High Functioning Anxiety + What to Do About It

Nov 9

What is High Functioning Anxiety?

The term ‘High Functioning Anxiety’ is a description that encompasses people who experience anxiety and are relatively able to move throughout their lives despite their anxiety. This term doesn’t refer to a DSM-V diagnosis and it’s important to note that this is a theoretical topic that is not rooted in clinical research. However, it may be a term that feels validating if you experience anxiety but not to the full extent of a DSM-V diagnosis.

So, what is it like to experience ‘High Functioning Anxiety’? On the outside, others may see you as punctual, driven, detail-oriented, and successful. On the inside, it may not feel as easy or positive as it looks.

“Though you desperately need a day off work to get yourself together, you're often too afraid to call in sick. Nobody would ever believe something was wrong, because you always portrayed yourself as being fine” (Cuncic, 2022).

Let’s explore both some of the helfpul and unhelpful parts of the ‘High Functioning Anxiety’ experience…does any of this sound familiar?

Helpful:

Organized
Forward thinker (planning may be a strength of yours)
Helpful to others
‘A go getter’
High achieving
Punctual and prepared for anything
Outgoing and friendly
Driven
Anticipates needs
Loyal in relationships
Others view you as dependable or reliable
Appear calm + composed
Motivated

What To Do About It

If you resonate with these helpful and unhelpful traits and the experience of ‘High Functioning Anxiety’, know that you are not alone.

“While a person with high-functioning anxiety can appear as though in control and actively engaged in the daily tasks of life, underneath this confident exterior, it is a fight to make it through the day. “Much of anxiety is internal-uncontrolled worry or social evaluation, and no one would know unless the person has a lot of physical symptoms of avoidance,” says Siqueland. “Many people with mild to severe anxiety will do the essential tasks but limit other experiences or opportunities, and this is what sometimes leads them to treatment” (Lindberg, n.d.).

Those with ‘High Functioning Anxiety’ may struggle with the concept of getting support because they’re used to being the ones who are doing it all. Or because this way of functioning has become part of how you think of yourself.

Balance is the key. What would it be like to be able to feel accomplished, productive, helpful, and be able to set boundaries and relax? In many ways, ‘High Functioning Anxiety’ may feel like it can be your superpower. These strengths will truly be strengths when then can also be sustainable.

In order to maintain some of these helpful traits, it requires learning ways to cope and balance out the unhelpful traits so that you don’t burn yourself out.

Unhelpful:

Difficulty accepting things that are not viewed as ‘perfect’
Struggle to live in the present moment
Difficulty saying “no”
People-pleasing tendencies
Struggling to know when to ‘stop’ working
Has a hard time relaxing
Overthinking or over-analyzing
Sleep disturbances or difficulty sleeping
Fear of failure, worries about the future, feeling uneasy when things don’t go your way
Self-criticism
Needing re-assurance from others
Nervous habits or excess

A desk with a print that states, “get shit done”.

Interested in finding balance?

At Nourished Wellness Group, we take a look at the impact of anxiety not just on your mind, but on your body as well. Working with a therapist can help you to explore some of the sources and triggers of your anxiety, help you learn coping skills, and guide you in regulating your nervous system. Reach out today to learn more and add yourself to the list of your priorities!

References:

Cuncic, A. (2022). The Characteristics of High Functioning Anxiety. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-high-functioning-anxiety-4140198

Lindberg, S. (n.d.). What It's Like to Have High Functioning Anxiety. Headspace. https://www.headspace.com/articles/high-functioning-anxiety