Recognizing High-Functioning Anxiety

Anxiety is often seen as a feeling of unease or nervousness. For others, it manifests in a way that may not be immediately noticeable to others.

High-functioning anxiety is a common experience that many people deal with every day, yet it can be hard to recognize. While this type of anxiety does not show up in the form of overt panic attacks or visible distress, it can still have a significant impact on mental and physical health. Recognizing high-functioning anxiety is the first step in addressing it.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety is experienced by individuals who have daily anxiety but are able to maintain a high level of productivity and performance in their daily lives. These individuals often appear calm, collected, and in control to those around them. Internally, however, they may be dealing with constant worry, overthinking, and a relentless pressure to succeed.

Even though it's not obvious, people with high-functioning anxiety still experience symptoms like excessive self-doubt, perfectionism, and an unrelenting fear of failure. The desire to please others and avoid disappointment can lead to chronic stress and exhaustion, even if it is not immediately visible.

Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

If you or someone you know is struggling with high-functioning anxiety, the signs may not be obvious. However, there are a few common behaviors and feelings that can point to this condition:

Constant Worrying: You may find yourself constantly thinking about worst-case scenarios or worrying about future events, even when there is no immediate reason for concern.

Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for yourself and being overly critical of your own work or performance is a common sign of high-functioning anxiety.

Overworking: People with high-functioning anxiety often push themselves to work harder and longer hours to prevent failure. They may sacrifice self-care and rest in the process.

Trouble Saying No: There may be a fear of disappointing others or being perceived as inadequate, which can make it hard to set boundaries and say no to additional responsibilities.

Physical Symptoms: Chronic anxiety can also show up in physical ways, such as headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, or difficulty sleeping.

Avoiding Relaxation: Despite feeling constantly overwhelmed, it can be difficult for individuals with high-functioning anxiety to relax or take breaks. They may feel guilty about taking time off or fear that it will impact their performance.

How to Help Yourself or a Loved One

Managing high-functioning anxiety, or supporting someone with it, requires a mix of self-awareness and patience. If you are experiencing high-functioning anxiety, it is essential to recognize which thoughts are coming from your anxiety. Notice these feelings, but try your best not to judge yourself.

Try to also start setting aside time before and after anxiety-triggering events so that you have time to decompress. Encourage yourself to prioritize sleep and focus on building healthy habits.

If you are supporting a loved one, approach them with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their struggles without minimizing them, and avoid pushing them to "just relax" or "take it easy." Instead, offer a space for them to talk and listen without offering immediate solutions. Encourage professional help and maybe offer to join them in creating healthy habits to provide consistency and accountability.

Whether you are managing high-functioning anxiety yourself or supporting someone else, creating a balanced routine and fostering a supportive environment is key to managing anxiety in a healthy way.

Finding the Right Support

High-functioning anxiety may not be immediately visible, but it can still have a significant impact on a person’s life. With the right support, you can learn to navigate anxiety in a healthier way. If you feel that you may be experiencing high-functioning anxiety, consider reaching out. You do not have to face it alone! My practice is here to help you. Please use this contact form to ask any general questions or to schedule an appointment for anxiety therapy.