What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

Let's Talk About High-Functioning Anxiety

Hey there! Today, we're going to dive into something called high-functioning anxiety. It's like having a secret battle inside your mind while still managing to keep up with your day-to-day life. In this blog, we'll explore what high-functioning anxiety is all about, how it affects people, and most importantly, how to find ways to feel better even when you're dealing with it.

Getting to Know High-Functioning Anxiety: What's Going On Inside

High-functioning anxiety is a bit like trying to juggle a bunch of balls at once. On the outside, you might look like you’re doing fine and you've got everything under control, but inside, your mind is racing with worries and fears. It's like having a constant voice in your head telling you that you're not good enough, that you need to do more, be more, achieve more – even when you're already doing your best.

Despite their achievements, individuals with high functioning anxiety may struggle with self-doubt, excessive worrying, and difficulty relaxing. They might overanalyze situations, anticipate the worst outcomes, and have trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts. While they may seem confident and in control on the surface, internally, they may feel like they're constantly on edge, trying to keep up with the demands of life while battling their inner anxieties.

Spotting the Signs: How to Tell If You Have High-Functioning Anxiety

Sometimes, high-functioning anxiety can be hard to recognize because it doesn't always show up in obvious ways. You might be really good at hiding your worries from others, putting on a smile even when you're feeling stressed out inside. But if you often find yourself overthinking things, feeling tense or restless, or worrying about things that haven't even happened yet, you might be dealing with high-functioning anxiety.

Dealing with Pressure: Trying to Meet Impossible Standards

One of the tough parts about high-functioning anxiety is feeling like you always have to be perfect. You might feel like you have to do everything just right, never make any mistakes, and always be the best at everything you do. Perfectionism is something many people struggle with, especially in our world of social media and comparisons. But trying to live up to these impossible standards can be exhausting and overwhelming, leading to feelings of burnout and frustration.

Cultural Expectations and High Functioning Anxiety

Some cultures emphasize the importance of achievement, success, and always being productive. This can make people feel like they constantly need to be perfect and excel in every aspect of their lives, whether it's at work, in their relationships, or in their personal endeavors. As a result, they may experience intense worry and stress about not meeting these expectations, even if they are performing well by most standards.

Also, cultural attitudes towards seeking help for mental health issues can also contribute to high functioning anxiety. In some cultures, there's a stigma surrounding mental health problems, and people may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they're struggling. This can lead individuals to hide their anxiety and push themselves even harder to appear as if everything is okay on the outside. However, this only adds to their internal pressure, since they're constantly battling their own feelings while trying to meet the demands placed upon them by their culture. Thus, cultural expectations can play a significant role in increasing stress and anxiety and making it challenging for people to get the help they need.

Breaking the Silence: Let's Talk About Mental Health

High-functioning anxiety often flies under the radar because people don't always feel comfortable talking about their mental health. There's this idea that you have to be strong all the time, that your problems aren’t big enough for therapy, and that admitting you're struggling somehow makes you weak. But the truth is, it takes a lot of strength to ask for help when you need it, to open up about your feelings, and to take steps towards feeling better.

Being Kind to Yourself: Learning to Practice Self-Compassion

One of the most important things you can do when you're dealing with high-functioning anxiety is to be kind to yourself. Yes, we know it seems like giving yourself a good kick in the butt works. And it can short term, but over time it has negative effects on how you see yourself. Instead of being hard on yourself when things don't go as planned, try to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. That means giving yourself permission to make mistakes, taking breaks when you need them, and reminding yourself that you're doing the best you can.

Finding Support: You're Not Alone in This

Dealing with high-functioning anxiety can feel really lonely, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are people out there who understand what you're going through and want to help. Whether it's talking to a friend, reaching out to a therapist, or joining a support group, reaching out for support can make a world of difference.

Embracing Imperfection: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations

Nobody's perfect – and that's okay! Instead of trying to be flawless all the time, try to embrace your imperfections and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Remember that it's okay to make mistakes, to have bad days, and to not have everything figured out. Life is messy and unpredictable, and that's what makes it beautiful.

Conclusion: Finding Peace in the Chaos

So, there you have it – a glimpse into what it's like to deal with high-functioning anxiety. It's a tough journey, but remember that you're strong and capable, and you're not alone in this. Keep being kind to yourself, reaching out for support when you need it, and taking things one step at a time. Things can get better. You've got this!

Counseling in Chicago and Illinois

At Mindful Healing Counseling, we understand the challenges that life can bring. That's why our team comprises several therapists specialized in working with a variety of concerns and offering online counseling services to individuals living in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Our therapists are experienced and trained in working with people dealing with various concerns such as anxiety, trauma, depression, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, relationship difficulties, life transitions, setting boundaries, managing family dynamics, navigating grief, and more. We prioritize providing affirming spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We offer therapy near you through a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, relational therapy, and more. Our services extend to adults of all ages, as well as teens, college students, couples, and families.

Reach out to us today. You can contact us by filling out our contact form or by calling or texting us at 708-419-3171. We're here to support you every step of the way.