Excessive-functioning anxiousness is a time period that describes a paradox confronted by many. On the surface somebody could seem to have every little thing beneath management however inside they’re battling a relentless undercurrent of fear, worry and doubt.

In contrast to different types of anxiousness that may trigger apparent disruptions to on a regular basis life, high-functioning anxiousness typically goes unnoticed by others, typically even by the individual experiencing it.

It’s the silent battle of the overachievers, the perfectionists and the seemingly balanced people who find themselves privately exhausted from managing their internal turmoil.

The masks of high-functioning anxiousness

One of many causes high-functioning anxiousness is so exhausting to detect is as a result of it typically presents itself as a set of optimistic traits. Folks with this type of anxiousness may be extremely pushed, organised and detail-oriented. They typically excel of their careers, are reliable pals and will all the time appear on high of their tasks. However beneath this polished exterior lies a special story. One thing that Simone* knew all too effectively.

A profitable banker and mom of three, Simone first entered my workplace for her remedy session considering she was overwhelmed and burnt-out from juggling an excessive amount of in her life. However, as we delved deeper, it was apparent that Simone was consistently on edge, regardless that to her colleagues and pals she appeared calm. Her thoughts would consistently race with worst-case situations, what-ifs and fears of failure. She was a perfectionist at work and at dwelling, not as a result of she was solely striving for fulfillment however as a result of she was terrified of constructing errors and failing as a company employee and as a mom.

Excessive-functioning anxiousness manifests in a variety of signs and traits that may be emotionally draining. People typically measure their success by society’s requirements, leaving them feeling dissatisfied even after vital achievements. They’re extremely delicate to criticism and rejection, consistently evaluating themselves with others in a unending treadmill of self-doubt.

Hypervigilant and susceptible to over-planning, they like to be in management however steadily tackle greater than they’ll deal with. Boundaries can develop into blurred as they battle to say no and their feelings are sometimes charged. This type of anxiousness can stem from early attachment points, reminiscent of abandonment or rising up in environments the place mother and father positioned exceedingly excessive expectations on them. These deep-rooted dynamics gas an ongoing battle to satisfy not possible requirements, leaving them emotionally exhausted regardless of outward appearances of success.

The reward they obtain for his or her achievements can typically really feel hole as a result of they know that, behind the scenes, they’re struggling to maintain every little thing collectively – and this may be exhausting. There’s a continuing should be productive, to show oneself and to keep away from failure in any respect prices. This perpetual state of hyper-alertness leaves little room for relaxation or leisure. Over time, this will result in burnout and, in some circumstances, the anxiousness can develop into extra pronounced or turn into extra debilitating psychological well being points, resulting in a breakdown.

Why high-functioning anxiousness typically goes unnoticed

Excessive-functioning anxiousness doesn’t all the time match the stereotypical picture of somebody combating anxiousness. After we consider anxiousness, we frequently think about somebody who’s visibly pressured, withdrawn or unable to deal with on a regular basis duties. However people with high-functioning anxiousness typically do the alternative – they overcompensate. Their anxiousness manifests as a need to remain busy, to overachieve and to keep up management over each facet of their lives.

Heightened anxiousness can result in bodily signs together with fatigue, muscle rigidity, complications, digestive points and issue sleeping

Buddies, relations and colleagues could also be unaware of the interior struggles of somebody with high-functioning anxiousness as a result of there aren’t any apparent indicators of misery. Even healthcare professionals can miss it throughout routine check-ups, as individuals with high-functioning anxiousness typically don’t realise they’ve an issue, or they could downplay their signs. They imagine their achievements ought to negate any sense of unease or worry and they also proceed to push ahead, dismissing their anxiousness as “regular” or “simply life stress”.

The impression on every day life

Whereas high-functioning anxiousness could not stop individuals from finishing their duties, it does take a toll on their psychological and emotional wellbeing. Always dwelling in a state of heightened anxiousness can result in bodily signs together with fatigue, muscle rigidity, complications, digestive points and issue sleeping. There’s additionally the psychological burden of feeling as if nothing is ever ok, irrespective of how a lot is completed.

Social relationships also can undergo. Somebody with high-functioning anxiousness could battle with impostor syndrome, fearing they’ll be “came upon” as a fraud, regardless of their success. They could keep away from conditions the place they really feel susceptible or they could put stress on themselves to all the time current an ideal picture. Over time, this will result in isolation, as they push individuals away out of worry of being judged or misunderstood.

Some of the vital challenges in coping with high-functioning anxiousness is recognising that it’s an issue within the first place. As a result of it’s so carefully tied to optimistic qualities together with productiveness and organisation, it may be exhausting to differentiate when regular stress has crossed the road into one thing extra dangerous. There are a couple of key indicators to look out for:

1. Always feeling on edge or overwhelmed

2. Problem stress-free or unwinding

3. Ruminating on previous errors or worrying excessively about future situations

4. Perfectionism, so even small errors really feel like private failures

5. Bodily signs together with rigidity complications, digestive and abdomen points or insomnia.

In search of skilled assist

The excellent news is that high-functioning anxiousness, like different types of anxiousness, will be managed with the suitable instruments and assist. Mindfulness strategies, together with meditation and respiration workouts, also can assist to calm the thoughts and scale back the fixed want for productiveness.

It’s additionally necessary to reframe the way in which we take into consideration success and productiveness. Excessive-functioning anxiousness typically stems from a worry of failure or a have to show oneself. Studying to just accept imperfection, set boundaries and prioritise self-care is necessary. This doesn’t imply giving up on ambition or objectives however recognising that relaxation and leisure are equally necessary for long-term success.

With Simone, we labored on cognitive restructuring to assist her reframe unfavorable ideas. We additionally explored her core beliefs and recognized actions she loved outdoors household and work, guaranteeing she made time for them. Simone stored a diary of her ideas and feelings over a number of weeks, which helped information discussions on setting wholesome boundaries. For her this meant recognising that it was OK to say no to further work duties and social occasions. Bettering sleep patterns, specializing in balanced vitamin and prioritising self-care all contributed to decreasing her anxiousness.

Excessive-functioning anxiousness will not be one thing that must be glorified, regardless that society typically rewards those that push themselves to the restrict. Whereas it might appear that having anxiousness is a part of what drives success, the fact is that it may be dangerous to our psychological well being. With consciousness, compassion and the suitable instruments, high-functioning anxiousness doesn’t should go unnoticed or untreated.

*Title has been modified for privateness, and Simone’s story is an amalgam of a number of circumstances

Dr Ashwini Padhi is a psychiatrist at South Pacific Personal, a trauma, dependancy and psychological well being therapy centre