High-functioning anxiety refers to people who have symptoms of high-functioning anxiety but still manage and stay productive in their lives even though they deal with these internal challenges. Unlike clinical anxiety disorders, it’s not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The high-functioning type of anxiety often goes under the radar for those around them. Those affected might outwardly appear calm, accomplished, and put together but continuously fight with a strong undercurrent of worry and stress.
It’s a silent struggle that affects millions, shaping daily life for many in oft-subtle yet profound ways. Most of the time, the victims of such situations appear as people who have everything figured out, but just beneath the surface, subtle signs of anxiety oppose their inner battles.
Subtle Signs of Anxiety
Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety – Impact on Relationships and Work
High-functioning anxiety is the mental state characterized by persistent worry and fear combined with a high level of attainment and success. It’s particularly common among professionals, students, and people in high-pressure environments.
High-functioning anxiety and relationships can be significantly impacted.
- Emotionally, the individuals may struggle to open up, feeling vulnerable or sometimes fearful of being overwhelmed.
- High-functioning anxiety at work may also manifest as difficulty in setting boundaries, overwork, and an inability to maintain a good work-life balance.
- Socially, high-functioning anxiety can manifest itself in last-minute cancellation plans or even just avoiding social situations altogether.
The paradox of high-functioning anxiety in adults lies in the contrast between outward success and inner turmoil. Those affected, especially Type A personalities, often wear a mask of perfectionism while privately grappling with overwhelming stress and high-functioning anxiety.
As already stated, the signs of symptoms of high-functioning anxiety may be underlying, but individuals suffering from this condition often experience some signs, such as –
Physical Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
Physical symptoms might include constant muscle tension leading to jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and frequent headaches or backaches. Such tension-related symptoms are often lightly written off as no more than stress, but when they persist, they surely can act as a can be a red flag for those wondering about signs you might have anxiety.
Other more common physical signs are disturbances in sleep. This begets a vicious cycle of daytime fatigue, further combined with increased anxiety. Frequent stomach upset, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal discomfort can all be physical manifestations of anxiety.
Behavioral Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety appears as overachievement and perfectionism largely on a behavioral basis. The drive for perfection that may result creates excellent performance levels but does this at an amazingly great personal cost. A tendency to be people-pleasing is another hallmark of high-functioning anxiety traits. It sets them always trying to meet the needs and expectations of other people instead of their well-being due to the fear of disapproval or conflict.
A pattern of procrastination followed by last-minute rushing is common. Nail-biting, hair-twirling, leg-shaking, or an inability to sit still can all be subtle signs of high-functioning anxiety.
Emotional and Cognitive Signs
Cognitive manifestations are typified by overthinking and rumination. The individual always seeks reassurance and confirmation of one’s worth. Catastrophizing, or assuming the worst possible outcome, is a usual cognitive distortion.
Imposter syndrome is largely associated with high-functioning anxiety: the feeling that people perceive them as frauds, whatever they achieve, and it happens as a result of luck rather than skill.
A never-ending Urge for Perfectionism
People with high-functioning anxiety often experience a never-ending urge for perfectionism. They often set unrealistic goals for themselves. Sometimes, this urge for perfectionism leads to amazing success. However, it creates extreme restlessness. Even small mistakes in their work make them excessively anxious. They constantly worry about their performances, so they spend a lot of time overdoing things, over-preparing speeches, multiple checking on reports or presentations. Such over-activities often create extreme anxiety, which gradually leads to panic attacks or Burnout. The continuous pressure to be perfect often interrupts their normal lives and creates an extreme fear of failure.
Overanalysing everything
High-functioning anxiety often makes people overthink and overanalyze the simplest things in life. People with high-functioning anxiety spend a lot of time overanalyzing situations, events, or conversations. They often overthink future events and worry about them continuously, resulting in extreme nervousness and constant mental breakdowns. Instead of living in the present moments, they keep overthinking about future events. People in such conditions often worry about what other people will think about them. As a result of such an overanalyzing tendency, they often disrupt their daily routine.
Coping Strategies and Treatment Options
While high-functioning anxiety can be challenging, there are numerous strategies for managing high-functioning anxiety.
- High-functioning anxiety self-help techniques such as mindfulness for anxiety, meditation, regular exercise, and proper sleep hygiene can be effective in reducing anxiety levels.
- Among Anxiety therapy options, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or ACT, finds its worth in helping to deal with anxiety and harmful thought patterns.
- In some cases, you might require the right dosage of medications to handle these high-functioning anxiety symptoms. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications might help you reduce these symptoms, though this option should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Lifestyle changes can also make a significant difference. Learning to set realistic goals, practice self-compassion, and prioritize self-care can help mitigate the effects of high-functioning anxiety.
- Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Learning to set realistic goals, treat oneself with kindness, and practice self-care will help mitigate the effects of high-functioning anxiety.
- Practicing yoga and stretching exercises can combat anxiousness and offer deep relaxation.
- Spending some time with friends and family can offer extensive support for people suffering from high-functioning anxiety.
Closing Thoughts
Living with high-functioning anxiety may not always be visible to others, but its impact on those affected is profound. Recognizing these subtle signs – from physical tension and sleep disturbances to perfectionism and overthinking – is the first step towards seeking help and finding balance. While there isn’t a standardized high-functioning anxiety test, being aware of these symptoms can help individuals identify if they need support. Remember, success can be achieved without overdoing things and excessive anxiety. And it’s never too late to seek professional treatment for such high-functioning anxiety.
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