What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety can occur in various ways.

However, one common way is for people to appear outwardly successful and calm while struggling internally. 

This phenomenon is often termed “high-functioning anxiety.” 

This guide will explore what high-functioning anxiety is, its signs, causes, and treatment options, as well as how it differs from high-functioning depression.

Firstly, to highlight the seriousness of the matter, let’s look at the statistics behind anxiety. 

Anxiety Statistics

You shouldn’t be surprise regarding the numbers for anxiety worldwide. The numbers indicate that anxiety is a good mental health condition that people are struggling with.

• The WHO states that “anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, affecting 301 million people”, with “approximately 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment for this condition."
• A study by the Canadian Government found that “Canadians aged 15 years and older with a generalized anxiety disorder doubled from 2012 to 2022, from 2.6% to 5.2%.”
• According to Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect over 40 millions adults in the United States (19% of the population). 
• Of those, only 36% of people with anxiety disorders, who experience symptoms for 10 or more years would seek help.

What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. You feel the creep of anxiety rising, the tension filling your mind and chest. 

But high-functioning anxiety takes it to the next level...because the outward appearance of someone seems completely normal.

It can be defined as a person who exhibits a calm, composed, and successful presence with the ability to handle day-to-day responsibilities, such as managing a career, home life, finances, and relationships…while struggling with extreme feelings of anxiety.

While this might sound like generalized anxiety, high-functioning anxiety often involves the person maintaining a facade of success and productivity (often being successful in their careers and life in general) despite experiencing significant internal stress.

However, it should be noted that it is not considered a diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Therefore, there are some signs and symptoms which are not as clear-cut as other mental health issues. 

What are the Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety?

It can be challenging to spot high-functioning anxiety due to its subtle nature, as it doesn’t have the consistency of general anxiety.

However, there are some common signs that can be detected, including a person being: 

• Highly organized and detailed orientated, with a distinct focus on being organized and managing everything in life, as much as possible.
• Overachiever and proactive, with a desire to constantly prove their worth and go above and beyond.
• A perfectionist who struggles with a feeling of distress when those excessively high standards are not met.
• An avoidant of situations or experiences due to the fear of being “not worthy” or not meeting their standards. 
• Having a high need for control of all situations to avoid any possible issues or fallouts. 

Now, many people will consider these “pros” because they result in high achievement and resilience, allowing them to handle problems and issues confidently. 

But, while these are the above-the-surface signs, as stated above, it’s merely a facade for what is a more intense feeling internally. People with high-functioning anxiety can experience the following intense anxiety triggers: 

• Overthinking constantly about the potential outcomes of situations or excessive ruminating over past decisions. There are no ways to cope with this level of focus. 
• Difficulty relaxing due to the inability to unwind or detach themselves from their lives and need of control. This leads to restlessness, excessive worry, or constant agitation.
• Physical symptoms that don’t have an established medical root cause, including headaches, migraines, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues, which can also lead to cardiovascular issues and weakened immune functions later on. 
• Emotional exhaustion, as the constant anxiety, leads to burnout, physical pain and tiredness, and emotional fatigue.
• Impaired relationships because the inability to relax and the constant focus on problems puts a strain on relationships, be they romantic or platonic. 
• Constantly racing thoughts or persistent feelings about everything they’ve done and have to do in the future, resulting in them being unable to relax. 
• Self-doubt or “imposter syndrome”, which is the feeling or belief that people are inadequate despite their success in a role.

The question for most people is that, where do these symptoms arise from?

How is high-functioning anxiety created in an individual?

Keep reading to find out!

What Causes High-Functioning Anxiety?

The origin of high-functioning anxiety — or any anxiety for that matter — is difficult to determine. Multiple factors or experiences can result in people developing this condition and its subsequent symptoms. 

So, here are the most consistent causes of high-functioning anxiety: 

• Genetics, such as a family with a history of anxiety disorders, can be more exposed to developing anxiety later in life. 
• Biological factors, including imbalances in brain chemistry or hormonal changes can result in anxiety development. 
• Traumatic or stressful events can result in people developing anxiety due to their fears about situations or experiences. 
• Medical conditions, most noticeably thyroid issues, can result in people developing anxiety conditions. 
• Substance or alcohol abuse, stemming from unmet needs, can change a person’s attitude, leading them to become anxious or more controlling. 
• Childhood experiences — such as enmeshment trauma or attachment styles — can condition people to be anxious later on. 
• Personality traits, such as perfectionism, neuroticism, or a high level of conscientiousness, can contribute to anxiety.

Of course, these causes above do have some overlaps with the causes of depression. 

High-Functioning Anxiety vs. High-Functioning Depression

According to a well-known study from STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression), 53% of the patients had comorbidity (meaning having multiple conditions) of major depression and significant anxiety.

However, although there is an overlap between the two medical conditions, there are critical differences between the two conditions: 

Firstly, high-functioning depression tends to affect mood by making people feel sad and hopeless, causing them to develop a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities or activities in general. Compared to anxiety, which are feelings of nervousness, worry, and fear. 

Secondly, energy levels. People with high-functioning anxiety tend to be more focused and have higher nervous energy levels in a bid to control things while struggling with restlessness or agitation. On the other hand, individuals with high-functioning depression may experience fatigue and low energy.  

Watch this video now to learn how ease your anxiety!

How to Treat High-Functioning Anxiety

Treatment for high-functioning anxiety can be approached through a combination of strategies: 

• Identifying the root causes of your anxiety can help you understand where it comes from and how to manage it in the future. It could anything from previous experiences to relationships with mothers or fathers.
• Subconscious reprogramming tools allow you to change your perceptions and beliefs (rewiring painful cognitive biases) that are causing anxiety in the first place. You can learn more from our Overcoming Anxiety for Peace of Mind course below. 
• Self-care is essential. Building healthy coping mechanisms and habits to cope with anxiety can lead to more calmness, clarity, and relaxation in life.
• Lifestyle changes that include regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, a better work-life balance, and adequate sleep. Combine the above with powerful relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation. 
• Therapy can be helpful for handling and addressing negative thought patterns and developing coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common tools to use for anxiety. 
• A support network of friends, family, or support groups can provide relief and perspective. 
• Medication management can be beneficial thanks to using the likes of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. Please speak to your healthcare professional for more advice and information. 

Summary of High-Functioning Anxiety

• High-functioning anxiety is defined as a person who presents as a successful presence but struggles with extreme feelings of anxiety.
• They are highly organized, overachieving, detail-oriented, have a need for control, and are perfectionists. 
• Those feelings of anxiety include overthinking, physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and imposter syndrome.
• Anxiety can develop through genetics, traumatic and stressful events, and childhood experiences (like attachment styles). 
• High-functioning anxiety can be treated with subconscious reprogramming, therapy, building healthy habits, and identifying the root cause. This can lead to mental and emotional well-being. 

If you want more information on how to calm your anxiety, sign up for our Overcoming Anxiety for Peace of Mind course.

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