Do I Have High-Functioning Anxiety? 

The term “high-functioning anxiety” is thrown around a lot in casual conversation. In the same way people joke that they “have OCD” if they color-code their calendar, people often write off having an anxiety disorder as the punchline to a self-deprecating joke.  

Although it is not an official diagnosis, it’s a very real disorder with very real symptoms and challenges. Many people with this condition dismiss their symptoms and carry on with their life, unaware of their extra burden.

The consequences of living with untreated high-functioning anxiety are subtle. Unlike many other psychological conditions, the signs of high-functioning anxiety are not overt. Most members of this elite club are highly successful (even hyper-successful.)

If you’re a perfectionist to a fault, feel like you worry more than most people, dwell on small details, second-guess important decisions, or lie awake replaying conversations, you could have high-functioning anxiety. 

Sure, you could probably get through the rest of your life without any assistance whatsoever. However, as someone who takes my mental well-being very seriously— I’m here to tell you there’s a better way! 

Let 2023 be the year of self-care in all the best ways. No, I’m not talking about face masks and cucumber water. Radical self-care in the form of confronting our mental health is the movement I want to see trending!

Do You Have High-Functioning Anxiety?

If you haven’t already, go back and read my previous article on sneaky signs you might have high-functioning anxiety. It provides an overview of the most common symptoms and subtle ways you can self-diagnose (we have to be our own advocates, ladies!). Here’s a quick recap:

Twenty percent of adults live with anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an official medical diagnosis. People with GAD often experience debilitating symptoms and may require medication. 

The lesser-known little sister of GAD is high-functioning anxiety. It manifests in countless ways, and it’s different for everyone.

You may suffer from this condition if you have trouble sleeping, catch yourself apologizing too much, or have difficulty saying “no.” 

On the plus side, you’re likely detail-oriented, proactive, and organized. Unfortunately, you’re also more prone to feelings of inadequacy, are unable to relax, and find yourself constantly overthinking or worrying.

Be honest. Does this sound like you? 

Please, please don’t put on a brave face and accept these challenges as the status quo. You can continue to be your most badass, boss-bitch self while finding relief in having a little more mental peace. With the help of your community at Women Out Loud, you can learn coping tools that work for you.

Top Coping Tools for High-Functioning Anxiety

Treating high-functioning anxiety is all about recognizing and managing the symptoms.

First and foremost, you can’t solve a problem until you admit there is one. Identify situations where your emotions feel out of control, or you notice increased intrusive negative thoughts.

Instead of asking yourself, “why am I like this,” in vain, acknowledge the quirkiness of your brain. She’s not perfect, but she does a lot for you; give her some credit. Don’t beat yourself up or punish yourself for these feelings. Rather, work to identify what triggered those feelings in the first place.

I’m sorry to say it, but learning how to control your anxiety is a complex and ever-evolving process. The best thing you can do is be honest with yourself and accept help when it’s offered. There’s no rule that says you have to solve all of your own problems. Support from your friends (hi friend!), therapy, and in some cases, medication can help.

Terms You Should Know

Words have power. Sometimes, just assigning words to our negative feelings helps us understand and address them. Add these terms to your essential mental health glossary.

Rumination: Repetitive, excessive thoughts that interfere with other types of thinking. (Example: Replaying an awkward conversation or embarrassing moment in your mind over and over again.)

Anticipatory Fear: Fear of what comes next. Most commonly, fear of failure or rejection. A feeling that bad things will happen. (Example: Being nervous or afraid about an upcoming work meeting, date, or even fear about a natural disaster.)

Habituation: Having an increased tolerance towards the effects of a stressful situation. (Example: feeling stressed out or worried so often that it becomes normal, and you hardly even notice it anymore.)

Intrusive Thoughts: Unpleasant, unwelcome, and involuntary thoughts or ideas. Bad thoughts that just pop into your mind. In severe cases, these thoughts can become obsessive and induce panic. (Example: Suddenly thinking that you might get hit by a car or an urge to shout a curse word in church.)

Social Anxiety: A fear of social situations or interactions with other people. Almost everyone suffers from social anxiety to some extent. People with anxiety may feel an overwhelming fear of judgment from other people and avoid or overthink normal interactions. (Example: Feeling nervous about the PTA meeting because you’re worried about what the other moms think of you.)

Accommodation: Altering your life or routine to avoid stressful situations or conflict. In essence, people-pleasing even when it makes your life harder. (Example: Rearranging your schedule or canceling other plans to do someone a favor.)

Make Friends With Your Fear

Being human is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, fears, challenges, and joys. Every one of us is just trying to hold on. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everyone else has life figured out. 

WRONG! 

You’re not the only one getting whiplash. Life throws us all for a loop sometimes. 

Embrace your vulnerability and lean on those around you. The minute you decide to accept help is the minute your life changes. Join the Women Out Loud community to become one of the powerful women redefining what it means to be a woman in business.