"High-functioning anxiety" is a general phrase used to describe persons who experience anxiety but consider their level of functioning to be adequate. According to Psychologists near me, it doesn't have an accepted mental health diagnosis. In the typical Type A personality that thrives at business and in life, high-functioning anxiety makes you seem accomplished, collected, and serene. However, you could feel very differently on the inside. Most of the time, when we think of someone with an anxiety problem, we see them as tense, worrying a lot, and restless. If you're struggling with high-functioning anxiety, you may want to consider seeking the help of an Online counsellor. They can provide you with useful techniques and personalized guidance to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. It's important to remember that even if you appear to be functioning well on the outside, your internal struggles are still valid and deserve attention. Seeking professional support can be beneficial in managing these feelings and finding peace of mind.
What is high functioning anxiety?
Over 40 million individuals in the United States suffer from an anxiety condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In some circumstances, you could experience anxiety and dread to the point where it becomes difficult for you to operate. Sometimes you could respond too strongly. On a physical level, you could start to perspire or feel your heart racing. But how is high-functioning anxiety different from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? According to Dr. Borland, the main distinction is in how each person handles anxiety. We frequently associate the fight-or-flight reaction with a generalized person with GAD who could strive to get away from an anxious situation.
Signs and symptoms of high functioning anxiety
High-functioning anxiety usually motivates the person to move forward rather than paralyzing them in dread. As a result, they frequently come to be seen as having a successful professional and personal life, which may be the case objectively if success is simply determined by accomplishments. What people might not know—and what you would never admit—is that underneath your supposedly immaculate appearance, you're battling a never-ending wave of dread. Here are some other indicators.
At work
You could be the epitome of success, showing up to work earlier than everyone else, looking flawless, and having perfectly coiffed hair. Your colleagues would describe you as motivated in your job if you've never skipped a due date or failed to complete a task. You could have achieved success as a result of your anxious energy, fear of failing, and dread of disappointing others. You frequently find yourself too terrified to call in ill, even when you really need a day off to gather your thoughts. You always presented yourself as being in good health, so no one would ever suspect anything was amiss. Here's a peek at what you could go through or what other people would see of you if you have high-functioning anxiety, so see if any of these traits ring familiar.
In personal life
Due in part to their fear of alienating others, becoming a lousy friend, husband, or coworker, persons with high functioning anxiety often go out of their way to assist others. They frequently have hectic and extensive social calendars.
Strengths
You and other people can examine the results and accomplishments that high-functioning anxiety produces as evidence of its potential advantages. High-functioning anxiety patients frequently exhibit traits that are seen positively, such as:
Causes of high functioning anxiety
There are as many causes of anxiety as there are anxious persons. Several instances are:
Many anxiety sufferers discover that managing their symptoms is most effective when they use a mix of therapies. Even if your feelings of anxiety do not fully fit the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder, psychotherapy with or without medication may still be beneficial.
