High functioning anxiety often makes you look good. From the outside, people think you are a well-groomed, well-trained, well-oiled machine. You say the right things and do what you should. You get things done and keep things moving.
Yet, underneath all of that stability and reliability, something else is going on.
Are you restless and on edge? Are deep breaths few and far between? Do racing thoughts continually interrupt a good night’s rest?
Anxiety takes many forms. Despite your ability to dig deep and push through, you may very well be fighting fear, worry, and insecurity with control, busyness, and a mask of competency that are dangerously exhausting.
The truth is, regardless of how much you’re admired or prompted at work, you don’t feel put together or “ amazing”. Underneath it all, you’re just too scared to stop doing so much and risk disappointing yourself or others.
Fortunately, like other forms of anxiety, high functioning anxiety can be reined in with anxiety treatment and you can still be great… without grinding yourself down.
Let’s explore what you’re dealing with and how to start living the life you really want.
Anxiety Treatment NYC: What Is High Functioning Anxiety Exactly?
High functioning anxiety is not yet a diagnosable disorder, though it is increasingly making its presence known in therapy circles. High functioning anxiety is sometimes compared to general anxiety disorder (GAD), though there are significant differences in presentation and perception.
To many people on the outside, high functioning anxiety does not appear to be a problem at all. Perhaps you even felt that way once.
Yet, living your life consumed by the fear of slowing down or relinquishing control comes with a cost. In fact, living and working in a busy city, it may be hard to tell the difference between the high energy needed to succeed and high-functioning anxiety.
So, here are a few signs to help you determine whether your ambition and drive are helpful or could benefit from anxiety treatment and support:
- External calm, internal panic
- Overthinking, excessive planning
- Perfectionism
- Extreme punctuality
- Tendency to lose track of time, work long hours
- People-pleasing, inability to say no
- A deep need to be reassured
- Difficulty making/ maintaining eye contact
- Extreme loyalty in personal and professional relationships
- Engaging a stressful cycle of procrastination and overworking
- Disrupted sleep, insomnia
- Deep mental, physical fatigue
- Substance abuse
When you are compelled by anxiety, it can wreak havoc on your life. It is difficult to enjoy your work, service, relationships, and rewards for what they are.
If you’re tired of feeling that your efforts are overshadowed by an ongoing cycle of worry, tension, overcompensation, and even isolation, it’s time for a change.
Anxiety Treatment NYC: Tips to Cope with High Functioning Anxiety
Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts
Anxiety disorders, of any type, often benefit from treatment focused on challenging thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that don’t serve you.
Consider participating in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach helps you problem solve and find improved ways to cope and manage your stress. The premise is that your thoughts create your reality.
Explore and deal with thought patterns that fuel the need to push yourself so hard. Learning to recognize and change negative thought patterns can help you feel better and make different decisions.
Permit Yourself Regular Doses of Self-compassion
When you are a high performer, you’re likely to live with a loud inner critic. It’s important to notice negative self-talk. It’s okay to tell yourself the whole truth about your mistakes, problems, and exhaustion. They are simply parts of life and part of being human. Don’t beat yourself up or scare yourself with worst-case scenarios.
Be a friendly, encouraging presence in your own mind. If you need to, write yourself notes, journal life lessons, and remind yourself of your value with a daily mantra.
Let People In
You probably do a great job of hiding your anxiety. Unfortunately, masking your feelings makes things worse. To operate authentically, share your worries and concerns with trusted people.
Allowing others into your inner world can be extremely gratifying. You’re likely to find far less judgment than you expect. If this is too much pressure to start, reach out for anxiety treatment to practice expressing your feelings in a safe environment.
Slow Down for Self-Care & Sleep Hygiene
It is definitely not better to look good than to feel good. Accept that the mind and body are deeply intertwined and both must be respected, inside and out, on a routine basis routinely.
Don’t neglect your physical needs. Eat nutritional snacks and meals. Hydrate often. Make time for exercise and relaxation.
Moreover, implement an intentional nightly plan. Wind down with a bath or a good book. Make a point of banishing electronics from the bedroom. Finally, avoid eating or drinking anything that might keep you up.
Anxiety Treatment NYC: Seeking Support is a Valuable Step
For all you do, it’s okay to find a way to accept and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You and your efforts don’t have to be flawless to be valuable. Connecting with a therapist for support can go a long way toward establishing coping skills and overcoming your high functioning anxiety.
Let’s meet soon to consider how you can give yourself some breathing room and lift the mental and emotional limitations that anxiety places on your life.
Learn more about our Anxiety Treatment counseling services for help.
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