The thing about anxiety is that it can be triggered from factors that we least expect from. That’s not even the worst part as these so-called factors have crept into our daily lives as items we frequently use.
For instance, caffeine. Or even sugar. Most of us can’t start our day without coffee. But let’s give it the benefit of the doubt and move on to the second hidden factor of anxiety – social media.
Now, you can’t deny that we love scrolling reels, watching cute cat videos, or clips from things we love. But before you know it, you are comparing yourself with people who are almost certainly portraying a fake personality for some clicks and views.
This leads to a form of anxiety that’s not visible to the outside eye – the silent anxiety, also called the High-Functioning Anxiety.
Ahead, we’ll be looking at the treatment of high-functioning anxiety in Natick, Massachusetts. The town that’s most suited with its green spaces like Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, or the scenic South Natick Dam Park with a relaxing waterfall.
What Is The High-Functioning “Silent” Anxiety?
The high-functioning anxiety has the same symptoms as the general anxiety disorder (GAD) – restlessness, irregular heartbeat, and all that. But what makes it “silent” is that individuals facing it are still able to maintain a high level of functionality.
For most, it hides behind a mask of productivity and perfectionism. Meaning, that individuals with high-functioning anxiety are in a constant state of hustle. A constant need to excel and be in control; which it does appear so to the outside observer.
The good part: people with high-functioning anxiety may often have successful careers; they may volunteer in many community activities; have strong personalities; and maintain an overall high level of functionality during various phases of their lives.
Which leaves you wondering:
With All These Goods, Are There Any Bads Or Uglies To High-Functioning Anxiety, Really?
Exactly! Despite the outward success, high-functioning anxiety leads to a burnout fostered from a string of unrealistic expectations.
People with high-functioning anxiety pressure themselves into achieving idealistic, impractical outcomes that are often defined by society’s unfair and biased standards.
Consequently, these individuals tend to harshly criticize themselves for fear of failure and the tendency to overachieve. Yes, even from constructive criticism.
As a result, they are in a constant state of stress and worry, putting their personal relationships at risk. And before they know it, their silent anxiety has left them alone and isolated.
To make matters worse, they even neglect their physical health – no exercise, junk nutrition, and no sleep.
Now, let me ask you this. What good is the so-called “success” when you have no friends, no family, and you have ruined your physical appearance so bad that no one even likes to look at you?
Such are the consequences of high-functioning anxiety. If that’s something that scares you, then you might want to redefine how you describe success. If you live in, or near Natick, MA, Freedom Health Treatment can help you with this task – or at the very least, help you manage high-functioning anxiety.
Symptoms Of High-Functioning Anxiety
A deteriorating physical health, isolated lifestyle, overworking, and broken relationships, are some of the symptoms of silent anxiety. They can be summed up as:
- Unhealthy self-criticism
- Excessive fear of embarrassing yourself in front of others
- Always expecting (and fearing) impending doom
- Overstressed and overworked
Physical Symptoms Of High-Functioning Anxiety
Anxiety treatment in Natick, Massachusetts, treats the root of physical symptoms which may appear as:
- Migraines or headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Tight muscles
- Restlessness
- Racing or irregular heart rate
- Insomniac and problems with sleep
2 Major Treatment Methods For High-Functioning Anxiety In Natick, MA
In Natick, the treatment methods for high-functioning anxiety typically involve individual and group therapy, along with coping strategies. The general idea is a mindset shift and managing anxiety so we can get maximum benefit from a natural body response without compromising on the real important things in life.
1. Individual Psychotherapy
We mentioned that people with silent anxiety may have good careers, but that’s not all. They are also highly empathetic, caring, and often the rule-following good citizens.
With therapy, they learn to relax such that they don’t have to stress about always being good about everything. The mindset shift is to take a laidback approach to some of the less demanding tasks of life. The individual therapy for anxiety treatment in Natick, MA, helps in the following ways:
- Gives an outside perspective, so you can relax while performing just as well as you already do!
- Let’s you reset, recover, and recharge from daily worries that are making you anxious.
- Prevents pent-up exhaustion from building up and bursting out by providing a safe space to release.
2. Group Therapy
In our opinion, group therapy is the most effective for individuals with high-functioning anxiety. Because it addresses several aspects at once; the ones that heal you as well as the ones that help you improve.
The former factor helps you improve your physical, mental, and social health. Meanwhile, the latter helps you address the root cause of your high-functioning anxiety.
See, in an anxiety treatment center in Natick, MA, group therapy connects you with individuals facing similar challenges as you. Meaning, they are also people that are successful in some parts of their lives such as their careers. Or they might have accumulated tons of experiences from their social activities.
Remember, they also have high-functioning anxiety – meaning, sitting idly by is not something they like to do. They can’t relax.
For you, it means you can learn from them and improve your networking as you heal with them in a group setting such as that offered by Freedom Health Treatment.
Coping Strategies For High-Functioning Anxiety
In an anxiety treatment center in Natick, Massachusetts, you’ll be taught coping strategies for your silent anxiety. Some of these you can practice on your own or in a group setting, and others need a medical professional to guide you through. These include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
That helps reframe your thoughts and address behaviors that are fueling your high-functioning anxiety.
2. Practicing Mindfulness
By being present in the moment, you can increase your feelings of peace and calm.
3. Having a Healthy Personal And Social Life Flow
Introverts need their personal space, while extroverts recharge by interacting with others. Knowing what’s your preference will help you have a healthy life flow.
4. Redefining Core Values
It’s easy to become susceptible to high-functioning anxiety by looking at society-defined success. A right job, car, or house are all material values that have limited worth if they come at an invaluable cost of health and relationships.
5. Having A Positive Support Network
When a person becomes fixated on unrealistic goals, nothing less than overachieving is satisfying. Having a support network that accepts you for who you are and supports you – no matter the outcome – is the best strategy to manage and heal high-functioning anxiety.
Seeking Anxiety Treatment In Natick, Massachusetts
Look, if you or someone you know in Natick, MA, or its nearby areas is facing high-functioning anxiety, treatment is available. It will heal as well as improve you, so you can enjoy a lifestyle that supports you. Provides an entertaining outlet, such as the themed puzzles at Level 99, so you are never stuck in a phase that invites anxiety.
If that sounds like something that will help you, Freedom Health Treatment would be honored to assist you in this journey. Call (888) 521-4895 or visit https://freedomhealthtreatment.com/ to get started.
