When most people think about anxiety, they picture someone struggling to manage daily tasks, maybe unable to leave the house or have a conversation without feeling overwhelmed. But what if someone seems to have everything under control on the surface but is silently dealing with constant worry? This is where the idea of “high functioning anxiety” comes into play. High functioning anxiety is not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, but it describes a pattern of behaviors that can significantly impact a person’s life, even if they seem to be managing it well from the outside looking in.
Understanding High Functioning Anxiety
High functioning anxiety refers to individuals who experience intense feelings of anxiety but still manage to go about their daily lives, often appearing calm, collected, and successful. They may have a full social calendar, a busy job, and a well-maintained home, but inside, they’re dealing with constant worry, self-doubt, and fear of failure.
People with high functioning anxiety often set very high standards for themselves, leading to a cycle of perfectionism and overwork. They usually have a hard time saying “no” to people when they’re asked to take on extra responsibilities at work, social events, or family obligations. They may feel like they need to do everything perfectly and fear letting others down. However, their anxiety doesn’t necessarily stop them from performing tasks or meeting goals. It just means they’re often pushing themselves to extremes to manage that anxiety.
The Symptoms You Might Not See
One of the trickiest parts of high functioning anxiety is that it often doesn’t look like anxiety. On the outside, a person may appear organized, confident, and in control. But on the inside, they’re battling symptoms such as:
Constant worry: A person may overthink even the smallest decisions, worrying about how others will perceive them or what might go wrong.
Perfectionism: They might set unrealistic standards for themselves, always striving for flawlessness and feeling inadequate when those standards aren’t met.
Overachievement: They may work excessively, even to the point of burnout, to prove their worth to themselves or others. Oftentimes, overextending yourself can result in lower quality work, so try to remember quality over quantity.
Avoidance of relaxation: Even in downtime, someone with high functioning anxiety may have trouble truly unwinding, always feeling like they should be doing something productive. Natural options like Sleepytime tea, relaxing evening routines, or CBD supplements could help with this.
Physical symptoms: These can include headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or trouble sleeping, all stemming from chronic stress and worry. When anxiety starts to cause your physical health to decline alongside your metal health, it is time to get professional support!
How High Functioning Anxiety Affects Relationships
While someone with high functioning anxiety may appear capable, their inner struggles can take a toll on relationships. They might avoid asking for help because they want to appear self-sufficient or worry about being judged if they open up. This can make it hard for them to connect with others on a deeper level, even if they have close friends or family.
Their constant drive to achieve and maintain control might also cause tension in personal relationships. They may push people away unintentionally by overcommitting or acting distant when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
High functioning anxiety can be difficult to recognize, especially when the person seems to be succeeding in their daily life. However, it’s important to remember that just because someone is “functioning” doesn’t mean they’re not struggling. Consider seeking help from an anxiety therapist who can work with you to manage anxiety in healthy ways! You can book a free consultation here.