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Haymaker & Haymaker Psychological Services, LLC AD/HD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family, Underachievement Problems in Relationships Providing care for adults, families, children and adolescents for over 20 years. Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2794 Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2793 For More Information, Please Call or See our Websites: www.DrStephanieHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2794 www.DrDougHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2793 245 Route 22, Suite 305, Bridgewater, NJ 908-429-9300 " # # # &% #" &" +%*$)('$%%%' # # '% ! ! HIGH FUNCTIONING ANXIETY IN ADULTS AND TEENS Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D Anxiety is a complex set of reactions designed to keep us safe. In the days of saber toothed tigers, the “fight or flight response” was, literally, a lifesaver. When a person faced a dangerous situation, a series of physical and mental events occurred: the heart raced, attention focused on the threat, blood flow changed to allow extra energy for the muscles. Blood pressure rose and the brain tried to anticipate what would hap- pen next. There was a rapid calculation - should I fight for my life…or run for it? In caveman days, this was as much deci- sion-making as was needed. And these two options covered most situations. Things were simpler back then. Anxiety about giving a presentation for school or work does not allow for either fight or flight. You just have to get through it. Being anxious about being unprepared for your geometry test also doesn’t allow for fight or flight (unless you can squeeze in a sick day). In the extreme, anxiety can become panic - with racing heart, clouded mind, and sense of doom. There is an urge to flee the situation. Because fleeing the situation makes the anxiety less, the behavior gets reinforced. People tend to avoid similar situations in the future. Life can feel like it is all about avoiding anxiety. Anxiety is the single most frequent reason people choose to begin therapy. And, treatment for anxiety has the highest rate of success. It has been estimated that 18% of the population over 18 years of age will experience an anxiety disorder. Despite the fact that anxiety disorders are treatable, only 1 person in 3 seeks treat- ment. Everyone experiences anxiety. It draws our attention to potential danger and focuses us. But, like a car alarm that keeps going off even when no one is around - sometimes anxiety is a distract- ing, or even debilitating, false alarm. Recently, “high functioning anxiety” has been getting attention in the media. In 2014, Scott Stossel wrote in The Atlantic that he had struggled with severe anxiety despite being a successful magazine edi- tor. Asked by a doctor how many episodes of anxiety he had, his answer was, “One, my whole life.” With high functioning anxiety (HFA), the individual suffers with anxiety, but somehow is able to do what they need to do. People with HFA may be very successful. Often, the suffering is not apparent to others. But, inside, it can feel like torment. Despite their success, people with HFA may doubt the adequacy of what they do. They may worry for days about some- thing they said, or did, or something that was said to them. Decisions can be diffi- cult because of fear of making the wrong one. Sufferers may seem angry or irritable since they feel like they are constantly on the verge of being overwhelmed. A prob- lem at work may feel like a catastrophe. At home, frantic activity or social avoid- ance may be how these individuals try to regain equilibrium. For adolescents, anxiety may focus on appearance in addition to competency. Self-consciousness is commonly the main concern. Feeling too fat, or too thin, too tall or short may plague the most seem- ingly-successful teens. For teens with high functioning anxiety, perfectionism is the goal, and the enemy. Teens are social creatures, and there is much social learn- ing to be done in high school and col- lege. Fearful withdrawal can limit a teen’s chance to grow. Sports, academics, friendships, romantic relationships, col- lege applications and the need to choose a vocation all can be anxiety provoking and all can be fuel for HFA. HFA teens perform, but with much struggle. Anx- ious teens often have physical complaints - headaches and stomach aches are the most common. These physical symp- toms may take the place of feeling anx- ious, and may take on a life of their own. The worries can seem endless. Each pro- motion, or success, can bring fears of being “found out” as incompetent (the imposter syndrome). Some of these fears can become self-fulfilling prophecies. If these problems sound familiar, they are. Everyone struggles with these issues to some extent. Those with HFA suffer more and more often. Too much anxiety can rob people of the experience of joy in their lives, and satisfaction with themselves. Likely, no one will suggest they get help – only a few people very close to people with HFA know how hard it is for them. But, if the private battle interferes with well-being, perhaps it is time to talk with someone who can help. Dr. Douglas Haymaker is a licensed clinical psy- chologist with over 20 years of clinical experi- ence. He is presently a partner at Haymaker and Haymaker Psychological Services, a private prac- tice setting where your confidentiality is assured, in Bridgewater, NJ. He attended college at Brown University and graduate school at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Areas of specializa- tion include relationship issues, coping with tran- sitions such as loss and divorce, and the assess- ment and treatment of AD/HD, anxiety, depres- sion and PTSD. He also performs psychological, neuropsychological and educational evaluations.