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August 4, 2024
Many of us are guilty of expressing ourselves as a “Type A” personality type, constantly feeling impatient, competitive, and overworked. And while these personality traits are quite common, there could be a deeper explanation for why some people exhibit these feelings and others do not, high-functioning anxiety.
High-functioning anxiety gives the appearance that a person is successful and has an organized life. Meanwhile, on the inside, that person is likely feeling stressed, insecure, and excessively worried. Despite not yet being recognized as a mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is often recognized as a subset of generalized anxiety disorder.
High-functioning anxiety vs generalized anxiety
So, what makes high-functioning anxiety different from generalized anxiety disorder? Well, the main distinction is that those with high-functioning anxiety can maintain success in their professional and personal lives, going unnoticed. Those with generalized anxiety often become observingly debilitated by their thoughts and feelings.
Causes of high-functioning anxiety
There are many factors that can contribute to high-functioning anxiety. People may also experience triggers that exacerbate their tendency to lean into their anxiety. These factors and triggers include –
- Genetics (to what extent is still unknown)
- Traumatic experiences
- Childhood experiences
- Stressful situations
Signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety
There are several common signs and symptoms of having high-functioning anxiety. These include –
- Appearing happy, organized, and social, while feeling anxious internally
- Feeling fatigued, having trouble sleeping, and having trouble focusing
- Feeling excessively worried, irritable, and restless
- Experiencing muscle tension, a racing heart, sweating, and headaches
Treatments for high-functioning anxiety
Fortunately, there are various treatment methods for coping with high-functioning anxiety. Because of this, it may take several attempts in different techniques to find the treatment(s) that work for you. Among the most used treatments include –
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Mindfulness techniques (including meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises)
- Building a strong support network
- Prescribed anxiety medications
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety in any form. Your healthcare providers can help you find treatment and coping options that work for you and lead to a better, more manageable quality of life.