If you have ever been described as having a “Type A” personality, your behaviors may have been confused with someone that has high-functioning anxiety. Anxiety is not a chronic disorder, but it can cause unnecessary stress and be partially debilitating in an individual’s life. Many who have it try to mask their symptoms, making them worse. Understanding the signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety can help you recognize them in yourself or a loved one and get proper treatment.
Those labeled as having a “Type A” personality or as a perfectionist can sometimes actually have high-functioning anxiety. Behaviors such as being always early, clean, organized, or in charge can be used to mask negative feelings. Those that struggle with high-functioning anxiety often engage in these behaviors because the thought of not completing something or going above and beyond makes them sick to their stomach and feel shame. If you feel anxious not getting something done or exactly how you envisioned it, it could be a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
The need to continually be doing something can often manifest itself in overworking, which can result in you being labeled a “workaholic.” While some may think you enjoy your job or always need to be working, the reality of the situation is you most likely feel anxious missing deadlines or not being ahead of schedule. Working constantly or needing to keep moving can be a symptom of underlying high-functioning anxiety.
When you are going above and beyond all the time to avoid the potential scrutiny from others, you will often be labeled as an overachiever. Focusing solely on doing things and doing them perfectly because of your anxiety can come across to others as success and overachievement. In reality, it is a manifestation of anxiety that weighs heavily on the person.
Many individuals with high-functioning anxiety are often described as logical, rational, and devoid of emotions because they usually do not want to dwell on their emotions. After all, this would inhibit them from working or getting everything done. Therefore, the emotions are suppressed until a later time, only later usually never comes. This can lead to an explosion once everything piles up, causing even more stress and anxiety.
People with high-functioning anxiety tend to put a lot of thought and effort into things down to the tiniest details. This is where the perfectionism label often comes from, as these individuals cannot imagine making any mistakes. By overanalyzing every part of a situation or project, the person can ensure it will be perfect and won’t have to worry. However, this can lead to mental exhaustion and more stress in the long run.
High-functioning anxiety can lead to racing thoughts that don’t stop even when you try to rest. Many individuals find themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted due to their symptoms because they cannot get proper sleep due to all of the ideas and questions in their head. This lack of sleep can add to the stress and anxiety, making the situation even worse without proper help.
Because those with high-functioning anxiety often do not allow themselves to feel or process their emotions, these feelings often manifest in other ways. These can include hair pulling, nail-biting, scratching, knuckle cracking, and other physical ticks. These may go overlooked by other people as they may assume they are just bad habits instead of underlying anxiety symptoms.
When events come along that you find out you weren’t invited to, it may bother you more than the average person. Situations like this can have you questioning if you did anything wrong, if you should’ve been doing more, and what you can do to rectify the situation. However, there is often no solution, and you are making a mountain out of a molehill in your head. Sometimes your friends hang out without you, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong or that they are mad at you.
The racing thoughts in those struggling with high-functioning anxiety most likely surround disappointing other people. To not be good enough for others and be considered a bad friend, child, or worker can be heartbreaking after giving your best. This is why many individuals with high-functioning anxiety go above and beyond so frequently - they want to avoid the non-existent potential scrutiny that they have made up in their heads.
High-functioning anxiety is not considered clinical, but it is still extremely debilitating in the lives of those that struggle with it. Having to be “on the go” and work continuously can weigh heavily on a person, even if it seems like they are doing everything effortlessly. When anxiety manifests itself in ways that cause a person to overachieve in everything, others often pat them on the back and reward them, not knowing the internal battle. Some individuals with high-functioning anxiety may not even realize they have it due to being labeled a “Type A” personality instead. However, knowing the signs and symptoms is crucial - it allows those struggling to get the help they need. You can find such help at treatment centers such as Northstar Transitions in Boulder, Colorado. Our team is dedicated to helping clients overcome various mental illnesses and addictions, including multiple types of anxiety. Find your healing at Northstar and start navigating real-life recovery. Call (303) 558-6400 today.
