For as long as I can remember, the moment I rise in the morning, my mind kicks into high gear. My to-do list hits me like a freight train before I can even appreciate the beauty of the day ahead. It’s a reflex I can’t shake, and no matter how hard I try to embrace the moment, anxiety always creeps in, ready to devour my peace — each and every day.
Fidgeting with my hair has become second nature; I twist and twirl it in a bid to manage my restless energy. This habit has been with me since childhood. I even resorted to biting my nails and sneaking cigarettes in the shadows, all while my mind raced ahead to the next obligation on my list.
Living with high-functioning anxiety means your nervous energy can either freeze you in place or propel you into action. When it kicks in, you become a force to be reckoned with. Others may see you as composed, but the truth is, it feels unbearable to remain still, so you keep moving. Relaxation? That concept is foreign to me.
Like countless others grappling with high-functioning anxiety, I navigate this daily struggle. It’s uncomfortable, but when you’ve faced inner turmoil long enough, you become accustomed to discomfort. I know I’m not alone; around 18% of adults experience some form of anxiety. You might look calm on the outside, but beneath that facade, you’re constantly questioning how to improve yourself. You’ve mastered the art of self-critique, using those thoughts to fuel your drive. While you seem productive and ambitious, you’re also running on fumes. It’s a strange mix of pleasure and pain.
If you find yourself battling thoughts like “I’m not enough,” “I should strive harder,” or “How can I fix this?” yet still manage to move forward, that’s pure badassery. You’ve learned to navigate through your own chaos, recognizing that these nagging thoughts aren’t necessarily true, even if their weight can be overwhelming. This insight allows you to spot nonsense in others — a true superpower.
You’re a pro at uplifting those around you who feel low because you experience this struggle daily, and you refuse to let those you love fall victim to similar feelings. You understand that emotions are valid. You can’t just wish them away or dismiss them with phrases like “You shouldn’t feel this way” or “Get over it.” You know real empathy, and you extend that understanding to others. You are resilient.
You know how to put on a brave face when necessary, but being open about your feelings can provide relief from the dark corners you’re trying to escape. And trust me, you want to escape. You’re tougher than you realize.
Too often, you hear things like “Don’t let it affect you,” “Stop being so sensitive,” or “Just relax.” You’re exhausted from these well-meaning comments from those who can’t grasp the struggle. You wish you could change these parts of yourself, but it’s not that simple. Instead, you embrace your unique qualities because they’re substantial.
As you journey through life, you discover that activities like exercise, hobbies, and being around others can help ease your anxiety. Staying busy becomes your go-to method for coping.
When you feel anxious, you’re actually more in tune with yourself. You know what triggers negative feelings, and you can identify the people and situations that make you uncomfortable almost instantly. You aren’t afraid to say no, distance yourself from what doesn’t serve you, or ask for what you need. You are incredible.
Each day, you battle through the chaos that anxiety throws your way. So, the next time you catch yourself thinking, “I just can’t today,” remember that you can. You’ve done it before. You are a strong badass who knows how to rise to the occasion, and you deserve to live your best life.
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