Signs You May Have High Functioning Anxiety

Anxiety can show itself in many different ways. Some are visible manifestations, others subtle cues. High-functioning anxiety, in particular, is a nuanced phenomenon that can be challenging to detect. It's like having a devil on your shoulder, constantly questioning your thoughts and actions while attempting to maintain a façade of normalcy. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in your anxiety while trying to power through everyday responsibilities only to feel utterly exhausted, you might be experiencing high-functioning anxiety.

Many people throughout the world struggle with high-functioning anxiety, but it often goes undetected. While high-functioning anxiety is not a diagnosable mental health concern, it can still impact somebody's life in profound ways. Let's dive into what high-functioning anxiety is and, most importantly, how to cope with it.

Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

Mental Signs

One of the key indicators of high-functioning anxiety lies in the mind. It's like having a never-ending to-do list, with each unchecked box adding another layer of stress. You might find yourself overthinking every decision, replaying scenarios in your head, and worrying excessively about the future. Your mind becomes a mix of self-doubt and uncertainty, even when you appear fine on the surface.

If you're dealing with high-functioning anxiety, you probably suffer from imposter syndrome, confidence issues, and perfectionism. It's important to get your anxiety under control early since it is common for people struggling with high-functioning anxiety to resort to unhealthy and dangerous coping mechanisms.

Physical Signs

While anxiety is often associated with psychological distress, its physical manifestations can be just as telling. High-functioning anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, ranging from tension headaches and muscle stiffness to gastrointestinal issues like stomachaches and nausea. Some people may not sleep well and deal with irritability throughout the day.

Some may notice that they are constantly fidgeting or feeling restless, unable to relax even in moments of supposed calmness. Some people may also exhibit compulsive behaviors like twirling their hair or biting their nails. These physical manifestations are your body's way of communicating the underlying stress.

Personality Signs

Beyond the mental and physical manifestations, high-functioning anxiety can also influence your personality in subtle ways. To others, you would likely be described as high achieving or ambitious, but internally you constantly fear failure or disappointing others. You also may come off as a control freak since you sweat all the small details.

High-functioning anxiety can even present like an overprotective mother hen for women. People with high-functioning anxiety are often always busy and have trouble saying "no" to those around them. Or, they may find themselves avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, leading to a cycle of avoidance and isolation.

Addressing Anxiety

If you felt represented in this article, know you're not alone. High-functioning anxiety affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet it often goes unnoticed and untreated. Understanding high-functioning anxiety is the first step towards overcoming it. It's about accepting that failure, disappointment, and stress are inevitable and expected parts of life.

Overcoming high-functioning anxiety involves an individualist approach. It begins with acknowledging and accepting the presence of anxiety, followed by developing self-awareness of triggers and symptoms. When you can take back control over your anxiety, you will find that it's easier to pursue your goals in the future without negative thoughts plaguing your mind.

You don't have to solve all the problems today. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools and strategies to navigate your anxiety more effectively. If you are struggling with anxiety and aren't sure how to handle it, don't hesitate to reach out to learn more about anxiety therapy.