The Hidden Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety (And What to Do About It)

Many high achievers seem calm, collected, and in control. But beneath the surface, anxiety may be running the show. If you’re constantly overanalyzing, struggling to relax, or feeling like you're "never doing enough," you may be dealing with high-functioning anxiety—a form of anxiety that doesn’t always look like panic attacks or avoidance but still impacts your well-being.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety often manifests as:

✅ Perfectionism and overpreparing

✅ Fear of failure despite outward success

✅ Overcommitting and difficulty saying no

✅ Racing thoughts and difficulty "turning off"

✅ Physical tension (jaw clenching, headaches, stomach issues)

While high-functioning anxiety can push you to excel, it often leads to burnout, exhaustion, and decreased life satisfaction.

How to Manage High-Functioning Anxiety

1. Reframe Your Self-Talk

   • Replace “I have to do everything perfectly” with “Done is better than perfect.”

   • Challenge catastrophic thinking by asking, “What’s the worst that can happen?”

2. Prioritize Rest (Without Guilt)

   • Schedule “unstructured time” into your day.

   • Try mindfulness practices like guided meditation (Headspace or Insight Timer).

3. Set Boundaries with Work & People-Pleasing

   • Say “I’ll need to check my schedule” before committing.

   • Protect time for hobbies and relationships outside of work.

4. Consider Therapy for Lasting Change

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques can help you challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

   
   

If you resonate with this, you’re not alone. Therapy can provide strategies to help you feel more in control, less overwhelmed, and more at peace with yourself.

Next Steps: Are you ready to manage anxiety, burnout, and/or perfectionism? Schedule a free initial 15 minute consultation for therapy HERE.