Most people will experience some form of worry or anxiety in their life at some point, whether that is a stressful situation causing fear in the short term or dealing with debilitating anxiety daily. According to the World Health Organization it is estimated that 4% of the global population is currently experiencing a form of anxiety disorder.
In recent years, we have seen the rise in awareness of High-Functioning Anxiety, a psychological buzzword rather than an actual diagnosable mental health disorder. But what is high-functioning anxiety? And how can it affect mental health?
What is High-functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety is a term used to describe someone who experiences anxiety symptoms but maintains a high level of functionality and ability to succeed in their everyday life.
Individuals who experience high-functioning anxiety may present as confident, highly organised, proactive, and an elevated achiever. Often, they appear to have a successful career and fulfilled personal life. They may seem as if they are unshakeable and can deal with stressful situations easily, however, internal feelings and emotions could show something completely different.
Is High-functioning anxiety a mental health condition?
High-functioning anxiety is not categorised or recognised as a mental health disorder, but symptoms can be very similar to generalised anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders, subsequently impacting the individual’s life and mental wellbeing.
People who experience high-functioning anxiety still face anxiety symptoms, such as having a sense of impending danger and feeling tense. However, they are better able to hide these symptoms and will experience anxiety challenges internally, putting significant strain on mental health.
Somone experiencing high-functioning anxiety may be diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder because of the stark similarities, but they may need slightly different treatment because of their differing responses.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Like generalised anxiety disorder, individuals who experience high-functioning anxiety can expect equivalent symptoms but are able to mask the signs in front of other.
A common symptom of anxiety disorders is the feeling of ‘fight or flight’ when faced with a stressful situation. This is also experienced by people with high-functioning anxiety, but their response will be different. Their anxiety compels them to tackle the problem head on for fear of failure or letting people down, making them appear more successful and stable.
They feel a compulsion to the push and strive towards their goals and hustle more out of fear of failure and not reaching success.
*Other typical of high-functioning anxiety symptoms: *
- Need for control
- Need for reassurance
- Need to please people
- Fear of disappointing people
- Perfectionism
- Fear of failure
- Overthinking
- Muscle tension
Managing High-Functioning Anxiety
Even though anxiety can feel debilitating and take control, it doesn’t have to. You may even find some silver linings that come along with high-functioning anxiety, such as increased organisation and better professional relationships. It may even increase motivation, act like a built-in warning signal for true feelings, and helps foster empathy towards others.
Despite this, anxiety causes significant strain on mental health, so it’s always important to adopt ways to manage these symptoms of anxiety for a healthier and happier life.
Being kind to yourself supports the ability to cope with stress, boosts self-esteem, and increases overall happiness. Try complimenting yourself, speaking to yourself with kindness, and recognising when you have been successful, even if it is something small.
Comparing ourselves to others can risk low self-esteem, negative self-perception, and enhance depression. When we look at others and compare achievements, it can induce negative feelings and emotions about our own successes, we may even overlook our own achievements in the face of someone else’s. Try taking a social media break and identify and value your own accomplishments regardless of what they are.
- Learn to accept criticism
Learning to accept criticism can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms by enhancing personal growth, increasing self-awareness, building resilience, and encouraging positive relationships. When faced with criticism, avoid responding straight away, process the information, and extract the positives and areas for development.
