4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Many people can function quite well at work and in relationships, but still have nagging worries or negative thoughts. It may not interfere much with your life, but it can still cause suffering. Help is available.
What is high-functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety is not a diagnosis, but describes people who outwardly function well in work, school, and relationships, despite experiencing significant anxiety symptoms. In health care settings, it may be described as a mild to moderate anxiety problem.
People with high-functioning anxiety may be outwardly performing well in most aspects of life, but may still have difficulties with worry, fear and other anxiety-related symptoms.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
Symptoms of high-functioning anxiety
People can function relatively well in everyday life with mild to moderate anxiety. You may have a job and close relationships but still experience difficulties. This may include worrying a lot about things other people don’t focus on.
High-functioning anxiety can be linked to anxiety disorders such as social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but it can also be present in other conditions, such as depression or insomnia. It is important to get an assessment by a professional such as a psychologist to get a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Some characteristics of high-functioning anxiety are:
- Excessive worry: Constantly worrying about the future, planning and overanalyzing situations.
- Perfectionism: Thoughts of having to perform perfectly in all situations, often driven by the fear of failure or being judged.
- Overcompensation: Working extra hard to hide anxiety, which can lead to high performance but also to exhaustion and burnout.
- Need for constant busyness: Difficulty relaxing and needing to always be busy to avoid anxious thoughts.
- Social anxiety: Feelings of anxiety about social situations and how others perceive you.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night due to worrying thoughts.
- Physical symptoms: Can also be related to stress and include muscle tension, stomach problems, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Treating high-functioning anxiety
All anxiety is treatable. Oftentimes, anxiety has some impact on your life even if it doesn’t limit you completely. The main recommended treatment for anxiety is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which involves an individualized analysis of problem situations and thought patterns. It talks about the feelings, thoughts and behaviours associated with anxiety and changes behaviours and thought patterns to reduce suffering and improve quality of life.
Another treatment for anxiety problems is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on acceptance and mindfulness. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) works a lot on self-compassion and addressing feelings of shame.
Treatment of anxiety at a mild to moderate level is usually done in primary care while more severe problems, where you are often more limited in your function, are treated at a specialist level. Mild to moderate anxiety treatment can be between about 4-10 sessions and at Lavendla we have several licensed psychologists and qualified therapists who can help.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
11 common questions and answers about high-functioning anxiety
What is high-functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety describes people who outwardly function well in work, school, and relationships, despite experiencing significant anxiety symptoms.
Is high-functioning anxiety a diagnosis?
High-functioning anxiety is not a diagnosis by itself, but may describe someone diagnosed with mild to moderate anxiety.
Can high-functioning anxiety be treated?
Yes! Any type of anxiety can be treated, no matter how much it affects your daily life.
What are the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety?
Symptoms of high-functioning anxiety include excessive worry, striving for perfection, difficulty sleeping and a constant need to be busy.
I have trouble sleeping, is it high-functioning anxiety?
Worry can lead to the development of sleep problems, however several other factors and conditions can also affect sleep.
How is high-functioning anxiety treated?
High-functioning anxiety is treated primarily using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Can exercise affect anxiety problems?
Yes, any kind of exercise can be helpful to feel better. However, you may also need psychological treatment.
I stress a lot, is it anxiety?
Stress and anxiety can have similar symptoms. If you are persistently stressing about things, it could be anxiety.
I worry about everything, why do I do that?
Persistent worrying could be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Help is available.
How does social media affect high performance anxiety?
Social media can amplify anxiety by creating a sense of inadequacy as individuals compare their lives with others. This can cause people to worry and pressure themselves to perform in a way that reduces their quality of life.
Where can I turn if I need help?
You can book an initial session with a therapist or psychologist through our sight. Together, you can create a treatment plan. We will help you make the difficult easier.
Treating anxiety step-by-step
Here we walk you through what treatment for high-functioning anxiety can look like. There is help available, here is an idea of the steps you can take:
1. Understanding and assessment
The first step is to understand that you have an anxiety problem and that it is okay to seek help for it. A psychologist can help you evaluate your situation and understand your concerns. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
2. Psychoeducation
You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what happens in your body and mind when fear arises.
3. Tools for changing behaviours and patterns
You will work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your anxiety. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations and learn how to deal with them. You will also be given homework to practice between sessions.
4. Follow up and evaluate progress
You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing to help maintain your progress over time.
A first step in seeking help
If you recognize the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety in yourself, it is good to seek help. It is possible to improve your quality of life, even if you are functioning well externally. You can connect with psychologists and therapists through our website who are ready to support you through your journey. We make the difficult easier.
Read more
