Signs Of High-functioning Anxiety
Undiagnosed high-functioning anxiety is a kind of anxiety illness. In contrast to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which can severely impede everyday performance, high-functioning anxiety patients appear to live reasonably normal lives. However, fear, tension, and self-doubt lurk underneath this surface.
The deception of high-functioning anxiety rests in its capacity to seem as a desire for achievement, perfectionism, or general worry. These people may succeed intellectually or professionally, but it costs them personally. Despite appearing in control, they struggle with anxiety, rumination, and a sensation of never being enough.
High-functioning anxiety is often neglected since sufferers may function and satisfy social expectations. This persistent discomfort harms their mental and physical health, causing burnout, weariness, and a lower quality of life.
High-Functioning Anxiety Prevalence
More people than they know have high-functioning anxiety, regardless of their background or job. A large section of Fort Collins and Colorado's population struggles with this ailment in silence.
Recent research indicate that 19% of the population, or over 40 million persons, have anxiety disorders, with Colorado ranking third among the top 10 states with the most recorded cases.
High-functioning anxiety is common due to variables such as modern life's rapid pace, cultural expectations, and mental health stigma. Many people with high-functioning anxiety don't identify their symptoms or mistake them for stress, delaying expert care.
High-functioning anxiety is a mental health problem that needs attention and care, not a weakness. In Fort Collins and other communities, we can foster empathy and support for mental health patients by raising awareness and promoting open talks about anxiety.
Read also: Mental Health Myths And Facts
6 Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
1. Overthinking and Worrying
High-functioning anxiety is characterized by continuous concern and overthinking. This disorder causes people to obsess about everything from job and relationships to everyday routines. Their continual mental chatter might deplete and overwhelm them.
High-functioning anxiety sufferers worry irrationally about bad consequences. They may think about worst-case situations and predict unexpected tragedies. This excessive worry might show as health worries, self-doubt, or social anxiety.
Overthinking is another sign of high-functioning anxiety. This mood may cause people to analyze every action, discussion, or scenario from every viewpoint. They may get stuck in a cycle of “what if” situations, second-guessing themselves and unable to make simple decisions.
This continual brain chatter may be exhausting, making it hard to enjoy life's basic joys. Even if one appears functioning, continual stress and overthinking can negatively effect their well-being and quality of life.
2. Self-criticism, perfectionism
Perfectionism and self-criticism plague high-functioning anxiety sufferers. They establish impossible goals and are never satisfied. Even when others admire their accomplishments, this pursuit of perfection can lead to self-doubt and negative self-talk.
Perfectionism and self-criticism are connected to impostor syndrome, which makes successful people feel like frauds. They may attribute their success to luck or circumstance rather than ability and devotion. This perspective can increase self-doubt and self-criticism by causing anxiety and dread of being “exposed” or “found out.”
Even minor mistakes can cause significant emotions of inadequacy and anxiety due to the pressure to achieve in all areas of life. High-functioning people may spend hours agonizing over minutiae, editing and polishing their work, or postponing because they fear not matching their own high standards.
Perfectionism and self-criticism typically stem from deep-seated ideas and mental habits that are hard to unlearn. However, with proper assistance and coping skills, a healthy self-relationship and balanced outlook on achievement and personal progress are achievable.
3. Postponing and Avoiding
People with high-functioning anxiety typically procrastinate and avoid. Anxiety disorders can cause these inclinations due to excessive stress and terror. As a coping tactic, people may delay or avoid tasks or circumstances that cause anxiety.
Procrastination can result from frequently missing deadlines, putting off tasks, or squandering time to avoid tension. This tendency can raise stress, diminish productivity, and perpetuate worry and self-criticism.
Avoidance behaviors entail purposefully avoiding anxious circumstances, activities, or people. This might mean turning down social invitations, skipping school or work, or avoiding certain duties. Avoidance may help temporarily, but it perpetuates worry and inhibits healthy coping.
Read also: The Stigma of Mental Illness among Christians
4. Body Symptoms
High-functioning anxiety can cause physical symptoms that severely influence everyday living. Despite looking effective, this condition may cause muscular tension, headaches, neck discomfort, and jaw clenching. Due to anxiety's emotional and physical toll, fatigue is frequent.
Another indicator of high-functioning anxiety is insomnia. When thoughts race and worry is prevalent, falling asleep or staying asleep can be difficult, producing long-term weariness and health issues.
Digestion issues such as nausea, stomach pain, or IBS may come from the mind-body link and anxiety-related stress. Some people feel dizziness, trembling, or heart palpitations, which can impair normal life.
5. Trouble relaxing
High-functioning anxiety is characterized by a persistent struggle to relax. Even during relaxing activities, people with this disease are hypervigilant, their brains racing with ideas and anxieties.
The difficulty to let go and be present can take many forms. Some people have trouble sitting still or relaxing. Some have trouble sleeping owing to a racing mind that won't stop.
Mental and bodily stress can result from hyper-arousal. High-functioning anxiety can cause muscular tightness, migraines, and other physical symptoms due to ongoing stress and attention.
Despite their outward calm, high-functioning anxiety sufferers may struggle to rest and recharge. Over time, hypervigilance can cause burnout, weariness, and a worse quality of life.
6. Social Anxiety/Withdrawal
High-functioning anxiety can cause acute self-consciousness, dread of judgment, and a desire to avoid social settings. This syndrome can include sweating, trembling, and an elevated heart rate in social circumstances, even ones that appear harmless.
People with social anxiety may avoid social activities, employment, and even casual encounters with friends and family, resulting in isolation. To avoid social events that make them anxious, they may refuse invitations, remain home, or avoid.
High-functioning anxiety sufferers may also avoid small chat for fear of saying something humiliating or being judged. A vicious cycle of worry, avoidance, and loneliness can worsen the disease.
Social anxiety and withdrawal are frequent symptoms of high-functioning anxiety and should not be neglected. Mental health professionals can help people develop coping strategies to manage social anxiety and avoid isolation.
7. Drugs or addiction
Individuals with high-functioning anxiety often use drugs or addictive behaviors to manage their persistent concerns and powerful emotions. Alcohol, narcotics, and even innocent hobbies like overexercising, working, or gaming can become dangerous coping techniques.
These drugs or practices dull feelings or distract from worry. They worsen the situation and can lead to drug abuse disorders or other addictions.
Recognizing these behaviors and finding healthy coping methods is crucial. Mindfulness, professional treatment, and support groups can help manage high-functioning anxiety without hazardous medications or behaviors.
Want Help with High-Functioning Anxiety
To successfully manage and overcome high-functioning anxiety, you must first recognize its symptoms and seek expert treatment. High-functioning anxiety sufferers may appear to be doing well, but their internal battle can be crushing and harmful.
