Understanding the True Nature of High-Functioning Anxiety

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Some people just seem to have it all together, while others always seem to be troubled even when there’s nothing to worry about. These people may be experiencing a severe form of anxiety that shows exactly how the condition is affecting them. However, not everyone is affected by anxiety this way. Some can actually function relatively normally and appear to be fine on the outside, but they still struggle with their anxiety internally. This kind of high-functioning anxiety has always been misunderstood by many. This guide aims to dispel some of the misconceptions about it and explore the characteristics of high functioning anxiety.

What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, some people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. These are clinical disorders that can be chronic and at least partially debilitating.

On the other hand, there’s high-functioning anxiety, which consists of similar symptoms but isn’t actually considered a clinical disorder. Medical professionals do not recognize high-functioning anxiety as a mental health diagnosis. Instead, it’s more of a catch-all term that refers to people who live with anxiety but could still function like a seemingly average person. Instead of being frozen in fear, these people actually use their anxiety to propel them forward.

What Does a Person with High-Functioning Anxiety Look Like?

People with high-functioning anxiety don’t look any different than other people. They sometimes come off as someone who is successful, impeccably dressed, and always eager to perform at work. Such a person may come across as merely an achiever or someone who is just passionate about their work and not someone suffering from anxiety.

What other people might not know is that beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect exterior is a person trying to fight a seemingly endless battle with themselves. They’re trying to fend off these feelings of fear and anxiety by working harder and outdoing themselves at every turn.

A typical person with this disposition has several characteristics that can tell you they have high-functioning anxiety. Some of those characteristics, both positive and negative, are as follows:

Positive Characteristics – As mentioned above, these people are considered to be successful in their careers and life, at least on the surface. This may be objectively true if you only evaluate the person based on what they achieve. However, their internal struggles and the emotional distress that they undergo are entirely different things.

Negative Characteristics – Beneath that veil of success, people with high-functioning anxiety are internally struggling. Despite being regarded as “high-functioning,” they tend to portray the following qualities:

  • Exhibiting nervous chatter
  • Overthinking
  • Procrastination followed by long periods of crunch-time work
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Racing mind
  • Limited social life
  • Feeling intimidated by the future

How to Deal with High-Functioning Anxiety

Although you may still get by with your life while experiencing high-functioning anxiety symptoms, that doesn’t mean you just leave it at that, even if it’s not a clinical disorder. There are some potential ways to cope with it, such as:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Practising mindfulness
  • Developing a regular sleep routine
  • Limiting caffeine intake
  • Eating healthy
  • Analyzing your negative thoughts
  • Meditating
  • Getting professional help

Conclusion

Despite not being a recognized mental disorder, high-functioning anxiety is still something that can severely affect your outlook in life. It may seem like these symptoms of anxiety are what propels and drives you to success. In the end, however, it’s still better to get some professional help instead of keeping it all to yourself.

If you feel the need to talk to someone and help you deal with your internal struggles, Chettiar Counselling & Associates is here to help. We provide opportunities for you to work through your concerns and your feelings of anxiety. Our phone and online counselling sessions are always available and ready at your disposal. Contact us for a free consultation.