Have you ever been labeled a “perfectionist” or a “Type A” individual? Do you find it difficult to quiet your mind and feel compelled to keep busy? Are you often replaying past mistakes in your head during the wee hours? If so, you might be experiencing high-functioning anxiety. While it’s not formally recognized as a diagnosis, this type of anxiety resonates with many and closely resembles generalized anxiety disorder.
When we think of anxiety, we often envision someone frozen by panic attacks or visibly shaking from nerves. However, anxiety can take various forms and affect individuals differently. Here are seven signs that you might be grappling with high-functioning anxiety:
1. Trouble Sleeping
Once your kids are finally asleep, your mind races with plans and to-do lists for the next day. You may find yourself binge-watching shows or endlessly scrolling through your phone to distract yourself from incessant worry. Sometimes, you may resort to alcohol or drugs to help you fall asleep, as your thoughts refuse to settle.
2. Persistent Negative Self-Talk
We all have an inner critic, but those with anxiety often experience this self-talk as overwhelming and intrusive. You might catch yourself saying hurtful things to yourself that you’d never dream of saying to a friend, labeling yourself as “worthless” or “foolish,” often accompanied by harsh expletives.
3. Perfectionism and Control Issues
You feel an intense need for everything to be flawless. Even minor errors can lead to feelings of embarrassment and shame. You take on too much responsibility and, if anything goes awry, you launch into a cycle of self-criticism and regret.
4. Repetitive Behaviors
Your desire for control may manifest in repetitive actions like nail-biting, lip-biting, or tapping your foot. These habits serve as an outlet for your anxiety and restlessness.
5. Inability to Relax
While activities like yoga or meditation may provide some relief, calming your busy mind often feels impossible. You might immerse yourself in work or hobbies to keep busy and maintain a sense of control over your life.
6. Physical Symptoms
Excess tension in your neck and shoulders or a constant knot in your stomach can be signs of anxiety. Research indicates that ongoing stress negatively impacts your health, linking anxiety to physical discomfort.
7. Seeking Reassurance
You often find yourself needing affirmation from others that your fears are unfounded. You want people in your life to confirm that your worries are irrational and that everything is okay.
Experiencing anxiety can be isolating, especially when dealing with high-functioning anxiety, as others might not recognize your struggle due to your ability to maintain daily responsibilities. In fact, you might excel at your job because of these tendencies. However, if left untreated, anxiety can impact your mental and physical well-being as well as your relationships. Consider discussing your feelings with a healthcare professional, as treatments may include medication, therapy, and changes to your lifestyle. Don’t forget that it’s important to be your own best advocate, even as you navigate your inner critic.
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In summary, high-functioning anxiety manifests through sleeplessness, negative self-talk, perfectionism, repetitive behaviors, an inability to relax, physical symptoms, and a need for reassurance. Recognizing these signs can pave the way for seeking help and improving your well-being.