Anxiety is a common mental illness that involves a persistent state of stress, uneasiness, and fear. This also involves multiple cognitive and physical symptoms that interfere with life functioning. Various recent studies have reported that approximately 18.1% of Americans suffer from anxiety each year and face difficulty in numerous aspects of their life. There are multiple forms of anxiety including low functioning anxiety. Low functioning is a type of anxiety disorder in which individuals usually experience mild to severe issues in carrying out their daily life tasks.
If you want to know more about low-functioning anxiety, symptoms, causes and how they influence a person’s life then read this article. In addition, you will also get an idea regarding the most effective treatment options and where you can seek professional help.
Low functioning anxiety
‘’Low-functioning anxiety is a state of chronic anxiety that impairs the daily functioning abilities of each individual. However, this term is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Individuals suffering from regular or low-functioning anxiety usually have moderate to severe mental health issues that make it difficult for them to manage their daily life activities. Moreover, they even face trouble in completing their basic tasks on a daily basis. In addition, low-functioning anxiety is majorly recognized by the disruption in daily functioning due to multiple symptoms’’.
Low-functioning anxiety is a chronic form of anxiety as it involves a prolonged period of stress that disturbs each aspect of an individual’s life. The most common symptoms of low-functioning anxiety involve the persistent phase of stress, fear, and nervousness. Individuals dealing with low-functioning anxiety are unable to handle their relationships, maintain the balance between their personal and professional lives, and therefore avoid social engagement. With the proper treatment and support, you can get rid of the symptoms of low-functioning anxiety and live a stress-free life.
Symptoms of Low-Functioning Anxiety
In low-functioning anxiety, symptoms of anxiety are severe which exhibit a major negative impact on life.
1. Prolonged worry
They take excessive stress about their daily life activities, future events, and their linked responsibilities.
2. Fear
They remain in fear that they can not fulfill their vital responsibilities.
3. Difficulty in focus or concentration
Due to their stress and fear, they do not pay attention to any essential task, and their minds remain lost in their racing thoughts.
4. Sense of restlessness
They feel that they are tired and can not perform any task.
5. Social isolation
They fear that they will be judged or criticized by society and therefore they prefer to stay alone.
6. Sleep issues
Due to their anxious and racing thoughts, they also face difficulty in falling or staying asleep.
7. Panic attacks
They can also experience panic attacks which are sudden and intense episodes of fear that then generate a wave of physical symptoms that spread over their body.
8. Physical symptoms
They also experience different physical symptoms including elevated heart rate, breathing rate, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.
9. Avoidance behavior
They always try to avoid those situations that they think can trigger anxiety.
10. Fatigue
They do not feel active and feel faint even after taking sufficient rest.
11. Irritability
They get angry even on small issues and fail to strengthen their relationships.
What are the causes of Low-functioning anxiety?
There is not a single cause that is responsible for the development of low-functioning anxiety such as:
1. Trauma or stress
If the person is not happy and experiences stress for a longer period, then there is a greater possibility of the onset of low-functioning anxiety. Moreover, individuals who have faced any traumatic situation in their lives are more prone to suffer from low-functioning anxiety. Due to the persistent stress, there is a rise in the level of stress hormones which ultimately can develop low-functioning anxiety in individuals.
2. Genetic factors
Anxiety is considered a genetic disorder. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders then there is a greater possibility that you will also suffer from anxiety at any stage of your life. The presence of genes in parents that are responsible for the onset of anxiety can also transfer and then cause the development of low-functioning anxiety in children.
3. Biochemical changes
The negative alterations in certain neurotransmitters and brain chemistry can also trigger the onset of low-functioning anxiety in individuals.
4. Environmental stressors
Different environmental stress factors that are one of the major triggers of low-functioning anxiety include:
- Personal loss
- Professional loss
- Brain injury
- Childhood trauma
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
What are the treatment options for low-functioning anxiety?
Low-functioning anxiety can be treated with the help of different treatment options which are as follows:
1. Medications
Medications are considered the primary treatment for low-functioning anxiety. Different anti-anxiety medications are recommended by the experts to deal with the anxiety symptoms. Moreover, medications work better when they are combined with psychotherapy.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to treat low-functioning anxiety. Experts guide individuals on how they can reframe their anxious thoughts and associated behavior. Moreover, individuals learn different strategies that help them to cope with low-functioning anxiety.
What are some coping or practical strategies for managing the low functioning anxiety?
Other than treatment, you can also adopt some effective preventive strategies to overcome the low functioning anxiety such as:
1. Self-care
If you regularly practice self-care then you can protect your mental health from each mental illness including low-functioning anxiety. Prioritize yourself and make a healthy routine of your diet and sleep patterns. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and add some protein sources to your diet. Moreover, schedule your daily workout to stay mentally active and healthy.
2. Set your goals
Train your mind to focus only on positive thoughts and emotions and change your behavior accordingly. With time, you will learn to restructure your thoughts and the resulting behavior.
3. Seek support
If you think that you are unable to avoid the negative effects of low-functioning anxiety then speak your heart out in front of your friends. You will surely feel better after exhibiting all your emotions. Moreover, you can also join different anxiety support groups.
Reach out to Brainpower Wellness Institute to treat your Anxiety today!
Brainpower Wellness Institute is an impeccable platform that provides reliable and highly diverse mental health services. Any individual suffering from any common mental illness including anxiety or depression can get the best treatment solutions and effectively manage their symptoms. Our team comprises the top skilled mental health professionals who have absolute knowledge in first evaluating and then treating mental illness. Whether you are battling with low-functioning anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, high-functioning anxiety, or any other form of anxiety, we are here to assist you in getting rid of each mental illness. So if you or any other person you know is grappling with anxiety then reach out to our platform and book an appointment with our experts to get the best treatment plan. So step ahead and start your journey of mental wellness now!
Concluding thoughts
Low-functioning anxiety is a devastating form of anxiety as it can have a major impact on the person’s life. Affected individuals have to struggle more in their lives due to their anxiety symptoms as compared to high-functioning anxiety. However, with effective treatment and coping strategies, you can eradicate your anxious state.
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