6 Signs You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety
Anxiety affects millions of people around the world. It can be a crippling, debilitating mental health condition that makes it difficult for some people to get through the day without extreme fear or worry.
However, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition.
Some people with anxiety are able to live relatively normal lives. They might seem calm and collected on the surface, and no one who runs into them would think that they’re struggling with anxious thoughts. Underneath the surface, however, the typical symptoms of anxiety are just as strong.
Does that sound familiar? If you’re able to maintain a career, relationships, and even a daily routine but struggle with feelings of fear and uncertainty, you could have high-functioning anxiety. Let’s look at some additional signs of high-functioning anxiety, so you can determine what you’re dealing with and get the help you deserve.
1. Constant Worry
On the outside, it might not seem like you’re worried. But, even if you can function each day, worry is beneath the surface, taking over nearly every thought. If you find yourself preoccupied with worrisome thoughts or overanalyze situations to come up with the worst possible scenario, it’s a red flag for high-functioning anxiety.
2. Negative Self-Talk
It’s not uncommon for people with high-functioning anxiety to be perfectionists. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be your best, but there’s a difference between having high expectations and unrealistic ones.
Being overly critical of yourself is a common symptom of high-functioning anxiety. Blaming yourself for shortcomings or striving for perfection leads to negative self-talk, which tends to worsen your anxious thoughts.
3. Difficulty Sleeping
High-functioning anxiety can cause physical symptoms, too. Sleep issues are common, as your racing mind might make it difficult to get the sleep you need. Unfortunately, the lack of sleep can also make your anxiety worse, creating a sort of vicious cycle that’s hard to escape without changing something.
4. Social Anxiety
People with high-functioning anxiety might look put together and calm to everyone else. However, they typically feel uncomfortable in social situations. You might worry about being criticized or judged, or your negative thoughts might focus on the worst possible outcome of every social setting.
As a result, many people with high-functioning anxiety tend to withdraw from relationships and social situations. Again, this can make your symptoms worse as you isolate yourself.
5. Difficulty Relaxing
Do you find it hard to unwind? Even when you want to relax and enjoy some downtime, do your racing thoughts get in the way? That’s a hallmark of high-functioning anxiety. A constant rumination on things makes it nearly impossible to relax, creating a state of stress and worry that never seems to leave.
6. The Need for Reassurance
Because so many people with high-functioning anxiety are perfectionists, they seek out reassurance and affirmations from others all of the time. If you find that you need validation from others to feel good about yourself, anxiety could be influencing that need.
Even when others do validate you, the “good” feeling that comes from it never lasts long before you’re worried about something different.
What Can You Do?
There are plenty of additional signs that could signal high-functioning anxiety. But these common red flags are a good place to start if you’ve been struggling and wondering why.
High-functioning anxiety doesn’t mean you don’t deserve help. It’s not something you should ignore just because you’re able to maintain some sense of normalcy. Working with a mental health professional is one of the best things you can do to combat negative self-talk, foster realistic expectations, and overcome your anxiety for good. Give yourself that fighting chance and recognize that you don’t have to do it alone. Contact me today to set up a consultation for anxiety treatment.
