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High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Substance abuse and alcohol addiction are prevalent among working-class individuals with symptoms of high functioning anxiety. Start getting help now by contacting We Level Up Texas rehab center if you struggle with both.


Unmasking High Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety is not officially acknowledged as an illness, but individuals experiencing heightened stress and anxiety may conceal symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder. Despite appearing composed on the outside, they often struggle with significant internal worry.

People with high functioning anxiety don’t seem to avoid or withdraw from life. They may have successful jobs, join many community activities, and have solid personal relationships. Yet behind this mask of being successful, these people have constant thoughts of worry, fear, and high stress levels.

If you’re struggling with high functioning anxiety, you may work extra hours, volunteer for different tasks, or try to do all tasks perfectly; you search for clues on how the community defines success and pressure yourself to achieve or exceed these often unrealistic expectations. This extreme push can lead to burnout because of your constant drive to overachieve things due to the fear of failure.

You may overreact to any criticism and severely internalize it. You may disregard self-care like sleep, exercise, and nutrition and face physical health issues linked with chronic stress.

High Functioning Alcoholic Anxiety Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), between 18 and 28% of individuals in the US have an anxiety disorder during any given year. Within this percentage of individuals with an anxiety disorder, there is a 33 to 45% occurrence rate for a co-existing alcohol and substance use disorder. [1]

The symptoms of a high functioning alcoholic with chronic stress and anxiety include:

  • Increased tolerance to alcohol and drugs.
  • Frequent feelings of guilt or remorse.
  • Drinking in isolation.
  • Concealing alcohol use.
  • Persistent anxiety or stress.
  • Difficulty cutting down on alcohol consumption.

Helping clients struggling with addiction and high functioning anxiety is a crucial part of the We Level Up Texas dual diagnosis treatment. Reclaim your life today! Call us 24/7 for a free consultation.


High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

Feeling anxious is normal, especially in stressful situations. But for some, persistent and overwhelming anxiety can disrupt daily life, indicating an anxiety disorder. These disorders are widespread, with millions affected globally, and high-functioning anxiety, a subset of generalized anxiety disorder, often goes unnoticed.

Unlike withdrawing from society, those with high-functioning anxiety face their fears while masking symptoms. Both emotional and physical symptoms characterize generalized anxiety disorder, with high-functioning anxiety sharing many of these signs, though some may be more noticeable.

Top 7 Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

  • Excessive worry.
  • Perfectionism.
  • Overthinking.
  • Procrastination.
  • Physical tension.
  • Restlessness.
  • Difficulty relaxing.

Managing High-Functioning Anxiety

There are good attributes to being anxious. Individuals with high functioning anxiety are often caring, empathetic, peacemakers, rule followers, and good residents. Many have a decisive desire to overcome their challenging circumstances. Anxious individuals are unique and must believe in themselves and develop tools to become more confident.

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by helping individuals learn to reframe their thoughts about life and change behaviors that may feed their stress and anxiety. Instead of being self-critical and looking for what could go bad, people with high-functioning anxiety are taught to manage their thoughts, pursue solutions, and guide themselves through anxious emotions.

In addition to psychotherapy, coping tips to ease anxiety symptoms include:

Forget Comparisons

Individuals with anxiety tend to compare themselves to others as they feel the need to improve and want to be more like somebody else. Comparing yourself to others can deprive you of joy and contentment.

Find a Healthy and Balance Life Flow

Each individual has distinct needs and energy levels. Some individuals succeed when constantly moving, while others need time to unwind. Your necessities for sleep, self-care, nutrition, exercise, and work-life balance will vary. You will know you have discovered the proper flow when you feel at peace with yourself with the amount of busy time versus time-out or rest.

Build a Support Network

When you have high-functioning anxiety, you may believe that you must deal with your behaviors alone because you fear criticism or negative consequences. A positive support network of people around you who genuinely care for you, regardless of outcomes, can help relieve anxiety symptoms. This can help you feel less alone and avoid the coexistent of depression.

Identify Core Values

The “right” job, vehicle, house, and material belongings are examples of how society defines success, and this can cause some people with high-functioning anxiety to become obsessed with them. Frequently, these things are only necessary because other people think they are. A therapist may assist you in discovering your priorities outside of societal norms and bringing your ideas and behavior into line with your fundamental beliefs.

Meditation and Mindfulness

This is the conscious awareness and concentration of the current moment. Feelings of peace and tranquility can be enhanced by focusing on one subject at a time.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Both you and your loved ones can benefit from setting boundaries. The significance of saying “no” is frequently highlighted in defining boundaries. However, some individuals with high-functioning anxiety should also welcome the chance to say “yes” to things that are outside of their comfort zones. The more people confront their concerns, the more life experiences and fulfillment they get.

Learn How to Accept Criticism

Developing the skill of accepting criticism can pose challenges, particularly for individuals with high-functioning anxiety. Responses may involve defensiveness or reactive behavior.

Is Anxiety a Disability?

For anxiety to be recognized as a disorder, it must significantly impact daily life activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers anxiety as a disability if it hinders essential activities and full-time work, depending on individual circumstances and severity. To qualify for disability benefits, individuals must demonstrate that their anxiety renders them incapable of working. [2]

Substance abuse and alcohol addiction are prevalent among working-class individuals with symptoms of high functioning anxiety. Start getting help now by contacting We Level Up Texas rehab center if you struggle with both.
Substance abuse and alcohol addiction are prevalent among working-class individuals with symptoms of high functioning anxiety. Start getting help now by contacting We Level Up Texas rehab center if you struggle with both.

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If you’re struggling with high functioning anxiety and substance abuse, get resources for treatment counseling that works. Start getting support with a free call to our mental health and addiction hotline.

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What Causes High-Functioning Anxiety?

Circumstances and objects that trigger symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person. Triggers may include perceived dangers, feared objects or situations, certain health illnesses, consuming caffeine, or a general fear of uncertainty. Other significant risk factors may include:

  • Psychological Causes:
    • Perfectionism.
    • Fear of failure.
    • Overthinking.
    • The constant need for approval.
    • Unrelenting self-criticism.
  • Biological Causes:
    • Genetic predisposition.
    • Neurotransmitter imbalances.
    • Brain structure and function.
  • Environmental Causes:
    • Childhood trauma or stressful experiences.
    • High-pressure work or academic environments.
    • Societal expectations and pressures.
    • Relationship difficulties or conflicts.

High-Functioning Autism and Anxiety

According to research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), appearing in 40% of the cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), comorbid anxiety presents unique challenges for healthcare providers. Anxiety amplifies problem behaviors such as social skills deficits, resistance to change, and repetitive behaviors. Furthermore, comorbid ASD/anxiety strains familial relationships and increases parental stress. Research indicates that the neurobiological interactions between anxiety and ASD require comprehensive assessment approaches, modified cognitive behavioral therapy, and carefully managed pharmacological interventions. [3]

High Functioning Anxiety Test

To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor may first rule out other health conditions through physical exams and tests. They may refer the individual for a psychological evaluation if no underlying issues are found. During this evaluation, a mental health professional might use clinical criteria, including the following:

  • Excessive worry lasting at least six months.
  • Difficulty controlling worry.
  • Physical symptoms, such as heightened heart rate and headaches.
  • Distress in various settings.
  • Recurring panic attacks.
  • Fear of social situations.
  • Avoidance behaviors.

For those with high-functioning anxiety who may hide symptoms well, honest communication with the mental health provider is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

High-Functioning Anxiety vs. Other Types of Anxiety

There are many kinds of anxiety disorders, and they can all present differently. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
  • Social Anxiety Disorder.
  • Panic Disorder.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  • Specific Phobias.
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder.
  • Agoraphobia.
  • Selective Mutism.

High-functioning anxiety is characterized by individuals who outwardly appear calm and in control while experiencing internal anxiety. They often overachieve and overcommit to cope with their anxiety, concealing their symptoms. In contrast, other types of stress may manifest with more visible signs of distress, varying coping mechanisms, and a different impact on daily functioning.

To summarize the difference between high functioning and crippling anxiety:

AspectHigh-Functioning AnxietyOther Types of Anxiety
Visibility of SymptomsConcealed, masked externallyMore visibly expressed
PresentationAppears calm and in controlObvious signs of distress
Coping MechanismsTends to overachieve and overcommitMay exhibit avoidance behaviors
Self-AwarenessOften aware of anxiety but hides itMay acknowledge and openly discuss it
Impact on Daily LifeAble to function at a high levelMay experience significant impairment
Recognition ChallengesOften goes unnoticed or undiagnosedMore readily recognized and diagnosed
Response to StressDriven to achieve and excelMay exhibit avoidance or panic responses
High-functioning anxiety is a subset of generalized anxiety disorder.

Consultation for High Functioning Anxiety and Depression

If anxiety is disrupting your daily life functioning or if someone experiences functional anxiety, you can consult a healthcare professional to explore coping methods and treatment options. Relieving high functioning anxiety disorder can be achieved through self-help, but when needed, psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatments for anxiety disorders.

It’s time to consult a mental health professional if anxiety is constantly affecting your life, hinders daily activities, or includes panic attacks.

Check your insurance coverage for mental health services, seek recommendations from your primary care doctor, or consult with We Level Up Texas rehab healthcare professionals. A thorough mental health examination determines opportunities for treatment. Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means admission to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. Suitable treatment leads to change for better, more restorative living. This is all possible at our dual diagnosis rehab center in Texas.

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Dealing with high functioning anxiety is essential not just to find the root causes of substance abuse but also because physical dependence is linked to biochemical imbalances, similar to many mental health issues.
Dealing with high functioning anxiety is essential not just to find the root causes of substance abuse but also because physical dependence is linked to biochemical imbalances, similar to many mental health issues like depression.

High Functioning Addiction

Individuals struggling with high and low functioning anxiety often resort to alcohol and drugs as a quick-fix solution.

As the understanding of addiction as a mental health disorder grows within the substance abuse treatment community, the intricate relationship between substance abuse and mental disorders, including anxiety attacks, becomes more apparent. Unfortunately, many treatment facilities lack sufficient knowledge of dual-diagnosed conditions, often leading to individual or untreated approaches. Our Texas-based dual diagnosis treatment center stands out for its expertise in co-occurring disorders, offering tandem treatment with high success rates.

The root cause of substance abuse may stem from mental health issues like anxiety, leading individuals to self-medicate. Without accurate diagnosis, this can spiral into dependency and addiction, even for those initially free from psychiatric illnesses. Addressing anxiety attacks becomes crucial not only to identify triggers but also because physical dependence is rooted in biochemical imbalances. Relying solely on anxiety or behavioral therapy may not suffice, as specific brain chemical imbalances may make some individuals more susceptible to addiction.

If you’re seeking assistance with your dual diagnosis rehab journey, contact a We Level Up Texas treatment professional today—your call is free and confidential.

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We Level Up Texas Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center for High Functioning Anxiety Treatment

Recognizing and treating co-occurring issues enhances the chances of successful, relapse-free healing. Once you enter our dual diagnosis program, a skilled professional team conducts individualized assessments to tailor treatment plans to each client’s needs.

Acknowledging and addressing mental health is essential for tackling drug addiction effectively. The We Level Up Texas dual diagnosis treatment center employs a personalized approach, emphasizing simultaneous treatment of underlying issues and addiction for improved long-term sobriety. Our dual diagnosis program includes medical detox and an inpatient residency designed for focused therapy and overcoming daily temptations.

Get a free rehab insurance check without any obligation. The result can help you explore several treatment options.

Only a medical professional with the required training and experience can identify disorders with the signs of high functioning anxiety. Contact We Level Up Texas dual diagnosis rehab to get support now.
Only a medical professional with the required training and experience can identify disorders with the signs of high functioning anxiety.

Top 6 Non-Addictive Anti-Anxiety Medications, Side Effects, and Things You Should Know | Informative Video

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Search We Level Up Texas High Functioning Anxiety, Detox Topics, and Resources
Sources
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  2. Anxiety Disability Evaluation Under Social Security – https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm
  3. High functioning autism and anxiety: Zaboski BA, Storch EA. Comorbid autism spectrum disorder and anxiety disorders: a brief review. Future Neurol. 2018 Feb;13(1):31-37. Doi: 10.2217/fnl-2017-0030. Epub 2018 Jan 17. PMID: 29379397; PMCID: PMC5772195.
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  5. What is high functioning anxiety? Munir S, Takov V. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. [Updated 2022 Oct 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/
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  9. Mental Health Conditions: Depression and Anxiety – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html
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