What is it? High functioning anxiety describes people who suffer from anxiety, but still manage to function well. Unlike those who are crippled with anxiety and find it hard to cope, a person with high-functioning anxiety is spurred on by their fears to work harder.
Digging deeper: On the surface, they appear to be successful and together, typical achievers who excel at work and life. No one would ever guess that under the surface, they’re constantly fighting a whirlpool of anxiety and fears. Emotionally and physically exhausted, they may suffer from insomnia, constant worries about the future and being unable to relax. They often fall short in their comparisons and are obsessed with what others think of them. As people-pleasers, they’re unable to say no, and are therefore often overburdened and stressed and on the road to burnout.
Silent sufferers: While described as overachievers, perfectionists, or superstars, the struggle and anxiety required to achieve that level of success is intense. They present a “face” to the world and don’t show their true feelings to anyone, bottling emotions up inside, sometimes resorting to unhealthy coping behaviours such as drinking excessively.
Treatment fears: Sufferers of high functioning anxiety may be unwilling to seek treatment:
- They worry their performance will drop and they won’t be superstars if anxiety and fear don’t drive them. While a small amount of anxiety may spur us on, success need not be the result of constant struggle.
- They may doubt that others will provide support because they haven’t shown any signs of struggle. They may feel ashamed, to be honest about their feelings. Opening ourselves to our true feelings and sharing them with others can make our experience of life and connection with others more authentic.
- Some believe their inner turmoil is not sufficient reason to seek help because they are seemingly successful. Overwhelming anxiety can have devastating long-term consequences and requires treatment, just as a broken arm or illness does.
Denial: Sufferers often convince themselves that there is nothing wrong; they’re just workaholics, perfectionists, or control-freaks. While high functioning anxiety is well-hidden, different from other more obvious forms of anxiety, it can seriously impact a person’s whole life.
Help: If you identify with these characteristics, talk to your doctor, or call LifeAssist, 100% confidentially. As with all forms of anxiety, there are effective treatment options.