“High-functioning anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis but rather a term used to describe individuals who exhibit symptoms of anxiety such as racing thoughts, nervousness, or chronic worry while being able to camouflage these symptoms. According to experts, six work habits can reveal if you have hidden “high-functioning anxiety.”
Clinical psychologist Scott Lyons stated that individuals with “high-functioning anxiety” often excel in their work but hide their anxiety from others. It is a sign of compounded stress where there is an inability to focus due to an overwhelming amount of tasks without adequate resources to cope or a feeling of uncontrollable apprehension about the future.
Some experts suggest that the following six work habits might indicate that you have “high-functioning anxiety”:
Erin L. Moran, a mental health consultant practicing in Florida, pointed out that perfectionism is a significant indication of “high-functioning anxiety” as those affected strive to do everything to the best of their ability, which is an impossible task. Perfectionists tend to blame themselves or others when something is perceived as imperfect.
Lyons mentioned that individuals with “high-functioning anxiety” might exhibit perfectionist behaviors at work or in conversations, as they are anxious about how others perceive them. Seeking reassurance from others about their work projects is a common behavior for those with “high-functioning anxiety.”
Moran noted that seeking confirmation is often a response to fear. While seeking validation is important and helpful in the workplace, constantly needing supervisors or colleagues to confirm things can create a sense of inadequacy.
Psychologist Michele Leno, practicing in Michigan, mentioned that individuals with “high-functioning anxiety” might only seek reassurance from colleagues they interact with frequently. They consider these individuals to be safe and reliable, while staying away from others outside of this circle.
Having a routine is usually expected and does not cause anxiety. However, individuals with “high-functioning anxiety” may get agitated if minor changes are made to their routine.
Leno added that individuals with “high-functioning anxiety” might find any changes to their routine extremely unfair and spend days discussing it as they cannot tolerate any disruptions to their schedule.
Being easily distracted and unable to focus at work are common situations for individuals with “high-functioning anxiety.” Lyons mentioned that some individuals wear headphones while working to listen to music in an attempt to stay focused.
People with “high-functioning anxiety” often compare themselves to others, driven by an underlying insecurity associated with anxiety. This fear of rejection and desire to be valued and seen as competent can lead to avoidance of negative feedback from others.
In an effort to feel valuable at work, individuals with “high-functioning anxiety” tend to keep themselves extremely busy. However, Moran warned that this can result in ongoing stress and fatigue due to work imbalance.
These individuals often start work early, finish late, make themselves busier, and rarely say no when asked to do something by others.
If you recognize these work habits in your life or believe you have “high-functioning anxiety,” you can alleviate your anxiety through deep breathing, meditation, or seeking psychological counseling to prevent negative effects on your health.