In 2019, 301 million people in the world struggled with anxiety disorder.¹ It is the most common mental health concern, and every day, the things that exacerbate anxiety seem to intensify. Negative news cycles, social isolation, financial stress, and hormonal changes as people age are things that individuals sometimes have little to no control over. It’s no wonder, then, that so many struggle. However, the symptoms can go unnoticed when those experiencing them seem to “have it all together.”

Though not an official diagnosis, high-functioning anxiety is the term used for someone who struggles internally with unpleasant, worrisome emotions while simultaneously excelling in many areas of life. Columbia Associates believes that regardless of how you present yourself to the external world, your internal world matters just as much. We provide anxiety treatment to clients just like you so that they can live at their best.

Is My Loved One Struggling with High-Functioning Anxiety?

Wanting to help someone you believe is struggling with anxiety is a caring thing to do. It can be difficult to know, however, if the person is actually experiencing anxiety or perhaps is just experiencing stress that’s common to everyone. The first step to greater understanding includes identifying the symptoms. Some of the most prevalent outward signs of anxiety include:

Behavioral Symptoms

• Overachievement or perfectionism – Needing to excel at things and becoming upset when they miss the mark
• Taking on too many obligations or responsibilities – Someone who never says “no” to an ask
• Procrastinating until the last minute – Feeling overburdened, waits until the last minute and then kicks into high activity before a task needs to be completed
• Avoiding situations – Situations like social events may prove anxiety-producing due to perceived expectations

Physical Symptoms

• Insomnia
• Tiredness
• Increased heart rate

Emotional Symptoms

• Always overthinking and having difficulty unwinding
• Worrying even when things seem fine
• An intense need for reassurance
• Intense fear of failure or disappointing others

If these symptoms were also paired with things like behavioral difficulties in school, job loss, or relationship difficulties, anxiety would be easily identifiable. However, sometimes, these outward symptoms don’t reveal the true inner turmoil that someone with high-functioning anxiety is going through because they seem fine. Someone with high-functioning anxiety might be receiving excellent grades in school, getting promotions at work, or maintaining lots of successful relationships. However, they’re still struggling with all of the symptoms of anxiety.

Why You May Not Know They’re Struggling with Anxiety

It’s not uncommon for someone with high-functioning anxiety not to tell the people in their lives. They may feel that because they appear “fine” to everyone, people won’t take them seriously, and they also might not take themselves seriously. Since they’re not dropping any balls or making big mistakes, they don’t feel they need the level of support that others may. They may also believe that everyone struggles in the same ways that they do and that they’re simply experiencing stress like everyone else.

Other reasons that you may not know that a loved one is struggling is that they believe:

• They don’t have time to get support
• People will think they’re weak or judge them for needing help
• They’re looked to for security and seen as the responsible ones in their families
• They see their anxiety as a motivator and fear they might be less productive without it

Social perceptions can often keep people from seeking the mental health support that they need. As someone who cares, this can be difficult to see happen. But there are ways that you can offer support.

How to Support a Loved One Struggling with High-Functioning Anxiety

If your friend or family member is experiencing high-functioning anxiety, recognizing what might be stopping them from letting people help is important. You can encourage them to find help by:

• Encourage open, non-judgmental conversations – Create a safe space for someone to share their feelings without fear of judgment
• Validate their feelings – Let the person know their emotions are valid and that it’s okay to seek help
• Help them set boundaries – Encourage them to say no when they feel overwhelmed and to prioritize self-care
• Suggest professional support – Provide gentle encouragement toward professional support and the possibility of learning helpful coping strategies

It’s highly likely that someone struggling with high-functioning anxiety prioritizes most things over their own well-being. Having a somewhat uncomfortable conversation in order to encourage them to find support may be difficult, but these types of conversations are often the ones that build stronger bonds and help people feel loved. It can also be what opens the door for them to finally make time for themselves.

Ask questions from a place of genuine curiosity and let them know you’ll be there for them regardless of their decision.

How Columbia Associates Can Help with High-Functioning Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health concern, so therapeutic options are plentiful. Treatment at Columbia Associates may include but not be limited to:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This therapeutic modality helps individuals recognize and reframe anxious thoughts
• Mindfulness and stress management – Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help people manage their anxiety symptoms and find an inner sense of calm
• Medication management – For some, medication can be an effective part of treatment when combined with therapy

At Columbia Associates, our expert team provides the compassionate support your loved one needs to build resilience and develop new strategies for dealing with anxiety. We offer a variety of therapy options in addition to those listed above.

For More Information About Anxiety Treatment, Call Columbia Associates Today

High-functioning anxiety isn’t easy to see. Most people living with it appear to be highly successful individuals who don’t need any help. They may appear to have it more together than anyone else you know but face a lot of internal battles. If you or someone you love is struggling, call 703.682.8208 today.

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