How to Recognise and Manage High-Functioning Anxiety
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High-functioning anxiety is not always easy to spot, as people suffering from it often present themselves to others as successful, organised, and self-assured. These individuals typically function as top performers, displaying meticulous planning abilities and showing constant control. However, despite the outwardly successful appearance, they are secretly fighting internal worries about failure and maintaining an image of flawless perfection.
This article will look at the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety and what you can do to manage it.
Recognising the Signs: More Than Meets the Eye
High-functioning anxiety is difficult to spot because people with this condition tend to mask their emotional battles. Their anxiety does not result in typical avoidance behaviours, so they usually respond with intense proactive behaviour and excessive workload.
People with high-functioning anxiety typically experience these internal feelings:
Constant worry and overthinking by replaying past events, future possibilities, and potential criticisms. A person with high-functioning anxiety often repeats their conversations while planning excessively for all possible scenarios.
Perfectionistic tendencies and self-critical attitudes, leading to establishing unattainable targets for themselves and fiercely criticising all their perceived flaws. They may feel no sense of contentment even after achieving their goals.
An intense fear of failure and disappointing others, which often motivates them to work intensely and avoid new prospects that could result in failure.
A need for control and managing everything in their lives to reduce both uncertainty and anxiety triggers.
Physical symptoms of anxiety such as muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
Racing thoughts that prevent you from relaxing or unwinding in any situation. Many people with high-functioning anxiety maintain a never-ending to-do list.
Achieving goals and appearing successful to others, but internally feeling like an imposter or constantly on edge.
Engaging in subtle behaviours like lip biting, knuckle cracking, or fidgeting.
Strategies for Managing High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety-related drive produces achievements yet also leads to substantial distress that affects overall wellness. Several strategies can help manage these feelings:
Accept your feelings because they are genuine, even if other people cannot perceive them.
Mindfulness practice and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises to enable you to stay present and decrease anxious thinking patterns.
Pay attention to self-care by ensuring a balanced diet, proper sleep and regular physical activity.
Reduce consumption of stimulants such as caffeine, as they can intensify anxiety symptoms.
Establish clear limits by rejecting new responsibilities when your workload reaches maximum capacity. Set boundaries to safeguard your personal time.
Journalling can help you understand your feelings better while gaining fresh perspectives.
Share your experiences with trusted friends and family members or consider joining a support group. The feeling of having somebody who understands your situation can bring substantial relief to your life.
Finding a Plan that Works for You
While changing your coping mechanisms can take some getting used to, the good news is that managing high-functioning anxiety and gaining control is possible. The first step towards achieving life balance and peace requires understanding the warning signs before finding effective strategies that work for you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of high-functioning anxiety, consider seeking professional help. With The Grove Counselling & Therapy, you can develop individualised tools and strategies to manage anxiety through counselling. Contact us to discuss your situation and find out more about how we can help.