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The individuals you perceive as 'perfectionists' might actually be consumed by anxiety stemming from their urge to demonstrate that everything is under control.

Although it isn’t a formal diagnosis on its own, high-functioning anxiety characterizes someone who exerts excessive effort to cope with ongoing stress, lack of confidence, and anxiety about falling short.

Almost 7 million people in America have received a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, with high-functioning anxiety being part of this group.

The real figure is probably significantly greater since not all individuals have access to specialized assistance.

Individuals suffering from high-functioning anxiety frequently excel in their professional lives and achieve significant success—however, concurrently, they also face internal struggles. contend with near-constant self-criticism No quantity of constructive criticism or incentives can fix this issue.

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, who specializes as a psychiatrist for children, adolescents, and adults, works at Massachusetts The General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, mentioned Fortune : ‘They might still excel in their careers, have many friends, and have strong relationships.

'However, internally, they could be battling typical signs of anxiety such as feeling restless, constant worry, difficulty sleeping, or exhaustion.'

High-functioning anxiety can present itself in various forms. People might push themselves excessively hard and be hesitant about taking pauses, frequently struggling with easing up or setting aside time for rest.

They could feel profound guilt or embarrassment about small mistakes or obstacles and avoid assigning tasks to others, thinking they alone should manage everything.

This may result in irritability, frustration, and persistent negative self-dialogue. They often resort to micromanagement as they aim for flawlessness in all aspects.

Moreover, difficulty falling asleep is another indication since their worried thoughts frequently stop them from unwinding completely.

Dr. Michael Louwers, the associate medical director at Reset Medical and Wellness Center, stated, "Personality characteristics that propel people to excel typically also ignite anxiety symptoms."

'It frequently starts with positive aims like setting objectives and thorough planning. Nonetheless, individuals dealing with this kind of anxiety typically set extremely lofty and unattainable targets, which can lead to delays or persistent fretting.'

Individuals who fall into this category of anxiety might frequently encounter physical manifestations too, including perspiration, muscular stiffness, dizziness, severe headaches, rapid heartbeat, and tingling sensations in the extremities like the hands and feet.

Generalized anxiety disorder can impact individuals regardless of age or gender; however, women are at double the risk compared to men for developing this condition over their lifetime.

It's crucial to be aware of the indications of high-functioning anxiety. Disregarding these symptoms can lead to excessive workloads and eventually cause burnout, along with an increase in anxiety across various aspects of your life and potentially trigger depressive episodes.

Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist and the author of "High Functioning," explains that individuals suffering from high-functioning anxiety and depression exhibit their symptoms yet often push themselves excessively to seem capable.

If we delay intervention until these individuals lose their capabilities, we might be too late. A significant number of them may experience exhaustion, suffer from clinical depression or anxiety, turn to substance misuse, or encounter health issues due to lack of treatment and support.

To tackle high-functioning anxiety, it's crucial to be kinder to yourself and acknowledge that not all tasks will be completed daily.

Identifying moments of heightened anxiety and stepping back from tasks at hand, be it professional duties or social engagements, can aid in managing stress levels effectively.

Adding diaphragmatic deep breathing to your daily regimen, where you breathe in for four seconds, pause for four, and then exhale for four, can also prove advantageous.

Feeding your brain with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B12 vitamins, vitamin D, and magnesium—from sources like berries, nuts, and fish—may also decrease inflammation and enhance your mood by maintaining energy levels.

Specialists suggest dedicating a minimum of 30 minutes each day for personal activities such as taking a stroll, enjoying some tunes, or having a conversation with someone you know, which can help soothe your nerves and break the chain of worrying thoughts.

In conclusion, mastering the ability to assign tasks and knowing when to decline can free up additional time for self-care and pursuing joyful pastimes.

Therapy plays a vital role in overcoming anxiety, with talk therapy being particularly effective. It operates by assisting individuals in restructuring negative thought patterns regarding their lives and altering their coping strategies and actions that might exacerbate their anxiety.

Frequently, individuals undergoing therapy learn to view anxiety not as a bad feeling, but as an unproductive one that ought to be recognized without being fixated upon.

A certified counselor could prompt someone to express, "I experience anxiety, and that's fine. It does not define me as a defective or inherently inadequate individual."

Rather than focusing on self-criticism and anticipating potential failures, someone navigating high-functioning societal expectations learns to find remedies that alleviate their symptoms and fulfill their responsibilities with reduced self-doubt.

Mindfulness practices such as guided meditation and breathwork are frequently employed techniques to calm individuals' anxieties regarding what lies ahead and uncertainties, often referred to as 'future-tripping.'

Focusing on a single task or present moment can enhance sensations of serenity and tranquility.

Deep and steady breathing helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the 'rest and digest' reaction — the inverse of the stress-causing 'fight or flight' response activated by the sympathetic nervous system.

Anxiety has its advantages as well. Individuals who experience anxiety frequently exhibit empathy and tend to be natural mediators and adherents of rules. They usually possess a significant drive to conquer challenges and demonstrate doubters wrong.

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