High Functioning Anxiety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the United States 19% of adults have an anxiety disorder.  Anxiety feels uncomfortable and is an emotion you may try to avoid or deny. Anxiety is often associated with preventing you from doing the things you want to do or being successful because of fear that holds you back. However, you may use anxiety as a motivator. While the anxiety may be helpful for you in the short term, there may be negative consequences in the long run.

What is High Functioning Anxiety?

Individuals who experience high functioning anxiety are successful and high achievers. They appear highly organized and put together; however, they do not feel that way internally. Internally, they may feel anxious, self-conscious, and fearful, and others have no idea. Some may think they are unemotional or stoic.  Individuals with high functioning anxiety tend to excel in one aspect of life and struggle in other realms such as relationships.  If you experience high functioning anxiety, you are not alone.

Characteristics

Perfectionism, high standards, and striving for success are qualities that high functioning anxiety individuals display. Other characteristics such as people-pleasing, experiencing a harsh inner critic, overthinking, and needing constant affirmation also play into high functioning anxiety.

They may display anger when things do not go as planned, have difficulties delegating tasks, and are demanding of themselves and others. Control is essential for individuals with high functioning anxiety.

Individuals with high functioning anxiety may struggle to “enjoy the moment” and feel intimidated by the future.  Individuals may compare themselves to others and not measure up.  Coping strategies during intense times of anxiety may consist of avoiding, procrastinating, escaping, and having compulsions or addictions of various sorts.

 Motivation and Self Criticism

As mentioned previously, individuals who experience high functioning anxiety tend to base their motivation on being critical of themselves. While that may work at times, it is not good physically or mentally in the long run. Some individuals may feel fearful that they will lose motivation if they aren’t hard on themselves. Another way that is more sustainable is mindful self-compassion as a motivator instead.

How Self-Compassion Can Help with Motivation

The theory of self-compassion by Kristin Neff consists of three parts: Mindfulness, Common Humanity, and Self-Kindness.  Mindfulness consists of being in the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment.  The next part is Common Humanity which means that others have felt that way too, as you may think you are the only one that feels anxious inside; however, you are not. Self-Kindness is the third piece and consists of being kind to yourself when suffering without criticizing yourself. You can use words or touch and self-compassion is a practice, it doesn’t happen overnight.

Research shows self-compassion has the power to motivate. Self-criticism as a motivator comes from fear of punishment or judgment. Instead of basing your self-worth on success or failure; self-compassion frees you up to do the best you can because you care about yourself and want to do your best.

High functioning anxiety has many valued characteristics in society, such as success, perfectionism, and overachieving. However, when you experience internal negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations of yourself, and anxiety, you may experience negative consequences. If you experience high functioning anxiety, you are not alone. Self-compassion provides a way to work with stress in a caring and kind manner.  As a result, you identify a path of succeeding without beating yourself up and with a desire to achieve because you care for yourself. Read more about anxiety treatment and let’s connect for a free 15 minute consultation

References:

Cuncic, Arlin. (2021, October 26). The Characteristics of High Functioning Anxiety.

Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-high-functioning-anxiety-4140198

Howley, Elaine K. (2021, June 21).  What is High Functioning Anxiety?

Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/what-is-high-functioning-anxiety

Neff, Kristin. (2021). The Motivational Power of Self-Compassion.

Retrieved from https://self-compassion.org/the-motivational-power-of-self-compassion/