High-Functioning Anxiety

Many people with mental health disorders are familiar with the phrase, “but you seem fine.” Invisible illnesses are very real. They often confuse others because many people mask their symptoms. 

Anxiety disorders in particular can manifest in ways that many people don’t see as “mentally ill.” High-functioning anxiety is very common, and can be just as devastating mentally and physically as other forms of anxiety.

It can be hard to identify from the outside and within yourself. At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we not only treat anxiety, we can help diagnose it, as well. If the symptoms in this article sound like what you’ve been experiencing, reach out today.

What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety describes an anxiety response that looks different than what most people are used to. Anxiety is the body’s biological fight-or-flight response that gets triggered inappropriately. Your body is in an “excited” state, ready for action when there’s no reason for it. 

Oftentimes, people with high-functioning anxiety channel this excited state into overworking themselves. Some say that it’s their “fight” response taking action against the source of their anxiety. 

Those with high functioning anxiety may appear to be very hard workers, keeping themselves busy in order keep anxious feelings at bay.

Is High-Functioning Anxiety the Same Thing as Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

High-functioning anxiety is different from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The difference between the two lies in how they manifest.

Yes, someone with GAD can have mild symptoms that don’t completely interfere with their lives. However, no matter the level of GAD, the symptoms are similar:

• Overwhelming feelings of dread and worry
• Social isolation
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Foggy memory and impaired concentration

High-functioning anxiety will not have most of these symptoms, sharing only the feelings of dread and worry. High-functioning anxiety is an extremely inward struggle.

Read our guide on anxiety disorders to learn more about different types, how they present, and how they’re treated.

Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

Because high-functioning anxiety doesn’t show outwardly like other forms of anxiety, it’s often mistaken for a personality quirk.

Many with high-functioning anxiety look like they’re driven for success, and enjoy being busy. Signs of high-functioning anxiety include:

• A type-A personality
• Highly organized
• Detail-oriented 
• Stays busy
• Perfectionism
• Always on-edge or “high strung”

This may seem like someone who is willing to work hard to achieve their goals. Truthfully, that person can’t turn their brain off. An anxious mind is always fighting an imaginary danger. 

While others may see someone driven for success who takes pride in their work, the person with high-functioning anxiety will feel overwhelming fear and worry that they will fail.

Read about crippling anxiety, and see how it differs from high-functioning anxiety.

Why Does Someone with High-Functioning Anxiety Show These Signs?

These overachieving behaviors of someone with high-functioning anxiety can help quell some of the anxious feelings they’re battling. 

This anxiety often stems from self-criticism and that perfectionism. Someone with high-functioning anxiety is battling fears of not being good enough, feeling like a failure, or others thinking they’re a failure.

By “fighting” these feelings rather than withdrawing from them, someone with this kind of anxiety will often be successful at work and in their community. However, it is an on-going battle.

The Harmful Effects of High-Functioning Anxiety

For many, the initial thought is that high-functioning anxiety can be a good thing. It helps you work hard and achieve success, right? 

The issue is that the success and accolades that they may achieve never dampens the inner turmoil. Someone with high-functioning anxiety will feel like they need to do better, no matter the measure of success they achieve. This comes from the self-criticism and fear of failure that many people with high-functioning anxiety feel.

Also, the term “high-functioning” can be a bit of a misnomer. Yes, many with this form of anxiety are able to go to work and be successful, rather than withdrawing. However, the need for perfection can be debilitating. They may miss on important events, have trouble working in teams, or miss out on sleep or a meal trying to make sure their project is perfect. 

In addition, constantly working and neglecting your needs can lead to exhaustion, which can require hospitalization. 

Treatment for High-Functioning Anxiety

Because high functioning anxiety is an anxiety disorder, it can be treated like other forms of anxiety. 

Therapy for High-Functioning Anxiety

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or simply CBT, is one of the most tried and true counseling methods to help treat most kinds of anxiety. It helps connect behavior, thought, and emotion, and helps clients understand that controlling one of those will help you change the others.

Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is a similar kind of therapy, but focuses on mindfulness and staying grounded when stressed.

Learn about CBT and DBT at Sequoia Behavioral Health.

Medication for High-Functioning Anxiety

In many cases, anti anxiety medications can be used in addition to counseling. These medications can be used to balance the brain chemicals that are responsible for the body’s flight-or-flight response.

At Sequoia, we can diagnose high-functioning anxiety, as well as treat it with both therapy and medication. Learn about the psychiatric services we offer, including medication management.

High-Functioning Anxiety Treatment at Sequoia Behavioral Health

Constantly pushing your mental pedal to the floor is exhausting. It can harm you physically and lead to burnout. Treating your high-functioning anxiety means that you can take some pressure off of yourself. 

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we’re experts at diagnosing and treating severe anxiety, trauma, and a number of other mental health concerns. 

Reach out today to see how we can help you feel grounded again—or perhaps for the first time.