10 Signs You Have High Functioning Anxiety

Keegan Warrington
July 4, 2022

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults. It can be debilitating, causing severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. But for some people, anxiety manifests in more subtle ways.

If you’re high functioning, you may be good at hiding your anxiety or masking it with other behaviors. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Here are 10 signs that you may have high functioning anxiety:

1. You’re a Perfectionist

If you have high functioning anxiety, you may be a perfectionist. You might strive for excellence in everything you do and beat yourself up when you don’t meet your own high standards.

Perfectionists often have a hard time letting go of things and may have difficulty completing tasks because they’re never good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

2. You’re Always Busy

Do you always have something to do? Are you juggling a million different tasks and never seem to have any downtime? If so, your tendency of being busy may be a way of avoiding your anxiety.

People with high functioning anxiety often use work, exercise, or other activities to keep themselves occupied and distracted from their anxious thoughts. This can make it difficult to relax and can lead to burnout.

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3. You’re Highly Sensitive

If you’re highly sensitive, you may be more prone to anxiety. Highly sensitive people are often overstimulated by their environment and can pick up on subtleties that others might miss. This can make them more prone to anxiety and stress.

4. You’re Always On Edge

If you have high functioning anxiety, you may be constantly on edge. You might feel like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop or that something bad is about to happen. This feeling of unease can be exhausting and lead to further anxiety.

5. You’re Easily Irritated

Do small things often bother you? Do you get annoyed easily? If so, your irritability may be a sign of high functioning anxiety. When you’re anxious, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, which can make you more reactive and sensitive to your environment.

6. You Have Trouble Sleeping

Anxiety can cause havoc on your sleep patterns. If you have high functioning anxiety, you may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You might also experience restless nights and wake up feeling exhausted. This can lead to daytime fatigue and further anxiety.

7. You’re Always Thinking Ahead

Do you find yourself always thinking about the future? Worrying about what could go wrong? If so, your anxiety may be showing up as rumination. People with high functioning anxiety often have a hard time living in the present moment because they’re constantly thinking about what’s to come.

8. You Tend To Compare Yourself To Others More

Do you find yourself comparing your life to others? Constantly feeling like you’re not good enough? If so, your anxiety may be showing up as self-doubt. People with high functioning anxiety often doubt their abilities and compare themselves unfavorably to others. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.

9. You Dwell On Your Past Mistakes More

Do you dwell on your past mistakes? Do you find yourself reliving old failures and feeling like you can’t move on? If so, your anxiety may be showing up as rumination. People with high functioning anxiety often have a hard time letting go of their mistakes and they can dwell on them for days, weeks, or even years. This can lead to feelings of shame and anxiety.

10. You Have Increased Substance Abuse

People with high functioning anxiety may turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. This can help them cope with their anxiety in the short term, but it can lead to long-term problems. If you find yourself using substances more than usual, it’s important to seek help from a professional.

How to Cope with High Functioning Anxiety

signs of high functioning anxiety

If you have high functioning anxiety, there are some things you can do to help cope with it.

1. Identify Your Triggers

What are the things that trigger your anxiety? Once you know what these are, you can start to avoid them or manage them better.

2. Get Rid Of Perfectionism

One of the biggest things that fuel high functioning anxiety is perfectionism. If you’re constantly striving to be perfect, you’ll never be good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Instead, focus on doing your best and let go of the need to be perfect.

3. Practice Self-care

When you’re dealing with high functioning anxiety, it’s important to practice self-care. This means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food. Also, take some time for yourself every day to do something you enjoy.

4. Seek Professional Help

If your anxiety is starting to interfere with your life, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand and manage your anxiety. They can also provide you with tools and strategies to cope with your anxiety.

5. Join A Support Group

There are many support groups available for people with anxiety. This can be a great way to meet other people who understand what you’re going through. It can also help you share tips and coping strategies.

Dealing with high functioning anxiety can be difficult, but there are things you can do to manage it. If you find yourself struggling, make sure to seek professional help. With the right help, you can learn to cope with your anxiety and live a happier life.

Conclusion

High functioning anxiety can be a difficult thing to deal with. But with the right help, you can learn to manage it. If you find yourself struggling, make sure to seek professional help. With the right help, you can learn to cope with your anxiety and live a happier life. At Roots TMS, we provide expert help for those struggling with anxiety. Our team of psychiatrists and mental health professionals is here to help you manage your anxiety and live a happier life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and TMS for anxiety.

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Keegan Warrington