Anxiety is something that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can take different forms. While some suffer from panic attacks and severe episodes, others experience high-functioning anxiety. This type of anxiety is not easy to identify, especially since people who suffer from it can still manage their everyday lives adequately. However, it still affects their behavior, personality, and overall wellbeing. In this article, we will explore high-functioning anxiety in detail and discuss how it affects individuals who struggle with it.
What is high-functioning anxiety?
Typically, anxiety is associated with symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, chronic fatigue, and difficulties concentrating. However, high-functioning anxiety is a condition in which individuals appear to function well despite their high levels of anxiety. They become successful in their careers and relationships, but they might feel overwhelmed by stressors. Although high-functioning anxiety is not officially recognized as a distinct mental health condition, it is real and can significantly affect an individual’s wellbeing.
How does it manifest?
People with high-functioning anxiety can exhibit several specific behaviors that are apparent to others. These behaviors may include striving for perfectionism in everything they do, overplanning their lives, and feeling the constant need to be productive. It may also result in early arrivals for appointments, procrastination on certain things, overthinking and rumination, feeling guilty for saying no, keeping emotions locked up, clenching fists and jaws, and sticking to routines and familiar experiences.
The impact of high-functioning anxiety
While high-functioning anxiety may not be as crippling as other forms of anxiety, it can still make a significant impact on the individual’s life. Excessive worry, stress, and guilt can leave individuals feeling fatigued and unable to relax, enjoying life. Furthermore, it can also affect relationships, causing individuals to become withdrawn and detached from their loved ones. It can overall lead to a diminished quality of life and a decreasing sense of well-being.
Final thoughts
If you are experiencing high-functioning anxiety, it’s essential to seek help. Speaking to a trusted mental health professional can allow you to get a better understanding of your emotions and work towards developing coping mechanisms that can help you manage your anxiety. While it may not be easy to identify, it’s essential to acknowledge and take steps to address it to prevent it from worsening.
In conclusion, high-functioning anxiety is a real condition with significant impacts on the individual’s life. It’s vital to seek help in addressing the issue to prevent it from affecting relationships, work, and overall mental health. Understanding high-functioning anxiety is the first step in combating it.