We all feel the buzz of anxiety at times, the anxiety that keeps you on your toes before something big is about to happen. But what about when that feeling doesn’t really go away, and yet, somehow, you’re still making everything work, managing it all. This is what some people call "high-functioning anxiety." It’s not an official diagnosis, but it’s a way to describe people who are handling life well on the surface, despite dealing with a lot of anxiety on the inside.
What’s "High-Functioning" Got to Do with Anxiety?
Imagine this: on the outside, someone looks like they have everything under control. They meet all their deadlines, show up at social events, and generally succeed in day-to-day life. But on the inside, it’s a different story—they’re often filled with worries, planning endlessly to avoid any possible slip-ups, and it's exhausting.
What You See vs. What’s Really Going On: It’s like being a duck or a swan - calm on the surface, but paddling like crazy underneath. People with high-functioning anxiety are masters at this. They might look like they’ve got it all together, but they’re often dealing with a lot of fears and doubts.
Signs You Might Be Dealing with High-Functioning Anxiety
Spotting high-functioning anxiety isn’t always easy because it’s wrapped up in a lot of "normal" successful behaviours. Here’s what to look out for:
Overthinking Everything: From what to eat for breakfast to big project decisions at work.
Perfectionism: That pressure you put on yourself to do everything perfectly.
Can’t Say No: Always saying yes because you don’t want to let anyone down.
Nervous Energy: You might find yourself tapping your foot, fidgeting, or playing with your hair a lot.
Tired but Wired: Feeling exhausted but also like you can’t stop and relax.
How It Impacts Your Life
Having high-functioning anxiety can make maintaining relationships tough and can slowly chip away at your mental health. It’s tricky because all the success can hide the fact that you really need to take a break or get some help. Plus, over time, running on anxiety can lead to serious burnout or depression.
What Can You Do About It?
If this sounds like you or someone you know, here are a few ways to manage the anxiety:
Get to Know Your Anxiety: Pay attention to what sets it off and how it shows up in your day-to-day.
Talk to Someone: If you don't have friends or family you can talk to or who understand, a therapist can be very helpful (and it really is okay to need that chat).
Find What Brings You Some Calm: Try things like yoga, meditation, going for a walk, or spending time with your favourite person.
Learn to Say No: Practice saying no sometimes. Your peace of mind matters.
High-functioning anxiety is real, and it’s tough, even if it doesn’t look like it from the outside. Recognising and addressing this form of anxiety is crucial for long-term mental health and happiness. It’s very important to take these struggles seriously and if you or someone you know is dealing with high-functioning anxiety, remember that help is available and can be very effective!
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