Despite their professional and academic success and their calm, balanced appearance, some people hide a constant state of turmoil and anxiety behind this calm facade.
Unlike generalized anxiety disorder, which often reflects on daily behavior and functional abilities, what is known as high-functioning anxiety operates in silence, often without a clear impact on productivity.
In fact, those affected by it are often able to maintain high levels of achievement, which hide an unrelenting internal struggle.
High-functioning anxiety is not listed as an independent diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), as it is often classified under generalized anxiety disorder.
However, the term has become common to refer to people who suffer from internal anxiety symptoms while continuing to perform their professional and social tasks with high efficiency, driven by a constant feeling that their achievements do not meet the required standard.
Symptoms of High-Functioning Anxiety
The symptoms of high-functioning anxiety are generally similar to those of generalized anxiety disorder, with the difference being that they are more hidden and do not clearly affect daily life. Among them are:
- Excessive self-criticism.
- Constant worry about appearing inappropriate.
- A constant feeling of threat and a drive to control details.
- A constant pursuit of perfection and setting unrealistic standards for success.
- Inability to accept mistakes or minor slip-ups.
- Procrastination and avoidance as a defense mechanism.
- A constant feeling of stress and over-analyzing every situation or conversation, which hinders living in the present moment.
- Imposter syndrome: or the internal feeling of not deserving success.
- On the physical side, anxiety may manifest in signs such as excessive sweating, frequent headaches, dizziness, persistent muscle tension, sleep disorders, neck and jaw pain, and digestive problems, especially irritable bowel syndrome.
Some may also resort to behaviors that give them temporary relief from anxiety, such as immersing themselves in video games or excessive exercise. These behaviors may seem harmless, but overindulgence can turn into addictive mechanisms.
A Silent Threat
Despite the outward appearance of success and balance, high-functioning anxiety leaves deep marks on the lives of those who suffer from it, extending to psychological, social, and physical aspects. Among the most prominent of these effects are:
Overperformance and excessive work, by spending long hours at work or volunteering to take on additional tasks, which imposes cumulative pressures that increase levels of psychological and physical exhaustion.
Impact on social relationships as a result of excessive focus on professional or academic achievement at the expense of social and family bonds.
Difficulty accepting criticism, as those affected tend to magnify negative comments and turn them into harsh self-criticism.
Neglect of self-care, including sleep disturbances, irregular eating, and ignoring basic physical needs.
High-functioning anxiety can affect various groups regardless of age or gender, although some groups appear to be more susceptible to it. Women, for example, are more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder compared to men, which is attributed to the overlap of several factors, including complex social pressures, upbringing patterns, and the expectations of society and those around them.
Rates of high-functioning anxiety are also higher in other cases, such as exposure to high psychological and professional pressures, or a genetic predisposition to anxiety, in addition to growing up in psychologically unsafe environments, or with caregivers who themselves suffer from anxiety disorders.
Tips for Dealing with High-Functioning Anxiety
There are a number of tips and strategies that may help you alleviate the severity of anxiety symptoms, including:
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