High-functioning anxiety is generally rooted in a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and core fears—most notably an intense fear of failure, rejection, or losing control. It is driven by perfectionism, a desire for approval, and a learned, often maladaptive, reliance on productivity to manage insecurity.

How to control high-functioning anxiety?

6 Tools & Exercises for Managing High-Functioning Anxiety

1. Mindfulness & meditation. Practicing mindfulness helps individuals stay present and reduces overthinking, a common trait in high-functioning anxiety (Hoge et al., 2013). ...
2. Relaxation techniques. ...
3. Time management skills. ...
4. Exercise. ...
5. Journaling. ...
6. Sleep hygiene.

Is high-functioning anxiety a mental illness?

High-functioning anxiety is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Can anxiety cause diarrhea?

Stress can cause diarrhea because of the connection between the gut and the brain, called the gut-brain axis. This axis connects your central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord—to your enteric (intestinal) nervous system3.

What is the real root cause of anxiety?

The causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety. Inherited traits also can be a factor.

What’s the Root Cause of Anxiety? (High-Functioning Anxiety Explained by a Therapist)

What is the best cure for severe anxiety?

Things you can try to help with anxiety, fear and panic

• try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor. ...
• use calming breathing exercises.
• exercise – activities such as running, walking, swimming and yoga can help you relax.

What is the 3-3-3 anxiety rule?

The 3-3-3 rule for anxiety is a grounding technique that helps manage panic and overwhelming feelings by engaging your senses: name three things you see, identify three sounds you hear, and move three parts of your body, bringing focus to the present moment to interrupt racing thoughts and calm your nervous system. It's a simple, accessible mindfulness tool to regain control during acute anxiety.
 

What are GI symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety triggers a "fight-or-flight" response, directly impacting the gut via the gut-brain axis, causing symptoms like stomach pain/cramps, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, and changes in appetite. These issues arise from stress hormones affecting gut muscles, disrupting bacteria, and slowing digestion, often feeling like a "nervous stomach" with "butterflies". Managing anxiety through diet, exercise, sleep, and professional help can alleviate these physical symptoms.

What are the symptoms of an anxiety flare-up?

An anxiety flare-up brings intense physical and mental symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, dizziness, nausea, and muscle tension, alongside racing thoughts, extreme worry, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, often peaking in a panic attack with a sense of impending doom, fear of losing control, or feeling detached from reality. These symptoms stem from the body's stress response and can also involve digestive issues, sleep problems, headaches, and a strong urge to avoid triggers.

What personality type is most prone to anxiety?

Research has indicated that individuals with high emotional reactivity (high neuroticism) and introverted tendencies (low extroversion) are more likely to experience anxiety than other personality types [101].

What medication is used for high-functioning anxiety?

The three main types of anti-anxiety medication prescribed are benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). However, other medications, including buspirone, beta blockers, and bupropion, might also be used.

What is the highest form of anxiety?

Panic-level anxiety, also known as panic disorder, is the most intense form of anxiety. It involves sudden and repeated episodes of extreme fear, known as panic attacks. Symptoms of panic attacks include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling and feelings of impending doom.

What are the best foods for anxiety?

Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.

What is the best therapy for high-functioning anxiety?

People with high functioning anxiety may appear successful, driven, and in control on the outside, but inside, they struggle with persistent worry and fear. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers effective strategies to manage high functioning anxiety and regain control over one's life.

What body part does anxiety affect?

Inflammation builds up from the stress, and inflammation is a culprit in numerous chronic conditions – such as heart and gastrointestinal conditions. Here are several ways that anxiety manifests in physical problems. Breathing – Due to the tension, your breathing can change, Conover said.

What foods worsen anxiety stomach issues?

Foods to Avoid When Anxiety Causes Stomach Upset

• Caffeine. Caffeine like energy drinks and coffee enhance stomach acid production and might slow down gastric emptying. ...
• Spicy foods. ...
• Alcohol. ...
• Dairy products. ...
• Excess sugar.

How to heal anxiety through the gut?

Improving your diet can help boost your gut health and may be able to help with anxiety. Researchers have found that high quality diets — including those containing more fiber, omega-3, and “good” bacteria called probiotics — may be linked to a lower risk of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms.

How to know if anxiety is too much?

To be diagnosed with GAD, a person must find it difficult to control worry on most days for at least 6 months. They must also have at least three of these symptoms: feeling restless or “on edge,” fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or problems with sleep.

What should I avoid while taking anxiety meds?

It may also be dangerous to consume alcohol with certain medications used for depression and anxiety. For example, taking certain anti-anxiety medications (such as benzodiazepines) or pain medications (like opioids/opiates) with alcohol, can slow down breathing significantly.

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