What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

Written By Graham Gallivan

You're running ahead of schedule on your work tasks. Your inbox is empty, and you've responded to all your messages. People have praised you for your hard work and dedication.

To the outside observer, you seem to have everything under control. However, on the inside, there's this constant worry that never entirely goes away.

This feeling of being a mess internally while appearing put together externally is known as high-functioning anxiety. It's common, especially among professionals working in fast-paced environments.

The Hidden Face of Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety isn't an official medical diagnosis, but it describes a very real and specific experience around anxiety. Unlike the standard form of anxiety that most people are familiar with, this type operates mainly underneath the surface. You're still performing at a successful rate, showing up for your responsibilities, meeting expectations, but the cost it comes with is high.

The face of high-functioning anxiety is someone who is put together. They may volunteer for projects and arrive early to work. They appear to handle social situations like a boss. No matter what time it is, they have to get it done. What's fueling the productivity is actually the anxiety.

What Does High-Functioning Anxiety Look Like?

High-functioning anxiety often shows up differently from person to person, but there are some common patterns:

• Overthinking: You have a tendency to replay situations in your head and second-guess your decisions. You're also prone to seeking reassurance from others.

• Perfectionism: Any outcome less than a flawless execution makes you feel like you've failed. You're usually your harshest critic.

• Physical symptoms: Along with your anxious feelings, you also may be experiencing physical symptoms that don't let up. It could be tension, headaches, sleeping issues, digestive issues, or chest tightness.

• Nervous habits: When your anxiety flares up, you may notice certain habits, including nail-biting, leg bouncing, restlessness, and frequent phone checking, that help offset some of the internal tension.

• Need for control: Anxiety may spike when plans take a detour or fall through.

• Difficulty saying no: Disappointing others triggers discomfort, so you tend to say yes to everything and anything, no matter how overwhelmed your schedule already is.

The Success Trap

One of the trickiest parts of anxiety is that it often gets rewarded. Anxiety fuels your attention to detail, which your boss loves. Clients and coworkers appreciate your quick responses. Your friends admire how organized you are and how you always show up.

This positive feedback reinforces your anxious behaviors, making them harder to recognize as a problem. Unfortunately, these behaviors come at a cost. The internal pressure leads to faster burnout and a feeling that you can never do or be enough. In some instances, the more successful you become, the more disconnected you may feel.

Beyond Symptom Management

Identifying and gaining an understanding of your high-functioning anxiety is the first step towards healthy change. Healing is more than trying to eliminate anxiety or change your professional drive. It's about establishing a healthier relationship with yourself and your ambitions.

Many people find relief through approaches that help reduce anxiety's grip while also honoring their values and drive. This may include exploring what fuels the need for perfection or working on tolerance for uncertainty. You may also find that reconnecting with activities you once loved or that bring genuine joy can be beneficial.

Finding Your Path Forward

Living with high-functioning anxiety is often a reflection of your care and concern about fulfilling your responsibilities. The question you need to ask yourself is, can you still maintain this drive while also living with more authenticity and ease?

Anxiety counseling offers a space for you to explore what's beneath the surface and develop new ways to relate to your anxiety. The path forward lies in building a life that is more sustainable and less exhausting. Let's get started!

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