Many individuals associate anxiety with either constant concern or catastrophic panic attacks. However, high performers may experience some anxiety. The term “high-functioning anxiety” is problematic. Although it motivates, it can also result in burnout, exhaustion, and anxiety. Those who suffer from this fear may appear successful and united. They may be successful in their ambitions, social lives, and careers. Nonetheless, anxiety, perfectionism, and a desire for control lurk beneath this triumph. This internal performance pressure may inspire. It inspires excellent performers to shine. It can also cause fear of failure and an unquenchable desire for recognition. Perfection may overwhelm you, leaving no room for rest or self-compassion.
Anxiety in high-functioning individuals can emerge physically. Chronic fight-or-flight can result in headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and insomnia. Without knowing what causes the anxiety, these symptoms could be misinterpreted for stress. McDowall Integrative Psychology & Healthcare understands how complex mental health can be. Our psychotherapists and psychologist Toronto specialize in treating anxiety and depression. With the help of our Anxiety Therapy Toronto you can identify and manage high functioning anxiety. This blog was prepared by our expert psychologist, and mental health advisor to highlight often-overlooked symptoms of high functioning anxiety. We’ll look at the minor symptoms that may be preventing you from finding serenity and fulfillment.
What is High-Functioning Anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety, sometimes referred to as “neurotic high achievers,” describes a specific type of anxiety disorder that presents unique challenges. Individuals with high-functioning anxiety experience significant anxiety on a regular basis. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, physical symptoms of anxiety, and a fear of failure. However, unlike individuals with generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, their anxiety doesn’t always interfere with their daily functioning.
People with high-functioning anxiety are often successful in their careers and personal lives. They may be high achievers at work, excelling in demanding roles and meeting challenging deadlines. They may also have active social lives and strong relationships. However, this outward success comes at a cost. The constant underlying anxiety can be mentally and physically draining. These individuals often push themselves to the limit, striving for perfection and never feeling satisfied with their accomplishments. They may also experience difficulty relaxing and disconnecting from work, even during leisure activities.
The root of high-functioning anxiety can be complex and vary from person to person. Some common contributing factors include personality traits like neuroticism and perfectionism, as well as a history of childhood anxiety or a family history of anxiety disorders. If you suspect you might have high-functioning anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. An Anxiety therapist Toronto can help you identify the root of your anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage it. With therapy and self-care strategies, you can learn to live a fulfilling and successful life without letting anxiety hold you back.
The Chameleon of Emotions: Why is High-Functioning Anxiety Difficult to Identify?
In contrast to typical anxiety, which tends to present itself in obvious and disruptive manners, high-functioning anxiety can be more understated. Here’s why:
- Internalized Pressure: Individuals who suffer with high-functioning anxiety generally have great internal motivation to reach their goals. This pressure might drive their achievements, but it could also be a front for their anxiety.
- Mistaken for Drive: It is common for people to confuse the persistent state of heightened awareness that comes with stress with motivation or ambition.
- Fear of Failure: Anxiety, typified by a dread of not living up to expectations, can actually inspire people to accomplish great things. In spite of the difficulties they face, they demonstrate tremendous perseverance and perform excellently for themselves.
7 Indicators of High-Functioning Anxiety
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The Perfectionist Persona:
A trait of someone with high-functioning anxiety is a constant drive to do their best. When you look at yourself and the people in your life, you might notice that you have very high standards. This makes you more likely to be hard on yourself, which makes you more angry when something doesn’t go as planned. This level of attention to detail can be seen in people who are very focused on not making mistakes at work, who spend hours writing emails, or who plan every detail of an event very carefully.
You can get help from psychotherapists in Toronto who can teach you how to deal with your need to be great. Therapists are trained to help their clients set goals that are attainable, learn to be kind to themselves, and understand that mistakes are a normal part of being human.
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The Master of Procrastination:
It is possible for people who appear to be exceptionally organized and motivated to find themselves unexpectedly struggling with procrastination as a result of high-functioning anxiety. Being paralyzed by the fear of failing or making a mistake can be very incapacitating, preventing you from starting even the most important tasks. Because of this, a cycle of stress is perpetuated as the deadlines get closer, which intensifies additional emotions of anxiety and causes action to be delayed.
You can get good advice from psychologist in Toronto on how to stop putting things off. They are competent in teaching a variety of skills, including things like time management, breaking down difficult activities into smaller, more manageable parts, and assisting individuals in challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to the fear of failing.
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The Energizer Bunny (On Overdrive):
An overly busy lifestyle could be a sign of high-functioning anxiety. To help distract your mind and shift your focus away from the underlying concerns you’re facing, consider engaging in activities like work, hobbies, or social gatherings. A draining and ultimately harmful situation, burnout can be the outcome of this constant state of busyness.
Understanding the factors that contribute to the need for constant activity can be aided by engaging in anxiety therapy in Toronto. Discover a healthier balance in your life through the power of relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and the importance of setting boundaries. Let therapeutic professionals guide you on this transformative journey.
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The Sleepless Wonder:
For individuals struggling with high-functioning anxiety, getting a good night’s sleep can be quite challenging, despite feeling completely exhausted. It can be challenging to relax and get a restful night’s sleep when you constantly find yourself consumed by worry. This can stimulate your mind. An unfortunate cycle is formed due to the absence of sufficient sleep, exacerbating symptoms of concern.
Your anxiety may be preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, and depression therapy in Toronto can help you in addressing the factors that are initially contributing to your anxiety. Therapists can also teach strategies for improving sleep hygiene. These strategies involve incorporating relaxation exercises before bedtime, establishing a consistent sleep routine, and reducing screen time before going to bed.
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The Social Butterfly (With Walls Up):
Having a high-functioning anxiety disorder might make the individual’s interactions with other people a double-edged sword. In spite of the fact that you may give the impression of being nice and outgoing, you are actually suffering with a great deal of self-consciousness and that you are terrified of being judged. It is likely that this will result in a continual feeling of the need to perform or impress other people. This is something that could happen.
It is possible that with the support of psychotherapists in Toronto, you will be able to acquire healthy social skills and learn how to deal with social anxiety. They are able to teach you a variety of skills, including techniques for assertiveness, communication, and the creation of meaningful connections with other individuals.
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The Body Keeps the Score:
In spite of the fact that high-functioning anxiety would not necessarily cause any obvious disruptions to your day-to-day activities, it might nevertheless have a detrimental impact on your physical health. Problems with the digestive system, muscular tension, tiredness, headaches, and stomachaches are among symptoms that can be associated with chronic anxiety.
The support of psychotherapists in Toronto can be utilized to facilitate the development of a mind-body connection. These individuals may discover that yoga, meditation, or exercises that focus on deep breathing are helpful when it comes to dealing with the physical manifestations of worry.
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The Comparison Trap:
The constant onslaught of painstakingly built online personalities and the pervasiveness of social media can make anxiety symptoms significantly worse, particularly for individuals who already have a high level of self-confidence. It is possible that constantly comparing your life to the lives of other people will cause you to feel insufficient and to doubt your own abilities.
Psychologist in Toronto can be able to assist you in overcoming negative social comparisons and developing a more positive relationship with social media. Both of these are areas in which you may benefit from their assistance. Their expertise rests in assisting individuals in discovering healthy methods to reduce the amount of time they spend on digital gadgets, to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for their own lives, and to engage in self-compassion practices.
Living with High-Functioning Anxiety: Strategies for Management and Building Resilience
Management Strategies:
To effectively prevent burnout and effectively manage anxiety, it is crucial to develop healthy coping mechanisms when recognizing the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety. Here are a few potential approaches:
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Challenge Negative Self-Talk:
Recognize that the critical voice inside you is there and do something to silence it. It’s important to remember that everyone has times when they feel weak and vulnerable. It’s helpful to keep your eye on your goals while thinking about what you’ve already accomplished. Looking into cognitive reframing techniques can help you change your bad views into more positive and realistic ones. You can learn these skills from a number of places, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) classes and the Internet. Our mental health professionals at McDowall Integrative Psychology & Healthcare in Toronto use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with anxiety problems. You will learn how to recognize and change negative thought habits during your sessions with our skilled therapists. This can help you see things more positively and feel less anxious, which can make your therapy journey more positive.
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Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help you let go of worries about the past or the future and concentrate on the here and now. Additionally, practicing mindfulness has been shown to ease the physical effects of anxiety and improve the quality of sleep generally. More guided meditations are available online and in apps than ever before, making it easier than ever to incorporate awareness into your daily life. When you want a more personalized approach, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist who specializes in mindfulness-based treatment.
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Set Realistic Goals and Improve Time Management:
Arrange your list of things to do in a way that makes sense and set goals that you can reach. Realize that no task is perfect, and learn how to give tasks in a way that takes that into account. That will make things easier for you if you put quality over number. This will help relieve any extra stress. With the Eisenhower Matrix or another time management tool, you can sort your list of jobs into groups based on how important and urgent they are. People can improve their organizational skills and ability to stay focused and get things done by taking time management lessons and workshops.
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Schedule Time for Relaxation and Prioritize Self-Care:
Regularly engage in activities you find relaxing and enjoyable. This could include:
- Exercise: Physical activity is a well-known stress reliever and can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Spending Time in Nature: Immersing yourself in nature has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety symptoms. Take walks in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
- Hobbies: Engaging in activities you enjoy can take your mind off worries and provide a sense of accomplishment. Pursue hobbies that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, playing music, spending time with loved ones, or anything else that sparks your interest.
- Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga can effectively manage stress and anxiety symptoms. Explore different relaxation techniques and find what works best for you. There are many resources available online and in apps to guide you through these practices.
- Getting Enough Sleep: Sleep deprivation can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine and create a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom.
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Consult an Expert:
If you find it difficult to control your anxiety on your own, you could be worth looking at seeing a specialist that specializes in anxiety disorders, such a psychologist or psychotherapist. Psychotherapy will teach you useful skills and techniques to control your anxiety.
Here in Toronto, McDowall Integrative Psychology & Healthcare offers CBT for anxiety disorders. Our experienced therapists can equip you with the tools to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, leading to a more positive outlook and reduced anxiety.
Building Resilience:
While managing the day-to-day aspects of high-functioning anxiety is crucial, building long-term resilience is equally important. Here are some strategies to foster resilience and prevent anxiety from derailing your well-being:
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Develop a growth mindset.
Changing your perspective from focusing on fixed abilities (such as “I lack adequate skills”) to embracing the concept of skill development (such as “I have the potential to constantly enhance and refine my abilities”) is critical. Adopting this way of thinking will allow you to persevere in the face of adversity and turn setbacks into opportunities for personal growth.
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Identify and leverage your strengths:
Recognize and name your own unique as well as general strengths. They can help you gain confidence and boost your sense of accomplishment. Make advantage of your own strengths to overcome any barriers.
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Build a Strong Support System:
Giving time to those who are thoughtful and compassionate allows one to prioritize. It is critical to express your emotions to someone you trust, whether it is a friend, relative, loved one, or professional. Having a support system can benefit you in a variety of ways, including staying motivated, receiving encouragement, and making connections.
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Practice gratitude:
Recognizing and recognizing the positive aspects of your life, no matter how minor they may appear, allows you to unwind and see your life in a more holistic light. Consider incorporating a thanksgiving practice into your daily routine, such as keeping a notebook in which to scribble down the things you value or setting aside time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life.
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Focus on Progress, not Perfection:
Many people with high-functioning anxiety are also extremely motivated to achieve their goals. However, perfecting oneself is an unattainable and stupid ambition. You deserve credit for your efforts, even if you have made just minor progress.
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Learn to say no:
Crucially, one must learn to set limits and politely decline overly demanding or irrational expectations. You are free to delegate work or gently decline tasks that you believe would be too much for you to handle on your own. Professionals in Toronto who have experience treating anxiety disorders can help you build the skills needed to set boundaries through assertive communication. Toronto has these therapists.
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Consider therapy as a preventative measure:
Therapy can be beneficial in a variety of settings, not simply during difficult times. Individuals who attend therapy on a regular basis might learn vital anxiety management techniques and cultivate the fortitude required to handle future challenges. If you have high-functioning anxiety and need help achieving a healthy balance, McDowall Integrative Psychology & Healthcare can help. We provide continuing therapy.
Note: Never forget that there are experts that can help you out whenever you need it. High-functioning anxiety is a disorder that affects a significant number of people, and there are professionals who are able to offer treatment. One can acquire the skills necessary to prosper in spite of high-functioning anxiety and to lead a life that is both gratifying and harmonious if they are provided with the appropriate direction, if they are dedicated to taking care of themselves, and if they are committed to doing so without wavering.
Finding a Therapist in Toronto
Those who are looking for professional assistance to manage high-functioning anxiety and cultivate resilience will find that Toronto provides a wide variety of options that can be of use to them. Our team of trained therapists at McDowall Integrative Psychology & Healthcare are experts in treating anxiety disorders and can aid you in creating effective coping techniques. They are also familiar with the treatment of anxiety disorders. Your mental health will be addressed in a manner that is tailored to your individual requirements, as our therapy sessions are geared to meet your specific requirements. You can learn more about our anxiety therapy services by contacting us at 416-485-5555 Ext 1 or schedule a consultation.