Eight common signs that suggest you may be living with high-functioning anxiety

People you might class as a ‘perfectionist’ or an ‘extremely hard worker’ might actually be showing the signs of something else.

Although it doesn’t have a formal NHS diagnosis, high-functioning anxiety can see people having an unhealthy relationship with perfectionism and typically being in fear of disappointing those around them.

The NHS does, however, describe generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) as a common mental health condition where you often feel very anxious about many different things.

It's common in 'high achievers'. (Getty Stock)

What is high-functioning anxiety?

And it’s said a whole host of people may be living with high-functioning anxiety without every realising, typically being seen as successful high-achievers.

But Psychiatrist Dr Neha Chaudry told Fortune: “Inside, they might be struggling with common symptoms of anxiety like restlessness, excessive worrying, trouble sleeping, or fatigue.”

It’s said those who suffer from it might cope by engaging in behaviour ‘that makes them appear more productive or accomplished’.

“The same personality traits that drive individuals to perform at the highest level often fuel the symptoms of anxiety,” added Dr. Michael Louwers, associate medical director at Reset Medical and Wellness Centre.

“It often begins with good intentions, such as goal-setting and rigorous planning. However, those experiencing this type of anxiety usually establish incredibly high and unrealistic goals, resulting in procrastination or constant worry.”

You might be overworking yourself. (Getty Stock)

The eight signs you might be living with high-functioning anxiety

• Overworking and not taking breaks
• Trouble slowing down or having days off
• Feeling guilt or shame for minor setbacks
• Resistance to delegate tasks
• Easily irritated
• Negative self-talk
• Micromanaging
• Trouble sleeping

It’s also warned that many of these signs are also synonymous with having burnout. And it’s fair to say that’s not much of a coincidence as those who push themselves too much are at higher risk of getting it.

One of the signs is trouble sleeping. (Getty Stock)

How to manage high-functioning anxiety

Just like your mental health in general, it’s really important to take this seriously before it can lead to other conditions.

Psychiatrist Dr Judith Joseph, who wrote the book High Functioning, explained: “If we wait until these people lose their functioning, we could be too late. Many of them burn out, develop clinical depression or anxiety, abuse substances or develop medical problems if untreated and unsupported.”

So, those suffering from it could benefit from doing talk therapy, discussing medication with their doctor or having a combination of both.

The experts also shared some everyday tools to try:

• Give yourself some grace and take breaks – be it from work or even socially.
• Practice diaphragmatic deep breathing daily: Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and breath out for four seconds
• Eat brain-fueling foods - all that good stuff including those rich which include those rich in omega 3 fatty acids, B12, Vitamin D, and magnesium.
• Try and set aside 30 minutes each day just for you – maybe call a friend, go for a walk or sit back and listen to your favourite singer.
• Learn the art of delegating work to others and saying no to taking too much on.