What Is High-Functioning Anxiety And Why Does It Often Go Unnoticed? Know From A Psychologist

High-Functioning Anxiety:  Google says ‘High-Functioning Anxiety’ is when a person seems successful, organised and calm to the world, but internally deals with issues like chronic worry, perfectionism, and fear of failure on a daily basis. This seems like a story of most of us. In the rushed, fast-paced world, where it looks like everybody is in some race, oftentimes mental health takes a back seat, and we pretend that everything is under control. However, in reality, we rarely know where we are going.

From students, colleagues, to parents, family members and friends, anyone could be dealing with it, and you would never have a clue. People dealing with High-Functioning Anxiety appear confident, responsible, and strong. To know more about it, we turned to Saloni Chawla, Mind Coach and Counselling Psychologist at Santushit Holistic Health.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? (Image Credit: Canva)

She stated, “High-functioning anxiety does not look like what we usually imagine anxiety to be. There are no obvious panic attacks or breakdowns. Instead, the person keeps going, meeting deadlines, fulfilling responsibilities, and being available for others. However, their mind is constantly racing.” She added, “They overthink small details, worry excessively, fear making mistakes, and feel restless even when things are going well. Relaxing feels difficult for them because their thoughts are always focused on what comes next.”

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? (Image Credit: Canva)

In India, this form of anxiety often goes unnoticed. If someone is working, earning, or managing family life, they are assumed to be fine. Many of us grow up hearing things like, “deal with it, everyone is stressed, you are not the only one”, “This is part of life,” or “Others have it worse,” and maybe that is the reason people rarely come out and share. Emotional expression is often discouraged, and strength is equated with endurance.

As per the psychologist, such people, over time, learn to suppress their anxiety and push through it. Social pressure further intensifies this struggle. From a young age, we all face comparisons, some due to marks, then careers, income, marriage, later children, and it goes on. The pressure to not disappoint parents, employers, or society. Putting others first is praised, while prioritising oneself can feel selfish. All this brings guilt, and saying no feels uncomfortable. Gradually, constant stress becomes the new you.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? (Image Credit: Canva)

She further added, “Some common signs of high functioning anxiety include overthinking, difficulty relaxing, feeling guilty while resting, people pleasing, irritability, poor sleep, and frequent headaches or stomach problems. These are often dismissed as routine stress or tiredness, allowing anxiety to remain unaddressed until burnout sets in.”

ALSO READ: Can Stress Increase Cervical Cancer Risk? What Doctor Wants Women to Know

The truth is that anxiety does not have to look severe to be real. Only because people are coping well on the outside does not mean they are okay on the inside. Knowing the struggles, being kind to each other, and learning to be a good listener are important.

ALSO READ: 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Add A Pinch Of Salt To Your Bath Water As Per Vastu Shastra

Prioritising mental health, taking a break, and asking for support are not signs of weakness. They are acts of self-respect. Anxiety does not always shout. Sometimes, it hides behind competence and success, and that is exactly why we must learn to notice it.