What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? Signs, Symptoms, and How to Cope
High-functioning anxiety can be difficult to recognize, even for those living with it. On the outside, a person may appear driven, punctual, organized, and calm under pressure. Internally, though, they are battling constant self-doubt, chronic stress, and a mind that never shuts off. Because their achievements mask the distress, many people with high-functioning anxiety go undiagnosed and untreated.
Common Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety
Signs of high-functioning anxiety may include:
Overthinking and over-preparing for every situation
A persistent fear of failure despite accomplishments
Difficulty relaxing or feeling guilt when not being productive
Perfectionism and the need to always “do more”
Irritability or internal restlessness
Many people with high-functioning anxiety are successful students, professionals, or caregivers. Their anxiety fuels achievement, but at a high cost.
How Anxiety Therapy Can Help
Anxiety therapy can be a powerful resource for managing this condition. A licensed therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns and build healthier ways to respond to stress. Therapists can also help you set boundaries, process underlying trauma, and reconnect with your values beyond productivity. Evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), art therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are especially effective. These methods focus on building awareness of anxiety triggers, developing coping strategies, and reframing internal narratives.
You Deserve to Be More Than Just "Functioning"
High-functioning anxiety is a real thing, but you don’t have to live in this constant state of mental overdrive. Reach out today to speak with a therapist who specializes in anxiety therapy and discover what life feels like when peace becomes part of your success story.
We’ll be happy to tell you about our practice and our approach to treating anxiety, and if you feel that we’re a good match for your needs, we can schedule therapy in Middlebury, CT or therapy in Southbury, CT at a date and time that’s convenient for you. We also offer telehealth visits for clients all throughout Connecticut. Our providers are trained in CBT, DBT, IFS, EMDR, mindfulness based techniques, and somatic experiencing, all of which can help you gain skills to assist with panic attacks. Our APRN's can explore any medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, and evaluate vitamin levels, as well as thyroid hormone levels, to determine if there is a physical factor to issues your symptoms. Together, as a team, we can work with you to help you gain more peace in your life. You deserve to feel better!