According to psychologist Adam Borland, although someone with high-functioning anxiety has anxiety, they appear to be able to manage their day-to-day life effectively. In short, having high-functioning anxiety means you’re really good at pretending — but that’s not necessarily a good thing. In this article, we highlight the signs of this condition and tips to help you cope.
- You Always Wonder “What If?” Not a day goes by where you aren’t constantly questioning yourself. Every decision you make, even the simplest of decisions, comes with doubt. Instead of committing to plans with friends, you question whether or not you should even go. “What if something bad happens while I’m out?” or “What if I annoy my friends and they stop talking to me?” This constant questioning might seem normal, but it causes more anxiety than you probably realize.
- You’re Known As The Flake. Are you considered the flaky one in your friend group? Sure, you like the idea of going out. But when the time actually comes, it seems too overwhelming. And on the off chance you do go out, your energy drains quickly and you end up leaving early to go home. Don’t get us wrong, it’s normal to want to isolate occasionally. But if it’s a recurring occurrence you might have high-functioning anxiety.
- You Have To Be In Control. People with high-functioning anxiety don’t always appear anxious. In fact, they might seem calm and even level-headed. That’s because they typically mask their symptoms by taking control of every situation. Sound familiar? Do you always have to call the shots? Are you unable to let someone else dictate? Those could be signs you have high-functioning anxiety.
- You Constantly Compare Yourself To Others. Comparisons aren’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, they can help you set goals and find inspiration. However, if comparing yourself to others makes you feel bad, it’s not a healthy habit. Everyone’s journey in life is different. Not to mention, people typically only advertise the best parts of their lives. It’s not fair to compare your life to someone else’s highlight reel.
- You’re Always Tired. Do you always feel exhausted? While it’s normal to be tired every now and then, constant fatigue can be a sign of high-functioning anxiety. Think about it. Your mind is your strongest muscle. And similar to other muscles, overworking your mind can lead to fatigue. If you spend the majority of your day overthinking and questioning everything, it’s no wonder you’re always tired.
- You Can’t Enjoy The Moment. You find it difficult to relax, even when you’re doing something fun like hanging out with your friends or watching a movie. Instead of living in the moment, you spend that time thinking and ruminating. Your thoughts race and no matter how much you try, you can’t seem to shut your brain off. Sound familiar?
- You Can’t Fail. The truth is, no one wants to fail. But if you have high-functioning anxiety, you take that fear to the next level. The idea of failing makes you so nervous you’ll do everything in your power to keep it from happening. You’ll work all night, take on additional projects, and set incredibly high expectations for yourself. While this makes you a great employee, it also means you’re constantly on edge. Trying to be perfect is stressful, and time-consuming. It’s also a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
- You Can’t Let Things Go. Not only do you worry about the future, but you constantly replay the past. Those embarrassing moments in high school, that time you got fired from your first job, every bad decision you’ve ever made is always ruminating in your mind. Not being able to let things go, especially things you no longer have control over, is a sign you have high-functioning anxiety.
- You Self Medicate. Do you use alcohol or another substance to calm your mind? We live in a society where drinking is considered a social must. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass here and there, drinking to treat your anxiety can be dangerous. Do you have a tendency to grab a beer the second the clock strikes 5 pm? Do you smoke before hanging out with friends so you’re less anxious? If you answered “yes,” that might be due to your high-functioning anxiety.
- Nothing Ever Seems Right. No matter what you do, it never feels like enough. You feel like a failure in every part of your life. Whether it’s your work ethic or how you handle relationships, you label yourself unsuccessful. When in reality, you are very successful — you just don’t see it that way. While everyone around you is in awe of your accomplishments, you’re stuck in a loop reflecting on all your mistakes and flaws.
How To Deal With High-Functioning Anxiety
- Accept It. One of the first steps in coping with high-functioning anxiety is accepting it. So often we pretend our anxiety doesn’t exist. Or, we label it as another obstacle we have to get over. But the truth is, that anxiety isn’t something you can overcome in an instant. And that’s okay. Instead of putting pressure on yourself, or feeling bad for having anxiety, accept it. It’s normal and something almost everyone deals with on a daily basis.
- Get Help. You don’t have to deal with your anxiety alone. As we said above, almost everyone experiences anxiety. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 40 million adults have some type of anxiety disorder. Chances are, if you confide in your friends and family, they’ll share their own experiences and maybe offer some tips that help them. You should also consider talking to a therapist who is trained in diagnosing high-functioning anxiety and helping patients overcome it. It’s easy to be embarrassed or feel ashamed, but remember you are not alone in this world. There are so many people willing to support you.
- Make Lifestyle Changes. This might sound cliche, but your lifestyle can play a huge role in your mental health. If you spend most of your time on your phone, eating junk food, it’s no wonder you get anxious. Consider making lifestyle changes that have been proven to improve mental health. For example, take time during the day to exercise. It could be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or going to a yoga class; movement can help relieve your anxiety. Also, make sure you’re eating food that fuels your body and mind. And don’t forget about self-care. Taking the time to show yourself love is so important
