Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often about something with an uncertain outcome. Everyone feels anxious at times, especially before a big event like a test or a performance. But some people experience anxiety more often, and it can affect how they live their day-to-day lives. One type of anxiety that many people have but often don’t realize is called high-functioning anxiety (HFA). People with high-functioning anxiety might seem perfectly fine on the outside, but inside, they are struggling with feelings of stress and worry.

In this article, we will explore what high-functioning anxiety is, what causes it, how to recognize its signs, and what steps you can take to manage it.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety where a person might feel very anxious or worried, but they are still able to perform well at school, work, or in their daily life. These people may seem calm, organized, and even perfectionistic on the outside, but internally, they are dealing with a lot of stress and nervousness.

People with high-functioning anxiety often push themselves to do their best, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, but they do this while hiding their anxiety from others. It might look like they have everything under control, but on the inside, it’s a different story.

How Long Does High-Functioning Anxiety Last?

High-functioning anxiety can last for a long time if not addressed. For some people, it can be a part of their daily life for years. It doesn’t always go away on its own, and without help, it can affect many parts of a person’s life, like relationships, health, and happiness.

It’s important to recognize the signs and take steps to manage anxiety before it starts interfering with your daily life. If you feel like your anxiety is becoming too much to handle, it's okay to reach out for help, whether it’s talking to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional.

What Causes High-Functioning Anxiety?

The causes of high-functioning anxiety can vary for each person, but some common reasons include:

• Stressful Life Events: Going through a tough time, such as losing a loved one, going through a breakup, or facing pressure at school or work, can trigger anxiety.
• Perfectionism: People with high-functioning anxiety often have high expectations for themselves. They may want to do everything perfectly, which can lead to stress and worry.
• Overthinking: People with high-functioning anxiety may overthink situations, worrying about what could go wrong. This constant worrying can cause anxiety to build up.

• Genetics: Sometimes, anxiety can run in families. If your parents or relatives had anxiety, you might be more likely to experience it as well.
• Environmental Factors: Growing up in a stressful or demanding environment can also play a role in developing high-functioning anxiety. Feeling pressure to succeed or meet certain expectations can cause stress.

7 Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

People with high-functioning anxiety might not show the typical signs of anxiety, like avoiding situations or staying at home. Instead, they might show a more hidden type of anxiety. Here are seven common signs of high-functioning anxiety:

Mental Signs

Constant Overthinking: One of the biggest signs of high-functioning anxiety is constantly overthinking things. You might worry about making a mistake or whether you’re doing everything correctly. For example, you might overthink a simple conversation or worry that you didn't do a good enough job on a project, even if others say you did well.

Fear of Failure: People with high-functioning anxiety often have a huge fear of failure. They worry about disappointing others or not meeting expectations. This fear can cause them to push themselves too hard, leading to stress and burnout.

Difficulty Relaxing: It can be hard to turn off your mind when you have high-functioning anxiety. You may feel like there is always something you should be doing, even when you’re supposed to be relaxing. It can make it hard to enjoy activities or take breaks.

Constant Worrying: You might feel worried about things that haven’t even happened yet. Even if everything seems fine, you might still find yourself worrying about future events, what could go wrong, or how people might judge you. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, consider seeking support from San Jose Counseling for professional guidance.

Physical Signs

• Fatigue: Since people with high-functioning anxiety often push themselves to work hard and meet high standards, they can get very tired. Even if they seem to be doing well on the outside, they may feel exhausted mentally and physically.
• Tension in the Body: Anxiety doesn’t just affect the mind; it can also cause physical symptoms. People with high-functioning anxiety might feel tightness in their shoulders, neck, or jaw from constant stress. Some may also experience headaches or stomach aches.
• Trouble Sleeping: Anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you’re constantly worrying about things, it can keep you awake at night. This lack of sleep can make anxiety feel worse the next day.

Tips to Manage High-Functioning Anxiety

While high-functioning anxiety can be challenging, there are several steps you can take to manage it. Here are a few simple tips that can help you feel better:

1. Cleaning

?Sometimes, when you're feeling anxious, cleaning and organizing your space can help you feel more in control. By organizing your room, desk, or workspace, you can create a calm and tidy environment. This small action can help clear your mind and reduce stress. However, it's important not to go overboard and use cleaning as a way to avoid your feelings. Instead, try to keep it balanced.

2. Routine

Having a set routine can help you feel more grounded and reduce anxiety. When you know what to expect during your day, it can make everything feel less overwhelming. Try to wake up, eat, and go to bed at the same time each day. Setting a schedule for your tasks can also help you manage your time better, which can reduce the stress of feeling like there’s too much to do.

3. Journaling

Writing down your thoughts in a journal can help you manage high-functioning anxiety. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to get all your worries out on paper. Journaling can also help you reflect on your feelings, recognize patterns of anxiety, and think of ways to cope with it. Try writing about your day, your worries, or even positive things that have happened. It’s a simple but effective way to clear your mind.

Conclusion

High-functioning anxiety can be tough to deal with, especially since it often hides beneath the surface. People with high-functioning anxiety might seem fine on the outside but are struggling on the inside. If you or someone you know experiences high-functioning anxiety, it’s important to recognize the signs and take steps to manage it.

By focusing on self-care strategies like cleaning, setting a routine, and journaling, you can start to feel more in control of your anxiety. If the anxiety becomes too overwhelming, it’s okay to talk to a mental health professional for extra support.

Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone, and there are ways to manage it. Taking small steps to care for your mental health can make a big difference in how you feel.