6 Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
Have you ever had anxiousness but yet felt like you accomplished a lot during your day? You are not alone! Many people suffer from what is known as high functioning anxiety.
Are you interested if this could apply to you? In this article, we’ll go over six frequent signs of high functioning anxiety, what you may do to help with those symptoms, and the next steps to acquire a formal diagnosis if you suspect you have high functioning anxiety.
What is High-Functioning Anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety is not a clinically recognised term, however it is commonly used to describe people who suffer from anxiety but can still function effectively in their daily lives. These people frequently achieve in their jobs or academics while maintaining positive social interactions. However, on the inside, they may be continuously concerned and anxious about a range of issues. It might be difficult to detect this type of anxiety since people may not exhibit the typical symptoms of anxiety, such as avoiding particular situations or panic attacks.
The level of anxiety they feel varies depending on the stress they are under at the time, but they are used to feeling anxious most of the time. Diagnosing high-functioning anxiety is challenging because many people who suffer do not feel anything is amiss; they blame it on their hectic lifestyle and stressful situations.
Common Signs Of High Functioning Anxiety
The actual reasons for high-functioning anxiety are not yet fully understood. However, researchers have examined a number of risk factors that may contribute to this disease. Some of the most common risk factors linked to high-functioning anxiety are:
Poor sleep
The most common physical indication of high functioning anxiety is difficulty sleeping or insufficient sleep. This occurs when you spend the night thinking about multiple issues rather than going to bed.
Most individuals with high functioning anxiety find that even when they go to sleep, their minds are constantly racing. They keep thinking about things and can’t sleep. Others awaken in the middle of the night, overwhelmed with thoughts. People suffering from this form of anxiety are also more likely to wake up early in order to complete their tasks.
Overthinking
When a conversation ends, do you think back on it afterwards? Do you analyze every word, gesture, and expression? Replaying conversations and events like this is known as overthinking, and it can be a symptom of high-functioning anxiety.
On the other hand, it is assumed that some tasks take more thought than others; yet, people with high-functioning anxiety devote the same level of thought to all tasks. You will find yourself paying the same emphasis to a 100-word assignment as a 2000-word assignment.
Being a people-pleaser who has difficulty saying ‘NO’
People with high functioning anxiety have difficulty expressing ‘no’ because they are afraid to disappoint others. This behaviour arises from a deep desire for approval and achievement, which they carry into their relationships. By trying to please everyone, they frequently disregard their own needs and boundaries.
When people-pleasers realize they’ve failed someone, they frequently feel extreme guilt. This guilt can be overwhelming, causing individuals to over-apologize, even if the disappointment was unavoidable or unconnected to their behaviour. The constant pressure to meet others’ expectations can cause chronic stress and anxiety as they struggle with the unattainable task of pleasing everyone.
Perfectionism
Individuals suffering from high-functioning anxiety may be continually aiming for perfection in different areas of their lives, such as employment, relationships, or personal aspirations. These individuals often set exceptionally high standards for themselves, feeling an intense pressure to excel in every task they undertake. Despite outward achievements and accolades, they may never feel satisfied with their accomplishments, always seeking to surpass their own impossibly high benchmarks.
AVOIDANCE
Despite appearing competent and capable on the surface, individuals grappling with this form of anxiety may exhibit a pattern of avoiding certain experiences or situations that they perceive as potentially anxiety-inducing.
One reason behind avoidance behavior is the fear of failure or judgment. Individuals with high-functioning anxiety may harbor deep-seated insecurities about their abilities or worthiness, leading them to avoid situations where they fear they may not measure up to their own or others’ expectations. This fear of falling short can paralyze them, preventing them from taking risks or pursuing goals that could lead to personal or professional advancement.
Conclusion
Recognising the warning signs of high-functioning anxiety is critical for developing compassion and empathy for persons who are silently struggling with inner turmoil. Individuals can learn to control their anxiety effectively with the right assistance and treatment, allowing them to live a fulfilling and resilient life.
If you or someone you love is dealing with high-functioning anxiety, know that there is help and treatment available. Individuals dealing with high-functioning anxiety may find online hypnotherapy to be a beneficial resource, as it provides a supportive atmosphere in which to explore and address symptoms.
Contact Us For Support
At The Wise Llama, our online hypnotherapy sessions offer a safe and effective space for individuals to address their high-functioning anxiety. We understand the challenges of high-functioning anxiety and recognize that each individual’s journey is unique. That’s why we customize our hypnotherapy sessions to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Whether you struggle with perfectionism, overthinking, avoidance, or other symptoms of high-functioning anxiety, our hypnotherapy services are intended to address all aspects of your condition and empower you to reclaim control of your life.
Join us at The Wise Llama and embark on a journey of self-discovery, and growth.