High-functioning anxiety is a term used to describe individuals who experience anxiety symptoms but are able to function relatively well in their daily lives. These individuals may appear outwardly successful, competent, and calm, but internally they struggle with feelings of worry, fear, and unease.
Some common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety include:
- Perfectionism: Constantly striving for perfection in various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and personal goals.
- Overthinking: Engaging in excessive rumination and worrying about past events or future outcomes.
- Avoidance: Avoiding situations or activities that may trigger anxiety, leading to procrastination or missed opportunities.
- Physical symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue.
- Difficulty relaxing: Finding it challenging to relax or unwind, even during leisure time.
- Irritability: Feeling easily irritable or on edge, often due to underlying anxiety.
- People-pleasing: Overcommitting or saying yes to requests from others to avoid disappointing them, even at the expense of one’s own well-being.
- Overachievement: Setting high expectations for oneself and feeling a constant pressure to achieve more.
- Sleep disturbances: Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to racing thoughts or worry.
- Masking emotions: Hiding or suppressing emotions to maintain the appearance of being calm and collected.
It’s important to note that high-functioning anxiety can still have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in managing symptoms and developing coping strategies.