Busy and in control. High-achieving and perfectionistic. It is driven by details and order in a desperate attempt to calm racing thoughts, worry, and the fear that invade every ounce of the mind and body. An over-thinker with a tendency to perseverate, dwell, and stew on everything. Beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect exterior, many women are fighting a constant churn of anxiety. These are common challenges for those that face "high functioning" anxiety. This is NOT a mental health diagnosis, but it often can be seen in those with an anxiety disorder. Take a deep breath as I share a little more.
Characteristics of people with high functioning anxiety that are often thought of as positive include:
Outgoing
Punctual
Proactive
Organized
High-achieving
Detail-oriented
Orderly and tidy
Helpful
Appears outwardly calm and collected
Passionate
Loyal in relationships
While these appear to be positive traits, there is a struggle on the other side. Here are some of the negative challenges that the same person may have.
People-pleasing tendencies
Overthinking
Need for reassurance
Procrastination followed by long periods of crunch-time work
Difficulty saying "no"
Insomnia
Inability to enjoy the moment
The tendency to compare yourself to others (falling short of expectations)
Mental and physical fatigue
Loyal (to a fault) in relationships
If you asked most people who know these individuals, they probably would not have a clue that they struggle with anxiety every day.
Does this sound like you?
Perhaps you are able to achieve essential tasks but feel your life is limited in other ways.
Maybe you likely choose activities that calm your racing thoughts rather than pursuing activities because you would enjoy them, or they would expand your horizons.
Maybe you keep things bottled up inside and compartmentalize your feelings with a plan to deal with them later (but later never comes).
If you are a person with high functioning anxiety, you are not alone.
Read below some helpful suggestions to decrease your anxiety:
Having a holistic approach to managing anxiety supports you on a mental, physical, spiritual, and energetic level. You have the power to HEAL YOUR LIFE!
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF WHAT MAKES YOU STRESSED.