Millions of people live with anxiety. In fact, most people have at least some idea of what anxiety is like, at least on a small scale, since everyone has had times when they were anxious about something. For many people with an anxiety disorder, though, that anxious feeling runs rampant and disrupts daily life. However, for some, the disruption to daily life is held at bay even though the anxious feelings are still there. This can make identifying anxiety difficult or keep people from seeking help when they could benefit from it. An anxiety treatment program can help those living with high-functioning anxiety learn to manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Call Northpoint Seattle today at 888.483.6031 to learn more, or connect with us online.
What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders occur on a spectrum. This means that people living with an anxiety disorder may have symptoms that range from mild to severe and that their quality of life may also vary. People with high-functioning anxiety have signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder but do not experience as many issues with their work, school, or daily living tasks. Although typically, people who have high-functioning anxiety can manage all their obligations, they may be inwardly suffering or may have times when they are not able to function.
Recognizing the Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
When disruptions to daily life are minimal, it can be tough to spot the signs of anxiety, but they are there. Sometimes, anxiety can be masked, especially when a person is in a high-stress situation, such as a competitive job or educational program. Some of the signs to watch for are:
- Extreme perfectionism
- Becoming angry at self or others when things are not going smoothly
- Inability to maintain appropriate work-life balance (aka, being a workaholic)
- Disruptions to sleep and appetite
- Digestive issues
- Rigidity when it comes to planning
- Racing thoughts
- Elevated heart rate
It can be difficult to remember that help is available, especially when anxiety symptoms are at their worst. An anxiety treatment program can help you manage your triggers and symptoms; the first step is reaching out.
How Can a Treatment Program for Anxiety Help?
Many people who are able to function at a high level despite anxiety may not think they have a problem at first. In fact, anxiety symptoms can seem like personality elements and not an illness. However, over time, anxiety can eat away at a person’s mental and physical health. This is why getting treatment for anxiety can be extremely helpful. People with high-functioning anxiety need help to recognize their symptoms and how those symptoms are impacting their lives as well as the lives of their loved ones.
A treatment program for anxiety can allow people who are living with an anxiety disorder to develop healthier coping skills, recognize situations that might be triggering their anxiety, and identify thought patterns that might be increasing their symptoms. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and with therapy and medication, they can be treated. Often, people with anxiety are surprised at how much improvement they can see once they receive help.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy often used to help people who are experiencing an anxiety disorder. During CBT, patients and therapists work together to identify ideas, thought patterns, and reactions that increase the patient’s anxiety symptoms. Patients are encouraged to develop skills to change those elements and replace them with healthier coping strategies that will allow them to better manage their symptoms.
Northpoint Seattle: Effective Help for High-functioning Anxiety
At our treatment center in Seattle, we offer patients help for anxiety disorders in a flexible and individualized program. With treatment and care, it is possible to have a better, healthier life. If you or a loved one is living with high-functioning anxiety, reach out to us today at 888.483.6031 or via our online contact form.