Living with high-functioning anxiety
High-functioning anxiety isn't a term doctors use often, but it's how many people describe themselves when they are able to keep up with daily life while feeling a lot of anxiety. People with high-functioning anxiety seem to do well at work or school and in their personal lives, but inside, they are often battling worry, fear, or nervousness. Let's explore what it means to live with high-functioning anxiety and how you can handle it better.
What is high-functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety is when someone feels anxious but can still do well in different areas of life. These people might look like they are handling everything perfectly, being proactive, or even being perfectionists. However, inside, they might feel overwhelmed by their own expectations and a fear of failing.
Recognizing the signs of high-functioning anxiety
Here are some common signs of high-functioning anxiety:
- Overthinking: Worrying too much about future events, big decisions, or everyday interactions.
- Perfectionism: Setting really high standards that can lead to stress and disappointment.
- Procrastination and over-preparation: Putting off tasks because of fear of failure, then rushing to complete them.
- Need for control: Having trouble with uncertainty and feeling a need to control everything.
- Physical symptoms: Experiencing muscle tension, headaches, stomach problems, or tiredness.
Coping strategies for high-functioning anxiety
If you're dealing with high-functioning anxiety, here are some ways to help manage it:
- Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can calm your mind and help with anxiety. Meditation for anxiety teaches you to stay in the moment and not react too much to stressful thoughts.
- Relaxation time: Make sure to take time to relax every day. This could be reading, taking a bath, or doing some yoga.
- Therapy: Talking to a therapist, especially one who does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be really helpful. They can work with you to change negative thoughts and actions.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower anxiety and improve your mood because it releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits to keep from getting too stressed. It's important to know your limits and let others know them too.
- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you manage anxiety by sorting through your feelings and getting a better perspective.
Tips for better managing high-functioning anxiety
Managing high-functioning anxiety is about recognizing its effects and using the right strategies to cope. Knowing more about how it works and trying different ways to cope with stress can really improve your life. If you think you might have high-functioning anxiety, it might be a good idea to talk to someone who specializes in mental health. They can give you more specific advice and help.
Learn more about how to manage anxiety and improve your mental health on the Balance blog, and try the Balance app for guided meditations and tools designed to help you deal with anxiety.
Explore effective ways to handle high-functioning anxiety and start feeling better today.
