Anxiety has become a prevalent concern in today's culture, where stresses and tensions are constant. While certain people display their anxiety in a conspicuous way, others may suffer from high-functioning anxiety in silence, which often goes undetected.
Anxiety, like other mental health conditions, presents itself in a number of ways. As a result, recognizing high-functioning anxiety can be challenging for both the patient and others around them.
Understanding the warning signs and symptoms is the first step in anxiety treatment. This blog seeks to elucidate the subtle symptoms that may be impacting others around us by looking at seven primary signs of high-functioning anxiety.
Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety
Labelled as "smiling depression" or "hidden anxiety," high-functioning anxiety is characterized by people who appear calm and collected on the surface but are restless and nervous on the inside. The reasons for underlying, high-functioning anxiety are complex and vary from person to person. Genes, prior trauma, stressful life experiences, societal expectations and cultural standards, and brain chemical imbalances are all major contributing variables. However, it can be difficult to detect high-functioning anxiety since people suffering from it frequently look composed and accomplished on the outside.
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can be tricky to diagnose. It can be difficult to identify and can significantly impact everyday life, jeopardizing one's physical, emotional, and cognitive health. As a result, it is vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety, as well as management options.
The Common Indicators of High-Functioning Anxiety
Perfectionism: It's critical to set objectives and work towards them. However, people with high-functioning anxiety may set excessively high ambitions. These individuals may never stop working. They remain late at work and never take holidays. Individuals with this condition frequently create unreasonably high expectations for themselves, motivated by a strong fear of failure. While they may appear fulfilled and accomplished on the surface, the relentless quest for perfection can lead to chronic stress and burnout.
Overthinking: Chronic overthinkers who stress over potential future scenarios and fret about what may go wrong are those who suffer from high-functioning anxiety. This ongoing cycle of concern can be cognitively and emotionally demanding, hurting their general well-being. People might also overthink their physical and mental health. They may develop hypochondria, believing that they have serious health issues. They may self-diagnose generalized anxiety when they actually have another ailment.
Sleep Deprivation: The most common physical indication of high-functioning anxiety is difficulty sleeping or insufficient sleep. This occurs when you spend the night thinking about various topics rather than going to bed. Most persons with high-functioning anxiety continue to have racing thoughts even after they go to bed. They keep thinking about things and can't sleep. Others awaken in the middle of the night, overwhelmed with ideas. People suffering from this form of anxiety are also more likely to get up early in order to complete their tasks.
People-Pleasing Behavior: People-pleasers frequently shift their demand for accomplishment into interpersonal relationships. You dislike saying 'no' to people because you are frightened to disappoint them. When you realize you've disappointed someone, which is unavoidable because their dissatisfaction may have nothing to do with you, you frequently feel bad and over-apologize.
Physiological Indications: Although mostly a mental health condition, anxiety may be exhibited physiologically. Chronic physical symptoms of high-functioning anxiety include tension headaches, muscle discomfort, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping. A thorough understanding of the relationship between mental and physical health is essential for anxiety treatment.
Self-Critical Thinking: Individuals experiencing high-functioning anxiety typically engage in excessive self-doubt. The internal dialogue may be harsh and unforgiving, instilling feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This negative self-talk can be a substantial obstacle to getting anxiety treatment, as people may feel unworthy or afraid of being judged.
Alcoholism or Drug Problems: Individuals with high-functioning anxiety frequently use alcohol and drugs to relieve stress or work longer hours. Drugs provide a high that gives you the energy to go on. As a result, you are more prone to develop an addiction to alcohol or drugs in order to feel good. You may be aware of your harmful behaviour yet choose not to seek expert treatment. Turning to drugs and alcohol to deal with your difficulties indicates that you have high-functioning anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety may make daily living very challenging. You may have a variety of symptoms, including difficulties concentrating and feeling more angry and overwhelmed than normal. These sentiments are genuine, and they may have an impact on your quality of life.
At Integrative Psychotherapy Toronto, we understand how difficult it is to face the stark facts of high-functioning anxiety. With a focus on nervous system treatments like IFS, EMDR, and somatic psychotherapy, we offer incredibly successful anxiety treatment in Toronto. We are devoted to assisting our clients in leading happy and satisfying lives. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a happier, healthier future.
