When we talk about anxiety as a society, we often focus on the debilitating components of it – the fact that our heart starts pounding, we becoming incredibly fearful of a certain event in the future, we start sweating, our mind starts racing and more; while these symptoms can be incredibly troubling, the reality is that there are many of us with high-functioning anxiety. High-functioning anxiety is much less noticeable to other people and may even be overlooked by ourselves if we’re able to carry out daily responsibilities.
Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist, told Bustle, “A person who experiences functional anxiety remains able to move through daily activities without the burden of constant, severe anxiety.”
A person with high-functioning anxiety will:
- Experience anxiety, but not show obvious signs of it in front of others
- May toss and turn at night and may have difficulty going back to sleep
- Have a desire for control
- Exert perfectionism
- Have trouble relaxing
- Experience neckaches, shoulder pain, headaches, etc.
- Talk very negatively to themselves
- Need reassurance from other people because they’re fears are irrational
- And more
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) member Dr. Debra Kissen explained in 2018 that many people are “white-knuckling” their way through their anxiety; in other words, they’re continuing to go about their daily routine without seeking help for the symptoms that are weighing heavily on them. If you have high-functioning anxiety, you may feel as though you don’t have a problem because you’re able to go about your daily tasks. While this may be true, anxiety can “add up” over time, and if you don’t seek help for it early, you may find yourself using substances to mask the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Addiction can stem from places where we least expect it. If you’ve been using alcohol or drugs to cover up symptoms of anxiety, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today. It’s never too late to start your journey to recovery.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
