How to recognize and release high functioning anxiety

[April 27, 2021 — article by Tamara Rose Morales]

Today we’d like to talk about high functioning anxiety.

When we think of anxiety, we may think of paralyzing emotions, panic attacks, insomnia, phobia and social isolation.⠀

However, a person who experiences functional anxiety is actually able to move through daily activities — without the burden of constant, severe anxiety.⠀

And more than that: High functioning anxiety often is the kite that propels you forward rather than leaves you frozen in fear.⠀

Is this you?⠀

∙ Controlling or micromanaging behaviour⠀

∙ Procrastination followed by crunch-time work⠀

∙ Constantly busy, with a never-ending ‘to do’ list ⠀

∙ Setting very high performance standards⠀

∙ Overthinking and struggling to be truly in the present⠀

∙ Mental and physical fatigue⠀

High functioning anxiety usually comes in disguise.

You’re successful in what you do and you appear to be together and calm — the typical type A personality who excels at work and in life.

But the foundation of your accomplishments may be a nervous energy, fear of failure, and being afraid of disappointing others.

In your eyes, is success the result or actual by-product of following your own flow, interests and talents?

Or is success a must have, something that required breaking your back, proving that you’re worthy?

There’s still little research on high functioning anxiety. And the tricky thing about it is that it’s a double edged sword. Studies have proven that there’s a direct correlation between anxiety and high performance

If this resonates with you it might also put you into the following predicament: “How can I let go of something that has been serving me so well?”

It’s all about doing things step by step. Creating awareness and acknowledging it is the first step.

The second step is: Please know that you do not need anxiety to achieve and succeed. However, we don’t want to discard anxiety either because it’s a very important emotion that can highlight our basic needs. Instead we can enter a dialogue with these anxious feelings and ask them what message they have for us.

Once we know we can integrate that knowledge and focus on the task or project at hand without the ever present fearful voice in our head. We can still be just as successful and possibly even more successful and happy (in a sustainable way) if we’re driven by determination and purpose rather than anxiety.

What’s your take on this? Please leave us a comment 🌻