Many people around the world struggle with anxiety, a mental health condition that causes constant worry, nervousness, and irritability. Some people with anxiety can’t do everyday things, while others seem to function normally. High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety where people appear to have an everyday life on the outside, but inside, they experience a lot of worry and stress.
This blog post explains what is high functioning anxiety, wat are common high-functioning anxiety symptoms, what does high-functioning anxiety look like, what are common high-functioning anxiety test, how to overcome high-functioning anxiety, what causes high functioning anxiety, and how to stop high functioning anxiety.
High-Functioning Anxiety: What’s all the fuss about?
High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety that people often hide well. They may seem like they have their lives together, but they deal with much worry and stress. People with high-functioning anxiety might be perfectionists, overthinkers, and people-pleasers.
While some people find this type of anxiety helpful for staying focused and productive, it can still take a toll on their mental and physical health. Signs of high-functioning anxiety include restlessness, tension, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, and excessive worry.
Recognizing the signs of high-functioning anxiety can be difficult. Still, it’s essential to know them and the best answer to the question “How to help high-functioning anxiety.” Some common signs include perfectionism, overthinking, difficulty relaxing, and avoidance behaviors.
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Common Emotional Signs
Some of the common emotional symptoms of high-functioning anxiety are as follows:
- Constant Worrying: Unwanted negative ideas or images occur when things are going fine or even better.
- Overthinking: Talking about past experiences, including the bad feelings that come with them, and thinking about different ways to handle them.
- Fear of Failure: Another sign is a constant need to double-check things and ensure everything is perfect, often because of a fear of disappointing others.
- People-Pleasing Tendencies: Putting other people’s needs before your own, being afraid of rejection, and saying “yes” even when you don’t want to.
- Self-Criticism: Heavy workload, high standards for oneself or others in liked work and criticism, self-accusations, and demands for errorless performance.
Physical Signs and Symptoms
Some of the primary physical sneaky signs of high-functioning anxiety are:
- Restlessness or Tension: Feeling anxious, restless, or unable to relax, or having tense muscles in the neck, shoulders, or jaw.
- Fatigue: Suffering from exhaustion caused by fear and several activities one engages in, yet one may look happy or wealthy.
- Sleep Issues: Sleep disorders may include trouble sleeping or waking up frequently during the night due to overthinking at night.
- Digestive Issues: Stomach upset or gastrointestinal systems, which often manifest themselves physically in response to anxiety.
All about High Functioning Anxiety and the Effects it has on Daily Life
Furthermore, living with a high-functioning anxiety disorder may not seem like a problem because individuals with the condition may appear to lead everyday lives. However, the effects of this hidden anxiety can take a toll over time and turn into mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and depression.
- Chronic Stress: Constant worry and pressure can lead to chronic stress and health problems. If not managed well, this stress can lead to burnout.
- Strained Relationships: People with high-functioning anxiety often try to be perfect and please others, which can make it hard to set boundaries and take care of themselves. This can sometimes lead to unsatisfying friendships, as they may prioritize the needs of others over their own.
- Exhaustion and Fatigue: People with high-functioning anxiety often feel mentally exhausted, even if they don’t have any physical signs of tiredness. This is because their brains constantly work hard, worry, and plan. It can feel like they can never truly rest.
- Reduced Self-Care: People with high-functioning anxiety may feel the need to be busy and in control constantly. This can lead them to neglect their needs, such as exercise, sleep, and relaxation, as they prioritize work, family, and other responsibilities.
Read More: Does Anxiety cause shortness of breath?
Finding Yourself: High-Functioning Anxiety
If the following signs match with your signs, then you might have high-functioning anxiety:
- They constantly worry about losing what they have, even when things are going well.
- Over-preparing for everything to avoid mistakes.
- Doubting their abilities and fearing failure, even after success.
- Feeling anxious or stressed for no apparent reason.
- Feeling like a fraud or imposter, even when they’re qualified.
- Seeking validation from others to feel good about themselves.
If these signs sound familiar, and you are finding answers for how to deal with high-functioning anxiety, then you’re not alone. Many people experience high-functioning anxiety. While it might seem manageable, it can still negatively impact your life.
High-Functioning Anxiety: Guide on How to Cope
If high-functioning anxiety affects your well-being, there are effective strategies to help manage it:
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Exercises
Meditation is a great way to reduce anxiety and focus on the present moment. It can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Even just 5 minutes of meditation a day can make a difference.
It’s also essential to learn to say no. People with high-functioning anxiety often feel the need to please everyone, but it’s okay to set boundaries. Focus on the things that are important to you and that bring you joy.
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Challenge Perfectionism
People with high-functioning anxiety often strive for perfection. It’s important to remember that good is usually good enough. Set realistic goals based on your time and energy, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Remember that mistakes are a part of learning and don’t define your worth.
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Build a Support Network
Sharing your anxiety with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can be helpful. Talking about your feelings can reduce feelings of isolation and provide you with new perspectives and coping strategies.
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Cope in a healthy way
Other possible means of stress reduction include exercising, keeping a journal or diary, and doing particular hobbies. If you are anxious, having time to write down your thoughts about going out for a walk or doing some activity you enjoy helps get space from worry.
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Reduce Stimulants
Caffeine and sugars are chemicals that cause worsened anxiety primarily due to their proportions consumed. Take as little of these stimulants as possible and take water and foods containing other natural deposits, such as tea and protein-rich foods.
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Professional Assistance
High-functioning anxiety treatment includes psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be very effective in managing anxiety. CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thoughts. A mental health professional can provide you with tools and strategies to cope with stress.
The Value of Self-Kindness
People with high-functioning anxiety often rebuke themselves. Being kind to yourself and understanding that everyone makes mistakes is essential. Remember, you’re human, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Self-compassion can help you accept your weaknesses without judgment. Try talking to yourself the way you would speak to a good friend. Instead of criticizing yourself for feeling anxious, remind yourself that anxiety is a common experience and doesn’t make you a wrong person.
Read More: Different levels of Anxiety & stages of anxiety recovery
Why Management of High-Functioning Anxiety is Important
It’s essential to manage high-functioning anxiety to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Untreated anxiety can lead to bitterness, lack of motivation, and strained relationships. Recognizing that you have high-functioning anxiety can help you reduce stress, improve your work-life balance, and increase overall happiness.
Managing high-functioning anxiety doesn’t mean eliminating anxiety. It’s about learning to cope with it in healthy ways. With the right tools and support, you can live a fulfilling and meaningful life, even with anxiety.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Many people with high-functioning anxiety suffer in silence, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. While it may feel isolating, many others share this experience. There are steps you can take to manage high-functioning anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.
You don’t have to struggle with stress constantly. Learning to live in the present moment and working towards better mental health is possible. Remember, your anxiety does not define you. You have the power to heal and grow. If you are also interested in attaining telehealth benefits in overcoming the signs of high-functioning anxiety, then don’t hesitate and contact Inland Empire Behavioral Group today!
