The vast majority of people experience stress when preparing for an important date or trying to meet a deadline. Worry and stress keep you focused on achieving your goals and meeting expectations that you or others have set. However, if you have an anxiety disorder, these feelings of stress may be present most of the time. Persistent worry, stress, or obsessive thoughts can point to a possible anxiety disorder. These are some of the most common mental illnesses, and anxiety disorders affect people from all walks of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of functioning anxiety or another type of anxiety disorder, seek help with an anxiety treatment program today.
At Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach, we are proud to offer top-of-the-line mental healthcare, including treatment for functioning anxiety and other anxiety disorders. When you work toward sobriety with us, you’ll afford access to mental health treatment and your addiction treatment. Our comfortable, modern facilities are conveniently located near the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and we are equipped with the tools to help you find the best possible version of yourself. For more information about our treatment programs, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 877.296.7477.
What Is Functioning Anxiety?
Functioning anxiety refers to anxiety disorders that can be well-hidden and easily ignored. When someone has functioning anxiety, they experience a high rate of stress, worry, or obsessive thoughts but can function and manage their life relatively well. However, having functioning anxiety doesn’t mean that you don’t need treatment. You may have a long history of achieving your goals and appear calm to those around you, but your inner thoughts are a mash of overanalyzing, second-guessing yourself, and a need for assurance.
Someone with functioning anxiety may appear extremely organized, driven and focused at work or school, and happy to help others. These perceptions only tell half the story. Here are some other signs of functioning anxiety:
- Intense fear of failure
- Arriving very early for appointments and meetings
- Cycles of procrastination and intense cram work
- Insomnia and other sleep issues
- An obsession with focusing on the negative; “glass-half-empty” mentality
- A higher potential for alcohol or substance abuse as a coping mechanism
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Functioning anxiety isn’t a specific disorder. Rather, it refers to an instance of an anxiety disorder that still allows for a functional life. Someone with functioning anxiety will still fall into one of the five major types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common. It can be experienced as chronic anxiety and stress. Anxious thoughts and intense worry can present themselves even with no clear cause.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is also very common. People with OCD can experience constant obsessive and intrusive thoughts. They may also perform repetitive behaviors, like checking locks or flipping lights.
- Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks or unexplained and intense episodes of paralyzing fear and upset.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder develops after someone experiences a traumatic event. These traumatic events can include personal assault, natural disasters, or military combat.
- Social Anxiety Disorder presents itself with intense anxiety due to social interaction. People with Social Anxiety Disorder may find it difficult to communicate with others all the time or in specific settings.
Seek Anxiety Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery
With Oceanfront Recovery’s dual diagnosis approach, your anxiety disorder can be treated alongside your substance abuse disorder. Often, two mental health issues like this can feed off one another, making it difficult to treat one without relapse or backslide. You’ll receive the tools you need for a new lease on life by treating both. If you or a loved one would benefit from dual diagnosis rehab, call us today at 877.296.7477 or visit us online.
