Any consider themselves as having 'high functioning anxiety?'

[Greyhoundmommy]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone consider themselves as having 'high functioning anxiety'? Mine was debilitating several years ago until I got help, and now I manage it much better. I still have to work at it though, and can still get some pretty nasty attacks if I don't keep up with my coping strategies.

I figure I'm now 'high functioning' in that I go about my daily life quite happily, so long as I keep everything in check where I need to.

Anyone else consider themselves high functioning? What is it like for you?

[Gidbeachgirl]

Absolutely me! If I slack on my coping skills my anxiety attacks start again. It’s going to be a lifelong challenge. But I’m working on accepting it as part of me and embracing it for what it is. I am forced to stay grounded and grateful… fighting it is futile. Every minute is a struggle and some days are just overwhelming. You have company in your situation! Takes a strong person to persevere. You should be so proud of yourself. Even on tough days!

[EndUser13]

Nope, but I'm trying.

Welcome to the forums!

[Zhangliqun]

I guess this includes me too. There was a time when I couldn't sleep or eat and was feeling so sick I was on the verge of buying a gun. For single use.

Medication, coping strategies and, most of all, Jesus have made it possible for me to stand and see that life is still very much worthwhile and even help others like me.

[Dell12345]

I do indeed. I have a good degree, good job, house, lovely partner, but suffer very badly from anxiety. I don't know why, it makes no logical sense to me, but my subconscious seems to make me feel ill at ease a lot. Sometimes I feel so fine I wonder why I would ever feel anxious, and sometimes I feel so anxious I wonder if I have ever felt fine. X

[Arieolguin]

I certainly feel like you do. I write this while at work, and fighting to get my anxiety under control. It’s been so frequent lately. I have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I went of my meds a few years ago, but have started seeking help, because I feel like I’m spiraling. I’ve been having at least 1 attack if not more daily, and the other night I woke up from sleep and had one of the worse panic attacks I’ve had in a very long time. I haven’t been sleeping well and my eating habits are all over the place. One thing I do wonder about is if anyone else gets dizzy or feel like they are going to pass out (but don’t). That one is one of the worse feelings for me. Sorry I’m ranting like crazy. Guess I’m just relieved to know I’m not alone in this.

[Dell12345 in reply to Arieolguin]

Yeah feeling faint is quite common I think. It's horrible. I feel for you xx

[designguy]

I had high-functioning anxiety for years and even had my own business for over 20 years. I had it for so long I didn't know any different and there wasn't much info about mental health issues back then. What I realized was that I actually had social anxiety disorder and c-ptsd from growing up in a dysfunctional emotionally and physically abusive household and being bullied in school. I tried finding a therapist who specialized in treating social anxiety but there wasn't one near me and did a online program which helped. I also tried medication and was put on klonopin which worked great, I could finally feel what "normal" felt like without anxiety. I also learned about the paradox of anxiety and what anxiety really is and came across the book "At last a life and beyond" by Paul David and the DARE book and youtube videos about learning to get comfortable with the feelings and anxious thoughts. I also found a therapist who specifically treats trauma and c-ptsd using emdr therapy and its been very helpful. The high-functioning anxiety took a toll on my body and I got treated for low testosterone and hypothyroid and cleaned up my diet which also helped. The other thing I realized is how much I suffered with low-self-worth and low-self esteem and have started reclaiming the inner and spiritual part of me. All of this took time and wasn't linear but has enabled me to recover.

[Dell12345 in reply to designguy]

Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. It sounds like a tough road you navigated with little help, you should be really proud. It's horrible having anxiety. I think I'll look up the book you mentioned. Thanks.

[designguy in reply to Dell12345]

You're welcome, I hope it helps and best to you.