High-functioning anxiety is a term that describes people who experience anxiety symptoms but still manage to perform well in their daily activities, such as work, school, and relationships. They may appear calm and confident to others, but inside they are struggling with fear, worry, and negative self-talk.
Some of the signs of high-functioning anxiety are1234:
- You have a tough time falling and staying asleep.
- You suffer from constant negative self-talk.
- You’re a perfectionist and have an intense desire for control.
- You have repetitive habits, such as biting your nails or tapping your foot.
- You literally cannot relax.
- You are always busy and have trouble saying no.
- You experience physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches, or stomachaches.
- You are outgoing and sociable, but secretly feel drained by social interactions.
- You avoid situations that trigger your anxiety, or you push yourself to overcome them.
- You are highly organized and detail-oriented.
- You are proactive and anticipate problems before they happen.
- You are hardworking and diligent, but often feel like you are not doing enough.
If you think you have high-functioning anxiety, you are not alone. Many people struggle with this condition and may not even realize it. There are ways to cope with your anxiety and improve your quality of life. Some of the possible treatments are234:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and challenge your negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, which can help reduce your anxiety symptoms.
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation, which can help you calm your mind and body.
- Lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding nicotine and other stimulants, which can help you manage your stress levels.
- Support groups or online communities, where you can connect with others who understand what you are going through and offer support and advice.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your anxiety, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You deserve to feel better and enjoy your life. Remember that having high-functioning anxiety does not mean that you are weak or flawed. It means that you are strong and resilient. You have overcome many challenges and achieved many goals. You have a lot to be proud of. And you have a lot more to look forward to
