What is High-Functioning Anxiety and How Can You Cope?
Anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. While it can be debilitating and all-consuming for some, other people dealing with anxiety are able to live relatively normal lives. You might be able to go to work, take care of your family, and get through your daily routine without letting your anxious thoughts control you.
If that hits a bit too close to home, you could be dealing with high-functioning anxiety.
High-functioning anxiety is a term used for anyone who deals with anxiety symptoms but is able to function in day-to-day life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the signs and symptoms, and what you can do if you’re struggling.
Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
One of the biggest challenges people face when they hear “high-functioning anxiety” is assuming the symptoms aren’t as bad or it’s not as big of a deal.
Understand that high-functioning anxiety doesn’t necessarily mean your symptoms are any weaker or less harmful. You simply might be used to handling them in ways that allow you to go through your daily routine.
With that in mind, some of the most common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety include:
- Constant worry
- Intrusive or obsessive thoughts
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Sweating
People with high-functioning anxiety might also be perfectionists. They tend to have a fear of failure, and the last thing they want is to look inadequate or feel as though they’ve disappointed anyone.
An Unhealthy Mask
Unfortunately, people with high-functioning anxiety might seem to have it all together. They’re often highly successful and driven. They have strict routines, keep busy, and can have strong personal relationships.
Even if you’re successful in different areas of life, you have to consider the cost. Have you found success and do you keep busy because you’re constantly stressed? Do you feel like you have to be successful to be fulfilled?
Anxiety can wreak havoc on the way you see yourself, and if it’s driving you to a state of perfection, it doesn’t matter how successful you are, because you’re harming your overall well-being.
What’s the Risk?
High-functioning anxiety might not seem like a problem on the surface. However, it can lead to exhaustion and burnout very quickly. More importantly, it’s still anxiety. It can still cause you to live in a state of fear and uncertainty. Even if you’re able to function, no one should have to live with negative intrusive thoughts forever.
High-functioning anxiety can do harm to your physical health over time. We touched on symptoms of muscle tension and headaches. But, it can also contribute to digestive issues and make it difficult to get enough sleep each night. That can create bigger, more serious health issues that are harder to treat later on.
What Can You Do?
If the signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety listed here sound familiar, the first step is to recognize that you are worthy of treatment. Don’t feel like you have to dismiss your anxious thoughts just because you’re able to get through the day.
Anxiety is often very manageable. But it’s not something you should feel obligated to tackle on your own.
Therapy is one of the best ways to deal with high-functioning anxiety. A therapist will help you understand where your anxious thoughts come from and how they’re affecting your life. You’ll also learn healthy ways of coping, including self-care practices, stress-relieving techniques, and more. It’s important to take care of yourself outside of therapy, too.
Things like getting enough sleep and trying deep breathing exercises can make it easier to manage your symptoms. Until you get to the bottom of your anxiety, you won’t be able to truly move forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help today and Contact Us.