Signs You Have High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety can be hard to notice. Unlike other types of anxiety that show clear signs like panic attacks or avoidance, high-functioning anxiety can look like productivity and success. People with high-functioning anxiety seem like they have everything under control, but inside, they feel stress. Knowing the signs can help you understand if you or someone you care about might be dealing with it. Here are signs of high-functioning anxiety you shouldn’t ignore.
You Always Feel the Need to Stay Busy
If you have high-functioning anxiety, you may feel uncomfortable when you’re not doing anything. Instead of taking a break, you fill every moment with tasks just to stay busy, like organizing your desk, responding to non-urgent emails, or cleaning up around the house. This restlessness comes from wanting to be productive and being afraid others might think you’re lazy.
You Overthink and Plan Every Detail
Do you find yourself worrying about every detail of an upcoming meeting or simple dinner? High-functioning anxiety makes people plan and overthink everything, even when it’s not necessary. For example, you might spend hours deciding what to wear to a casual event or constantly worry about every word in an email. A little planning is helpful, but if you can’t stop thinking about things, it might be a sign of anxiety.
You Struggle to Say No
For people with high-functioning anxiety, saying “no” is hard. The fear of letting people down leads you to take on more than you can handle. Instead of thinking about your needs, you put others first, which can leave you overwhelmed.
You Feel Tired Even Though You Get Things Done
To others, it might look like you are successful. You meet deadlines, get work done, and people praise you. But inside, you feel exhausted. High-functioning anxiety can make you feel empty or extremely tired, even if you seem successful. It’s like running on a treadmill that never stops, always trying to reach the next goal without a break.
You Feel You Have to Be Perfect
Perfectionism is a common part of high-functioning anxiety. It’s not just about wanting to do well; it’s about feeling like you can’t make mistakes. Even a small mistake can make you feel bad about yourself, even if no one else notices. This pressure to be perfect can wear you out and comes from a deep fear of being judged.
You Pretend to Be Calm but Feel Stressed Inside
People with high-functioning anxiety look calm and in control. They act like everything is fine, even when they feel a lot of stress inside. This is their way of hiding anxiety from others. They might use humor or smiles to hide how they really feel.
You Have Trouble Relaxing
Whether you’re on vacation or hanging out with friends, relaxing can be hard. Instead of enjoying yourself, your mind is busy worrying about what’s next, what you forgot, or what could go wrong. High-functioning anxiety makes it tough to relax, even in fun situations.
FAQs About High-Functioning Anxiety
1. What is the difference between high-functioning anxiety and regular anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety looks like productivity and success, while regular anxiety often shows clear signs like panic attacks or avoidance. People with high-functioning anxiety seem like they have everything under control, but they feel stressed and overwhelmed inside.
2. How can I tell if I have high-functioning anxiety?
If you feel like you need to stay busy all the time, overthink small details, struggle to say no, or always try to be perfect, you may have high-functioning anxiety. It’s also common to feel exhausted despite being productive and to have trouble relaxing, even during fun activities.
3. What can I do to manage high-functioning anxiety?
To manage high-functioning anxiety, start by recognizing the signs. It may help to talk to a healthcare professional, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing, or set boundaries to avoid taking on too much. Having support from friends or family can also be very helpful.
