6 Signs You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety

People with high-functioning anxiety often look very put-together. They can manage life and are even often successful and driven. However, outward appearances aren’t always what they seem. High-functioning anxiety is still anxiety. But, if you’re able to go through life and find success, you might not think you have it.

Let’s take a look at a few signs that you might be dealing with high-functioning anxiety. Understanding some of the common red flags can make it easier for you to get an official diagnosis and receive the help and support you need.

1. You’re Always Overthinking

Do you always feel like you can’t turn your brain “off”? Are thoughts always running through your head, even when you’re trying to relax? People with high-functioning anxiety often overthink things, overanalyzing them to the point that it causes them to feel uneasy. If most of your thoughts start with “what if,” it could be a sign of anxiety.

2. Nervous Habits

Things like biting your nails or twirling your hair don’t automatically mean you have anxiety. But, combined with other symptoms, they can be physical signs of uneasiness going on beneath the surface. They’re not just bad habits or something you need to “work on.” Instead, think about why you feel the need to fidget.

3. Difficulty Saying No

Are people always coming to you with requests or asking for help because they know you won’t turn them down? Individuals with high-functioning anxiety are also often people-pleasers. You might do what anyone asks of you, even if it deteriorates your mental well-being. This kind of behavior can lead to even more anxiety and can cause you to burn out and become depressed.

4. Fatigue

Even if you’re able to get through each day with success and be productive in whatever you do, you might feel exhausted while you’re doing it. It’s not uncommon for those with high-functioning anxiety to deal with fatigue. Sometimes, it’s caused by a lack of sleep. Insomnia is another common sign of high-functioning anxiety because it’s difficult to stop overthinking at night. However, fatigue can also stem from everything you’ve put on your plate. If you’re always working or thinking about what you have to tackle next, you will exhaust yourself quickly.

5. A Fear of Failure

Do people call you a perfectionist? You may take some pride in that. It’s true that there are some positives to wanting to do everything perfectly. It can keep you motivated and help you to climb the ladder of success. But perfectionism often comes at a price. It can fuel your anxiety, causing you to work from a place of fear. Additionally, you’ll never truly be able to achieve perfection, so you’re likely to always be frustrated with yourself and others.

6. Focusing on Past Mistakes

That same desire to achieve perfection can cause your anxiety to spiral at times. No one is perfect, but people with high-functioning anxiety tend to focus and dwell on their past mistakes. Sound familiar? Chances are, in your mind, those mistakes seem bigger than they actually were. No one else is thinking about them or judging you for them. But, you might find it difficult to let them go or to forgive yourself for not living up to unrealistic expectations.

Again, high-functioning anxiety is still anxiety, and you don’t have to let it take control of your life. If these signs sound familiar, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Anxiety Therapy is a fantastic way to take the reigns and work on strategies that will help you manage your anxiety. You’ll also be able to get to the root cause of where, why, and how it began.