Defining and Understanding High Functioning Anxiety

Often, we colloquially talk about our tendencies in the form of type A and type B personalities. Type B personalities are generally seen as relaxed and carefree. Whereas type A is dominated by rigidity, deadlines, and success. 

On the outside, someone with a perceived "type A" personality may appear to be thriving at the top of their field. Internally, it's another story. These type A people often tend to struggle with anxiety and may be labeled as having "high functioning anxiety." But why are they prone to this? And how does it affect them?

What is high functioning anxiety?

Although generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and high functioning anxiety share many similarities, there are distinct differences when it comes to the two conditions. While GAD is an official diagnosis, high functioning anxiety is simply a characterization of how one deal with anxiety. 

In stressful situations, we all know that the fight or flight response is triggered. For many people with GAD, the flight response is triggered. In those with high functioning anxiety, fight is triggered. This causes the individual to fight back in the form of pushing themselves incredibly hard and far to achieve in spite of their anxiety. 

Characteristics of high functioning anxiety

There are many traits of GAD that also apply to high functioning anxiety. These overlapping characteristics include: 

• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping

• Exhaustion 

• Irritability 

• Muscle tension 

• Excessive worrying

The difference between high functioning anxiety and GAD is the prevalence in each of these traits. For instance, those with high functioning anxiety typically have an incredibly difficult time letting themselves rest or relax. They also usually are much more irritable or easily irritated. 

Positives and negatives

Due to the way high functioning anxiety manifests, there are also good traits associated with it. Since coping mechanisms for anxiety force you to be highly successful, it may manifest in a positive way. These include: 

• An outgoing personality 

• Planning ahead or avoiding procrastination 

• Focus to detail 

• Being high-achieving 

• Feeling very passionate about your life 

Of course, there are also negatives to anxiety, such as: 

• Excessive need for validation 

• Physical symptoms like gastrointestinal issues or insomnia

• Overcommitting or inability to say no 

• Refusal to live in the moment

Ways to cope with high functioning anxiety 

The good news about anxiety is that there are plenty of tried and true methods to cope with the condition. If what we've talked about so far resonates with you, try out a few of the following:

• Find comforting movement: Working out and moving your body is a great way to make your brain feel better. While exercising, endorphins are released, which act as the “feel good” chemical, boosting your overall mood. 

• Work on meditation: Meditation is a wonderful way to get in tune with your body and how you are feeling. It forces you to slow down and focus on the present moment. 

• Take up journaling: Journaling is one of the best ways to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. This can be tricky, however. Do not put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Journaling is about the journey, not the destination. 

When to get help 

You do not have to wait for your anxiety to interfere with your daily life before you seek out professional help. At any level, anxiety can be managed with the help of a trained professional. 

If you feel like you may benefit from talking to a therapist, then I urge you to seek one out. Stigmas surrounding help for anxiety have persisted far too long; we all deserve a chance to heal from our mental health conditions. To learn more about anxiety treatment, reach out to me soon.