top of page
Search

Is It High-Functioning Anxiety? Signs You Might Be Struggling (Even If You Seem “Fine”)

You’re the one who always shows up.

You meet deadlines, manage a full plate, and look put-together to the outside world.

You’re seen as reliable, successful, and maybe even “the strong one.”

But inside? It’s a different story.

Your mind races at night, you replay conversations, second-guess your decisions, and feel like if you drop even one ball, everything might fall apart. That’s not just stress—it might be high-functioning anxiety.

Let’s talk about it.


🧠 What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety isn’t a formal (DSM-5) diagnosis, but it’s a real experience for many people. It’s the kind of anxiety that hides behind achievement and outward composure. You keep going, even when your inner world feels shaky and chaotic.

People with high-functioning anxiety often say things like:

  • “I’m exhausted but can’t slow down.”

  • “I’m doing well, but I never feel like it’s enough.”

  • “People don’t see how hard I’m working to hold it all together.”

Sound familiar?


🔍 Common Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

You may be dealing with high-functioning anxiety if you:

  • Overthink everything 

    • replaying conversations, analyzing texts, or fearing you said the wrong thing

  • Struggle with perfectionism 

    • setting impossibly high standards and beating yourself up when you fall short. These standards often don't generalize to other people, only yourself!

  • Have a hard time relaxing 

    • rest feels uncomfortable or undeserved. "I should be doing X, Y, Z..."

  • Fear disappointing others 

    • people-pleasing takes over your decisions

  • Hide your anxiety well 

    • no one around you may even realize you’re struggling or how hard you are working to keep all the balls in the air from falling.

  • Feel constant pressure 

    • to do more, be more, prove more

This type of anxiety often flies under the radar because it’s paired with productivity. "You get things done, and done well, so you can't be struggling!" But functioning doesn’t mean thriving.

People often don't see the cost of perfectionism, but internally, the cost is significant
People often don't see the cost of perfectionism, but internally, the cost is significant

💬 Why It’s So Easy to Miss

High-functioning anxiety can feel like “just the way I am.”You might assume everyone feels this tightly wound, or that your worry is what drives your success.


But the truth? You don’t have to hustle for your worth. And anxiety doesn’t have to be your fuel.


🌿 How Therapy Can Help

If you relate to high-functioning anxiety, therapy can help you:

  • Quiet the mental noise that keeps you stuck in overthinking

  • Challenge perfectionism and build self-worth that isn’t achievement-based

  • Set boundaries that protect your energy and time

  • Get out of your head and into the present moment

  • Feel grounded—not just productive


In my therapy practice, I work with people across Colorado and throughout Georgia (via teletherapy) and in-person in Littleton, CO, who want to feel better, not just look okay.

Learn more about me and my practice!


🗺️ Therapy for High-Functioning Anxiety in Colorado

You don’t have to wait until you’re “not functioning” to get support. In fact, the earlier you listen to your anxiety, the sooner you can reclaim your peace.


💻 Ready to Take the First Step?

Therapy is a space where you don’t have to have it all together. You just have to show up as you are. I’m here to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with the version of you that isn’t constantly bracing for the next “what if.”


Comments

bottom of page