Signs that you may have high functioning anxiety

People living with high-functioning anxiety often mask their symptoms and strive to maintain as normal a function as possible.

Although not an official term “high functioning” is associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD can often relate to high functioning.

High-functioning anxiety sufferers may seem like successful masters to outsiders, but inside they struggle with feelings of worry, stress, or obsessive thoughts. Anxiety symptoms can occur alongside other behaviors such as establishing strict routines and habits to exert control over their lives.

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Lynne Siqueland, from the Child and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety, explained: “As therapists, we’re talking about a lot of people even with anxiety disorders diagnosed as ‘high functioning’, and a lot of them are. They do very well in their jobs, relationships and child-rearing despite having significant anxiety.”

Research suggests that those who experience GAD perceive the world differently than others. People living with this condition usually feel consumed by anxiety and restlessness, they will usually see negative results even in situations that do not give concrete reasons for concern.

The constant struggle against these irrational fears often leads to persistent mental exhaustion. The extensive effort required to suppress negative thinking about potential disasters, past failures and future uncertainties can significantly affect those living with anxiety, reports Wales Online.

Despite their confident demeanor and active involvement in daily activities, people with high-functioning anxiety often face an internal struggle to get through each day. Siqueland adds, “A lot of anxiety is uncontrolled internal worry or social appraisal, and no one would know unless the person has a lot of physical symptoms of avoidance.

“Many people with mild to severe anxiety will do essential tasks but limit other experiences or opportunities, and that’s what sometimes drives them to treatment.”

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It is common for everyone to experience feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives.

For example, you may feel anxious and worried about taking an exam, taking a medical test, or going to a job interview. In these situations, it is completely normal to feel anxious.

However, some people find it difficult to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.

What does “high functioning” anxiety look like?

Outwardly, they may look like:

• very organized
• detail oriented
• Proact
• and a performer

But inside, they are:

• scared of letting people down
• over-planning
• overly worried about the future
• they have a constant need for reassurance
• have weak boundaries
• and impossibly high standards

People may show subtle signs and symptoms of anxiety associated with unique behaviors such as:

• controlling behavior with strict routines and habits
• seeming busy all the time with a never-ending to-do list
• strive for perfection in every area of ​​life
• often being hard to read and relate to
• worrying about things from time to extremes
• working long hours and always going above and beyond to make sure you don’t make an error
• an intense fear of disappointing people
• impossibly high standards that, even when achieved, leave you feeling unsatisfied
• you feel safe and stable when you focus on small details
• certain habits such as talking nervously, playing with your hair or snapping your fingers

GAD can also have a number of physical symptoms, including: dizziness, fatigue, strong, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), muscle pain and tension, tremors or shaking, dry mouth, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, feeling sick, headache, pins and needles and difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia).

It is important to remember that only a clinician can accurately diagnose anxiety.

How to deal with high functioning anxiety

If you have received an anxiety diagnosis, there are various treatment options to consider. Medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness training are all tools that may be beneficial.

The NHS has published a self-help guide for treating generalized anxiety disorder Other tips you can try yourself to reduce anxiety include:

• Look at lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and other drugs, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
• Consider alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture.
• Try to dedicate 10 minutes every day to work on your mental well-being.
• Reflect on your thought patterns when anxiety kicks in. Try to provoke them with more useful thoughts.
• When it comes to managing anxiety, sleep is often underrated. Sticking to a regular bedtime and waking up early to do something you enjoy are great places to start.
• When you feel nervous, find coping strategies like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga.

How to get help:

Anxiety Care UK: Help people with anxiety disorders – anxietycare.org.uk

Anxiety UK: Advice and support for people living with anxiety – 03444 775 774 (helpline), 07537 416 905 (text) or anxietyyuk.org.uk.

British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP): Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists – bacp.co.uk

Center of Hope: Database of mental health services in the UK – hubofhope.co.uk

Mind: Mind Helplines provide information and support by phone and email, and Side by Side is an online community of support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Search for NHS services: Searchable database of NHS services – nhs.uk/service-search (England) and 111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices (Wales)

Self-referral for NHS talking therapies: Information about local NHS therapy services for specific mental health problems – nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service

No more panic: Provides information, support and advice for those with panic disorder, anxiety, phobias or OCD, including a forum and chat room – nomorepanic.co.uk

Don’t panic: Provides a helpline, step-by-step programs and support for people with anxiety disorders – nopanic.org.uk

Samaritans: Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk – samaritans.org

Triumph over Phobia (TOP UK): Offers self-help therapy groups and support for those with OCD, phobias and related anxiety disorders – topuk.org

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