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Many people can function quite well at work and in relationships yet still have suffer from worry and anxiety. Here we look at what you can do if you have high-functioning anxiety.
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, the problem might be better described as a mild to moderate anxiety problem, where people are not so limited by their symptoms that they avoid situations or that functioning is impaired.
People with high-functioning anxiety may seem successful but may still have difficulties with worry, fear and other anxiety-related symptoms.
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Symptoms of high-functioning anxiety
With mild to moderate anxiety problems, people can still function relatively well in everyday life. You may have a job and close relationships but still experience ongoing worry about various things and situations.
Even high-functioning anxiety can be linked to anxiety disorders such as social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is important to get an assessment by a professional such as a psychologist to get the right 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 their anxiety, which can lead to high performance but also to exhaustion if stressed.
- Need for constant busyness: Difficulty relaxing and the need 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 worried thoughts.
- Physical symptoms: Can include muscle tension, stomach problems, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue.
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Can high-functioning anxiety be treated?
All anxiety problems can improve with treatment, regardless of how well you function in life. Often the anxiety has some impact even if it doesn’t limit your life completely. The main recommended treatment for anxiety problems is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves an individualized analysis of problem situations and thought patterns. It addresses the feelings, thoughts and behaviors associated with the anxiety and changes behaviors 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 values and how to live by them. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) works a lot on self-compassion and working with feelings of shame.
Treatment of anxiety can last from a few sessions to several years. At Lavendla, we have many licensed therapists who can help you feel better.
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On our website, we offer contact with experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you deal with your anxiety. By creating a safe and understanding environment, we aim to make the journey through less frightening and more manageable. Our experts are available for sessions exclusively online via our video conferencing platform.
12 common questions and answers about high-functioning anxiety
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.
Is high-functioning anxiety a diagnosis?
High-functioning anxiety is a mild form of an anxiety disorder because the symptoms do not interfere as much with everyday life.
Can high-functioning anxiety be treated?
All anxiety problems can improve with treatment, regardless of how well you function in life.
What are the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety?
Symptoms include excessive worrying, sleep difficulties, perfectionism, and physical complaints.
I have trouble sleeping, is it high-functioning anxiety?
Sleep problems can have many causes, but if worries are preventing you from sleeping then you might have anxiety.
How is high-functioning anxiety treated?
High-functioning anxiety is treated like any other anxiety disorder, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Can exercise affect anxiety problems?
Yes, any kind of exercise can be helpful to feel better, but you may also need psychological treatment.
I stress a lot, is it anxiety?
Stress and anxiety can have similar symptoms, but people often don’t avoid things as much and worry as much when they are stressed as they do when they are anxious.
I worry about everything, why do I do that?
If you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), you often worry about a variety of things, and it is possible to get help.
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.
I feel exhausted, is it anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. If you are chronically fatigued, seek an evaluation from a medical professional first to rule out any physical causes.
Where can I turn if I need help?
Through our site, book an initial session with a therapist or psychologist to explore your anxiety and start planning treatment. We can help you make the hard things easier.
Treating anxiety step by step
Here is one scenario of how therapy can treat high-functioning anxiety.
Assessment of symptoms
The first step is for a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to fill in assessment forms.
Psychoeducation and objectives
You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. Your therapist will help you work on analyzing situations and also set goals for treatment.
Tools for changing behaviors and patterns
You will work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your anxiety. Your therapist will help you implement tools such as a worry diary, worry time and mindfulness. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.
Follow up and evaluate progress
You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing with the aim of maintaining your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.
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