High-functioning anxiety is a unique and often hidden form of anxiety that impacts many people, especially the women I work with. On the outside, these people may appear successful, organized, and in control of their lives, but on the inside, they struggle with significant anxiety. They may not even recognize what they feel is anxiety or realize how anxiety therapy could help. Recognizing the signs of high-functioning anxiety is important in order to get the right support and understanding to those silently battling this condition. From perfectionism and overthinking to excessive planning and difficulty relaxing, the signs of high-functioning anxiety offer insights into the inner world of those who may be silently grappling with intense worries and fears.
Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety is a form of anxiety where people appear to be doing well in their daily lives, but are struggling with significant anxiety. It can be challenging to know someone is experiencing anxiety as they may appear successful, organized, and in control. However, some signs and behaviors that may indicate high-functioning anxiety include:
Perfectionism
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While it may drive high levels of achievement, it can also create pressure and self-criticism when you don’t meet your own standards. Anxiety therapy can help you understand the negative beliefs and fears driving perfectionism. Perfectionism makes it difficult to have a balance of self-compassion and accomplishments.
Overthinking and Worrying
You might constantly think about and analyze yourself or others in situations. People with high-functioning anxiety might use overthinking as a way of giving themself a sense of control that they can change an outcome. In reality, it activates your nervous system and puts you in a constant state of anxiety.
Difficulty Relaxing
People with high-functioning anxiety often struggle to relax because of the constant mental chatter in their heads and an underlying fear of losing control. They also feel they have to constantly be productive to achieve their goals and be worthwhile so when they do try to relax or wind down they feel guilty.
Excessive Planning
Excessive planning is a common coping skill for people with high-functioning anxiety. It helps them reduce uncertainty and avoid unexpected situations that may trigger anxiety. It also helps them avoid being vulnerable, embarrassed, or looking stupid in situations.
Procrastination
Procrastination for those with high-functioning anxiety can provide temporary relief from all the decisions and choices they feel they have to make. They get a temporary break from all the pressure they feel when they are trying to achieve their goals.
Physical Symptoms
People with anxiety may experience physical symptoms due to the body's stress response. These symptoms can include headaches, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, digestive issues, and shortness of breath.
Constant Need for Reassurance
Those with high-functioning anxiety often want reassurance because their anxiety fuels self-doubt and the need for validation. Despite appearing composed on the outside, they may be overwhelmed by fear of not being good enough.
People-pleasing
People with high-functioning anxiety often engage in people-pleasing behaviors as a way to manage their anxiety and avoid conflict. They fear rejection, criticism, or disappointing others, so they go to great lengths to accommodate the needs and desires of those around them.
Overcommitment
Those with high-functioning anxiety often over-commit to responsibilities due to a fear of disappointing others and because they want validation for what they do. They may struggle to say "no" to avoid conflict and to maintain an image of a successful person.
Anxiety Therapy in Utah for High-Functioning Anxiety
Anxiety therapy can be incredibly helpful for those dealing with high-functioning anxiety. In anxiety counseling or anxiety therapy, you'll have a safe space to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As an anxiety therapist, I will work with you to identify the root causes of your anxiety and help you recognize unhelpful thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, you'll develop ways to manage stress, set healthier boundaries, and challenge perfectionistic tendencies. Anxiety therapy gives you tools to help you relax and have more self-compassion, and find more balance in your life.
Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah
You can manage your anxiety better and live the life you want without anxiety always holding you back. Anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist specializing in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below:
Meet with a therapist for anxiety
Begin coping better