Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions across the country. More than 40 million adults in the United States – or 19.1% of the population – suffer from anxiety.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most commonly diagnosed anxiety condition. It can greatly impact your everyday functioning and cause symptoms that are very recognizable to mental health professionals. If you’re diagnosed with GAD, it’s likely you deal with physical symptoms when faced with anxiety situations, like a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, or nausea.
But what if you were able to hide your anxiety from the outside world? What if you channeled it to fuel your drive to be successful, despite feeling very anxious on the inside? Your anxiety may never be diagnosed, and you may be suffering for years before wondering whether you may have a condition that requires attention or treatment.
High-functioning anxiety is not recognized as an official type of anxiety disorder. It’s usually diagnosed as a subset of GAD. But instead of demonstrating typical signs, those who suffer from high-functioning anxiety may appear highly successful to the outside world, even as they keep their worries and struggles hidden.
What High-Functioning Anxiety Looks Like
Many people who suffer from high-functioning anxiety don’t realize they are dealing with anxiety at all, which is why they rarely seek treatment. And while we all have stressors and worries, those with high-functioning anxiety tend to bottle up negative feelings and maintain a calm façade. The idea of admitting they might have a mental health condition is tantamount to admitting they might be “weak” or can’t handle their level of stress.
To the outside world, many of those suffering from high-functioning anxiety appear to be successful, “Type A” overachievers. Instead of appearing anxious, they might be thought of as:
- Perfectionists
- Highly organized
- Detail oriented
- Proactive
- Consistently punctual and reliable
Ironically, these are personality characteristics many of us aspire to. They are qualities we associate with powerful and hard-working executives and leaders. In our fast-paced, modern life, the continuous pressure of achieving more in less time has led to a population that sees slowing down or taking the necessary time to rest and renew as failing.
Causes of High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety can affect anyone at any age, but there are some people who might be at higher risk of developing it:
- Women (more than twice as likely to suffer)
- Genetically predisposed (it may run in your family)
- Growing up in an insecure household
- Parents with anxiety or high expectations
Understanding if you might be suffering from high-functioning anxiety can lead to critical self-reflection and a focus on seeking help. Although you may not suffer from all of these symptoms, here are some signs you might have anxiety:
Sign 1: Overthinking
Are you caught in an endless cycle of replaying and over-analyzing your actions or conversations? Are you constantly pondering what you could have done better or mentally flogging yourself for mistakes (even minor ones) you might have made during the day?
Many people with high-functioning anxiety are also perfectionists and are always finding flaws in what they’ve done or how they’ve handled interactions. This consistent self-criticism can lead to self-doubt and feeling like a fraud, despite excelling at their achievements and being perceived as highly successful by others.
Sign 2: Procrastination & Avoidance
If you constantly worry about achieving a defined level of success in everything you do, you may obsess about hitting the mark every time. This can lead to putting off obligations or work for fear you won’t do it perfectly.
You may also avoid events or situations that require a level of effort or focus that provokes feelings of anxiety. This can lead to social anxiety and withdrawal eventually.
Sign 3: People Pleasing
Along with obsessing about past interactions, those with high-functioning anxiety may be constantly worried about being rejected or abandoned, especially if they express their true needs. This can lead to overextending themselves or pushing themselves too hard to meet others’ expectations.
You may also take things too personally if you suffer from high-functioning anxiety. This fear of being vulnerable or “found out” can lead to a constant need for validation from others.
Sign 4: Trouble Relaxing
When you’re constantly in a state of overthinking or analyzing your behaviors, it can be exhausting. But another symptom of high-functioning anxiety is the inability to turn that part of your brain off and relax.
Whether this manifests as constantly feeling preoccupied or restless, no matter the situation, or as trouble falling and staying asleep, it can be grueling on your physical and mental state.
Sign 5: Substance Use
Having trouble relaxing on your own may lead to substance use. Drinking or doing drugs may provide some temporary relief from your racing mind, but it’s obviously not a healthy way to deal with your anxiety.
If you recognize these behaviors in yourself, it’s critical to seek other ways to manage your anxiety. On your own, you can try exercise, meditation, and support groups, or you can choose to speak to a mental health professional.
When to Get Extra Support
If you think you might have high-functioning anxiety, taking steps to manage it is important. Becoming more self-aware is a first step, because as we mentioned, many of those who suffer don’t realize they are dealing with anything beyond “normal stress.” A second step might be working with a mental health provider to better understand your symptoms and develop the right coping mechanisms and treatment.
MindGlow Health offers talk therapy and psychiatric care through online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns.
Learn more about the services we provide or get started today with one of our experienced, passionate online providers to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
