Health

The Quiet Struggles: A Closer Look at High-Functioning Anxiety

High functioning anxiety is an invisible struggle. It’s often mistaken for confidence when in reality, it’s a constant battle with fear that leaves you full of doubt and second-guessing your decisions. It can be crippling at times but still goes unnoticed by others, as high-functioning individuals will do their best to hide their struggles. The problem is that this often leads to them feeling isolated and misunderstood, which only increases the stress they are under. 

So what are the quiet struggles of high functioning anxiety, and what all does it entail? Here is a closer look at the good, the bad, and the challenges of high functioning anxiety.

What High Functioning Anxiety Looks Like

More often than not, those with high functioning anxiety find themselves ruminating, worrying, and stressing about things that they cannot control. They will spend hours figuring out every possible outcome of a decision, overthinking and engaging in nervous habits like playing with their hair or performing repetitive tasks.

Those around you may say that you are hard to read, and it’s probably because your inability to be present or relax makes you come across as emotionless – even cold. Little do they know you are the antithesis of apathetic, with an underlying anxiety that drives your unwavering loyalty along with most of your decisions.

Deep down, you know your anxiety limits you in ways, so you tend to choose activities that can help calm your mind rather than do things for personal enjoyment. Either that or you pursue activities and fill up your social calendar because you are a people pleaser at heart. You never want to be anything less than a great friend or employee, and you fear judgment or letting others down.

Your fears are the reason you struggle to say “no” and turn down social invitations. On the other hand, it can all become overwhelming to the point where you end up with a limited social circle.

If any of these characteristics seem familiar, you may already be anxious to move on to the positive side of high functioning anxiety. And yes, in many ways, your high functioning anxiety can bring out the best in you. After all, you have the traits and habits that many people can only wish they didn’t have to try so hard to form.

Many people with high-functioning anxiety are extremely driven, and they work hard to get where they want to be. Perhaps you can relate to some of the following:

  • You are extremely passionate about whatever it is you find interesting or important in life.
  • You are proactive, high-achieving, and detail-oriented.
  • You are never late to anything (often too early).
  • You have a relentless drive to improve yourself, constantly self-reflecting and studying what you can do better next time.

As you can see, your high functioning anxiety is not all bad – but it’s not okay either. Imagine how much more fulfilled and content you could be if nervous energy or fears of failure didn’t drive your actions. If only you were as calm and collected on the inside as you appear on the surface. Well, you can be – anxiety is treatable and therapy can help.

Recognizing the quiet and sometimes hidden struggles of your high-functioning anxiety is crucial for dealing with its effects. Don’t add getting your anxiety under control on your own to your list of stressors. If anxiety has taken over your life and is getting in the way of your wellbeing and joy, it might be time to seek out professional help.

 

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