Many “Overachievers” are Suffering From High-Functioning Anxiety
Do you have high-functioning anxiety?
Many people living with high functioning anxiety seem to be very put together and, on the outward seem very organized and successful.
Those suffering from high-functioning anxiety tend to channel their anxious feelings toward accomplishing things, achieving goals, and putting high pressure on themselves to overperform. Many people living with high functioning anxiety seem to be very put together and, on the outward seem very organized and successful. However, most of the time, those dealing with high function anxiety suffer from maintaining a façade and are crippled by the pressure they put on themselves to appear perfect. Having anxious feelings is normal; it is a natural response to uncertainty. However, how one channels or rids themselves of their anxious feelings is when behaviors can become problematic.
If you are still confused as to what high-functioning anxiety is. Read the statements below to see if you can identify with any of the comments:
I appear to have it all together; however, in reality, I am overthinking my every move and every word I say.
I strive for perfection, a feat I will never accomplish, yet I still strive to have it.
I criticize myself and think of the worst-case scenario in every situation.
The things that I worry about far fetched and debilitating, and I keep them to myself because I don’t want people to think that I am crazy.
I have frequent thoughts and immense worry about things that could go wrong.
I am a people pleaser
I am afraid to say “no.”
I fear being disliked
I double-check and triple-check everything because God forbid someone catches a mistake.
My mind is constantly in overdrive.
I feel like crying often, but then I’m annoyed with myself for having these feelings.
I don’t have time to be vulnerable, I have so much to do and so many things to check off my list.
I do not celebrate accomplishments very long because I’m too busy thinking about the next thing I want to accomplish.
I can’t function without my planner or lists, or I would forget my head if it weren’t attached to my body.
I push off small tasks because I usually take on more than I can handle, making me feel very overwhelmed.
I am tired and drained often, yet I have difficulty resting.
Some or all of these statements may resonate with someone who has high-functioning anxiety. Because those with anxiety who are high-functioning constantly feel the need to achieve, stay busy or pack their schedule with tasks to cope, which is much unlike those who have anxiety and are not high functioning because their stress prevents them from completing tasks.
More helpful information about high-functioning anxiety
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-overachievers
-perfectionists
-people-pleasers
-obsessive-compulsive
-Type A people
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What will happen if I am not perfect?
Will my family still love me?
Will people still like me?
What will happen if I say “no” or set boundaries?
What will happen if I start to speak up?
What will happen to me if I am honest with myself and others?
Who am I trying to impress?
Who will disown me if I make a mistake?
What tools has God given me to combat these feelings?
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Matthew 6:25
I should only be focusing my mind on what is pleasing to God and edifies his kingdom. If I am not doing that, what does any of this matter?
Philippians 4:7
You can have so much peace it won’t make sense.
2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us the spirit of fear.
Joshua 1:9
Be strong and of good courage, and do not be afraid. He’s with you wherever you go.
Joel 2:25
God will restore you!
Many people who are high-functioning tend to go unheard, overlooked, or dismissed because, outwardly, they have it all together. If you or someone you know can relate to any of the comments above, you may need to seek professional help. Awareness is the first step to helping people with high-functioning anxiety overcome their stress. If that someone is you, awareness will help you understand yourself better. Also, if you yourself are dealing with anxious feelings, you may not recognize that you are channeling your inward feelings into an unrealistic, perfectionist lifestyle that will eventually cause you to burnout. Do not wait until you suffer a breakdown, panic attack, or develop depression before getting help.
Remember taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. To be healthy you must exercise your mental muscles just as much as you do your physical ones. Self-awareness will help you in becoming GreatHer.
