all three of the above steps and continue to struggle with anxiety, there is probably more to this than meets the eye. There may be childhood trauma issues or underlying depression, but you only stand to get better by getting professional help.
How I Can Help You With High Functioning Anxiety
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I have over 10 years of professional experience now treating anxiety, and have worked with many high functioning anxiety sufferers. Practically all of them have had much success in getting rid of anxiety, and with the appropriate tools and interventions I can show you and do with you, you can regain a zest for life and don’t have to keep worrying about the next shoe that might fall. I can help you identify underlying issues that contribute to the problem, and once these are addressed you can breathe easier and have a better outlook on your life and future. I encourage you to call me at the number above or to fill out the form below and I will get back to you to schedule a free 20-minute consult to help give you a better idea about how I might be able to help. There’s no need to continue to suffer in silence, so why wait to see what’s on the other side of your anxiety when you can take action and start feeling better soon?
Visit our specialty page on anxiety therapy to learn more about how Scott can help you with anxiety.
About the author: Scott Kampschaefer, LCSW is a private practice therapist in Frederick, Maryland. He has an extensive background in working with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder at a clinic for older adults with these disorders in Austin. He now works with adults and adolescents 14 and up in private practice. His new e-book is entitled The 5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery and is available for purchase on Amazon.