“Typical” Anxiety vs. High-Functioning Anxiety. So what makes High-Functioning Anxiety different from more typical forms of anxiety?
First, I should clarify, neither of these terms are clinical – they just describe the different ways anxiety can present in different subsets of people that suffer with anxiety.
Both “typical” and high-functioning anxiety have very similar experiences of anxiety symptoms including things like excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, physical symptoms and trouble sleeping.
Here are the key differences:
- Typical Anxiety: Anxiety more likely interferes with daily functioning and often (but not always) leads to an anxiety disorder diagnosis such as GAD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, etc. A person often copes by withdrawing or avoiding and distress is often more visible.
- High-Functioning Anxiety: The inward struggle with anxiety is intense, but the outward expression is less visible. People cope with anxiety by pushing themselves. They may appear like that have it all together and Are often high-achieving and successful. They often struggle with intense anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, people pleasing and are extremely self-critical.
Both expressions of anxiety can be incredibly debilitating. Whichever of these you relate to most, you don’t have to suffer alone. Please reach out for help!
Can you relate with high-functioning anxiety? If so, you’ll be the perfect fit for my masterclass, “The High-Functioning Anxiety Toolbox Masterclass”! Get it by commenting “HFA” or sending me a DM. !
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