High-functioning anxiety can be a tricky, almost hidden form of anxiety. To the outside world, people who are experiencing anxiety and are high-functioning may appear very successful, organized, and willing to take on additional responsibilities. They may be driven and motivated, and their work performance may be exemplary. Unfortunately, it can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. The purpose of this blog is to highlight seven signs of high-functioning anxiety and provide a few suggestions for what to do if you or a loved one are experiencing it.
Seven Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
We are all unique, and the way that we experience anxiety is also unique. You or your loved one may or may not experience these characteristics, but it can be helpful to consider this list in the context of your own life and emotions. High-functioning anxiety may be hard to recognize because it may not prevent a person from fulfilling their daily obligations, but it can still cause problems and take an emotional toll.
- Overthinking. We’ve probably all experienced this in some form in our lives, whether replaying conversations in our minds, second-guessing decisions we’ve made, or thinking about “what if” scenarios. The longer this continues, the more it contributes to anxiety and exhaustion.
- Perfectionism. People experiencing high-functioning anxiety are likely to suffer from perfectionism and may not feel the satisfaction or joy of achievement as they spend energy focusing on what they could have done better. Over time, this can lead to burnout.
- Difficulty saying “no”. Setting healthy boundaries can be challenging for all of us, but for individuals with high-functioning anxiety, saying “no” could be even more challenging due to fear of conflict or disappointment. As a result, we often take on more work and responsibility, which can quickly lead to resentment and fatigue.
- Fear of failure. This is a common but difficult characteristic of high-functioning anxiety. Fear of failure can be a persistent form of anxiety and can prevent us from taking risks or trying new things.
- Overachievement. Overachievement can be a way to stay busy and avoid dealing with anxiety. Overachievers often experience professional success but their personal well-being may suffer.
- Difficulty sleeping. Most of us have experienced racing thoughts at night that make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Lack of sleep or poor sleep can worsen anxiety, and this characteristic of high-functioning anxiety can lead to a problematic cycle of exhaustion that only worsens anxiety.
- Need for control. Planning and organization help reduce uncertainty, which can be helpful to anyone experiencing anxiety. High-functioning individuals experiencing anxiety are likely to spend time double-checking plans and overcommunicating. When things don’t go as planned, it can increase stress and frustration.
Southern Sky Recovery Can Help You Cope with High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety is generally considered a form of general anxiety disorder (GAD), so it can be hard to know exactly how many people experience it. Not everyone who is experiencing high-functioning anxiety may be even aware of it. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates nearly 1 in 5 adults experienced some anxiety in the past year, with women experiencing it at a higher rate (23.4%) than men (14.3%).
Each of the seven signs of high-functioning anxiety listed above can significantly impact our mental and physical health despite the appearance of success to our friends, families, colleagues, and even ourselves. If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above or are using unhealthy coping mechanisms to suppress them, you may benefit from making some changes. Implementing a mindfulness routine, regularly exercising, or therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could help you manage your symptoms and set you up for greater happiness.
At Southern Sky Recovery, we offer a variety of therapy options. Our treatment providers understand that everyone’s journey and emotions are unique. We are ready to help you create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to start on your path to living a happier, more fulfilling life.
