Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues that millions of people around the world experience. When we experience anxiety, it is often accompanied by intense feelings of nervousness, tension, or worry. Anxiety can manifest in many ways and is often debilitating, however for some people, it can present as high functioning.

What is High Functioning Anxiety?

High functioning anxiety is a term used to describe individuals who experience anxiety while maintaining a high level of functionality in their daily lives. These individuals appear to be successful, productive, and efficient in their personal and professional lives despite experiencing anxious symptoms.

If you have high functioning anxiety you may be perceived as an overachiever, perfectionist, or workaholic. You might be quite skilled at masking your anxious thoughts and feelings by focusing on your work and responsibilities.

You are likely praised for your productivity, dedication to getting things done and work ethic, and you may even tell yourself that you work better under pressure or that you are Type-A person. Unfortunately, if left unaddressed, your inner turmoil can lead to stress, burnout, and physical health problems. 

 What Are the Signs of High Functioning Anxiety?

Recognizing the signs of high functioning anxiety can be difficult as you may not fit the stereotypical image of an anxious person. Here are some common signs of high functioning anxiety:

Constant worrying:

You worry excessively about your work, relationships, and personal life but may believe this is due to the high standards you have for yourself. In fact, you may even tell yourself that you are not a worrier, you just overthink situations and have an ability to consider all possible outcomes - usually negative!

Perfectionism:

You have strong desire to get things right and are your own worst critic when things aren’t accomplished to your exacting standards. You might even see this as a virtue rather than an unrealistic expectation, yet the behavior causes you stress.

Rumination:

You ruminate on past events and worry about future outcomes. Even when the logical and rational side of you is telling you that things are fine, you may not be able to turn off running thoughts through your head over and over.

Procrastination:

You often procrastinate because you are afraid of failure, or in some cases even success. You may have trouble making decisions and delay until the last possible minute. This is usually a subconscious way of avoiding responsibility and outcomes.

Can't Sit Still:

Just when you think it's time to sit on the sofa and relax for a few minutes, your brain tells you to "get up and do something!". You struggle to simply chill for more than a minute or two because there is a never-ending to-do list that robs you of your peace.

Physical symptoms:

You may experience physical symptoms such as more than the average number of headaches. Alternatively, you may constantly feel fatigued, or report stomach upset and nausea.

How to Treat High Functioning Anxiety

Treating high functioning anxiety involves several steps. The first step is to acknowledge and accept that you have anxiety and aren’t just an overachiever. Then, you can begin to look honestly at your symptoms and how they are potentially negatively affecting your sense of peace, productivity and self-esteem.

You can address the symptoms of high functioning anxiety by incorporating meditation or mindfulness into your weekly routine. Focusing on regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet go a long way in offsetting the stress that accumulates with anxiety. 

Additionally, the guidance of therapist can be incredibly beneficial. In counseling you can uncover the underlying triggers that exacerbate your symptoms, enabling you to cultivate healthier coping strategies and release the grip of rumination and perfectionism. Therapy can help you set achievable goals and prioritize self-care so you can effectively manage your anxiety levels and enhance your overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

Managing high functioning anxiety can be challenging, but with the right treatment, it is possible to reduce symptoms and maintain a healthy balance between work and life. Recognizing the signs of high functioning anxiety and seeking help when needed is crucial in addressing the underlying causes of the condition.

Remember, caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical well-being. At Elevate Counseling, we are dedicated to supporting you in effectively managing your anxiety.