You keep up with your daily tasks, you excel at work, and you appear to have everything under control. But deep down, you feel like a mess —anxious, stressed out, and constantly worried. This is what high-functioning anxiety looks like. While it may not be as visible to others, this type of anxiety can significantly impact your life and well-being.
If you’re looking for anxiety treatment in Massachusetts that can address the unique challenges of high-functioning anxiety, Northeast Health Services is here to help. Call 508.794.8711 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety isn’t an official diagnosis you’ll find in medical books. Rather, it’s a term used to describe individuals who live with anxiety but can still function in their daily lives. These individuals often excel in their jobs, maintain successful relationships, and seem to have everything together on the surface. But internally, they’re wrestling with constant worry, fear, and anxiety.
This internal struggle is often hidden from the world, making it a different beast than typical anxiety disorders. It’s like having a non-stop treadmill inside your head, where thoughts of what could go wrong run endlessly. Despite appearing to be in control outwardly, people with high-functioning anxiety may feel overwhelmed and constantly on edge on the inside. This can lead to an ongoing cycle of perfectionism and intense pressure to meet high expectations, which only exacerbates their anxiety.
Ways to Spot High-Functioning Anxiety
Because high-functioning anxiety is not a medically recognized condition, it can be challenging to identify and diagnose. However, there are several signs that may indicate you or someone you know is struggling with this type of anxiety. These include:
- Striving for perfection and fearing failure
- Constantly seeking reassurance or validation from others
- Difficulty relaxing and always feeling the need to be productive
- Overthinking and excessive worrying about even minor things
- Feeling like you have to say yes to every opportunity or request, leading to an overwhelming schedule
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be a good idea to seek professional help and address your anxiety before it worsens.
Managing High-Functioning Anxiety
How do you manage anxiety that is hidden from the world? The best thing to do is to ask for help. There is no shame in reaching out and seeking support from a therapist or other mental health professional. A trained therapist can provide personalized treatment and coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Additionally, practicing self-care and setting boundaries can also be helpful in managing high-functioning anxiety. This may include taking breaks when needed, delegating tasks, and saying no to things that will add unnecessary stress to your life. It’s also important to engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
No matter how high-functioning your anxiety may be, know that you are not alone and there is support available to help you manage it.
Call Northeast Health Services Today
If you’re looking for anxiety treatment in Massachusetts that can address the unique challenges of high-functioning anxiety, Northeast Health Services is here for you. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatric professionals can provide personalized care and support to help you manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being. Don’t let high-functioning anxiety hold you back any longer—call 508.794.8711 today. For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment, and for existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking care of your mental health is essential for living a fulfilling life.