You meet deadlines, keep things organized, and seem to have it all together. But behind the scenes, you’re overthinking decisions, worrying about disappointing others, and finding it hard to switch off. If this sounds familiar, you may relate to the term high-functioning anxiety.
At Rebound Total Health, we provide support for people dealing with high-functioning anxiety through our anxiety therapy services in Hamilton, Ontario and virtually for Ontarians.
In this post, we’ll explore what it can look like, how it can affect you even when you’re getting everything done, and when to reach out for support.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety, as a feeling, is that common state of worry and nervousness that everyone has felt at some point in their lives. But when that worry becomes persistent, intense, and shows up even when it isn’t needed, leading to distress and affecting your functioning, that’s where it often starts leaning into an anxiety disorder.
A huge part of anxiety is the avoidance that perpetuates it. It makes sense, right? When we fear something, we are automatically going to want to avoid it at all costs, except sometimes, this response leads to us avoiding triggers that actually won’t harm us, and so we keep the fear going. What’s being avoided often depends on the type of anxiety.
Learn more about the 7 types of anxiety disorders.
What’s High-functioning Anxiety?
While high-functioning anxiety is not a diagnosed condition yet, many individuals diagnosed with anxiety tend to be high-functioning. It’s often hard to tell when someone has high-functioning anxiety because outwardly, they tend to look successful and composed.
You’re probably described as a Type A personality. Perhaps you are always applauded for doing everything on time and in an organized way. You may even be told by others that they hope to be more like you in some way or another. But internally, you experience worry and, in fact, a lot of that success and composure isn’t motivated by just passion or discipline, but by fear of failure or disappointing those you care about.
Even though you’re often the one others can turn to, you may struggle to show others when you need help.
Other symptoms of high-functioning anxiety can look like aches in your back, neck or shoulder, mental and physical exhaustion, headaches, self-doubt, self-comparison, and overthinking.
But I’m getting everything done… is this really a problem?
It can be hard to seek help when you’re functional, but functional doesn’t mean adaptive or thriving. While you know that, on the surface, you look great, getting everything done, being helpful and calm, and with seemingly little effort, there’s a part of you that is struggling. If you’re finding yourself ruminating, having difficulty saying no, worrying, or people-pleasing all the time, it’s important to realize that it isn’t necessary to feel that way to be functional the way you are now.
Additionally, many individuals with high-functioning anxiety tend to experience physical concerns. These can include insomnia or the use of maladaptive coping methods for their anxiety, such as alcohol. Finally, even with high-functioning anxiety, you might find yourself limited in other ways. For example, like never doing anything that you aren’t sure you’re good at or never moving outside your comfort zone.
How To Manage High-Functioning Anxiety
Let’s begin by naming it – it can be really hard to ask for help. For those with high-functioning anxiety, you may be used to being the helper. You may be afraid to tell others you’re struggling or worried that you’ll lose the positive effects of high-functioning anxiety. For example, you may lose the drive to achieve. You may feel like you aren’t really struggling or don’t deserve help because, technically, you’re doing well. But here’s the thing – there’s no marker of suffering that decides who gets therapy and who doesn’t. And even if your anxiety isn’t affecting your function, it is affecting you.
If any or all of this sounds like you, consider speaking to your family doctor or reaching out to a therapist. At Rebound Total Health, our therapists understand that reaching out can feel vulnerable, and they’re always here to receive you with compassion and care that’s tailored to you.
Book your consultation with us at Rebound Total Health. We offer in-person sessions in our Hamilton (Dundas) location, and online therapy sessions in Ontario.
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Related: Simple Anxiety Management Strategies