For as long as I can remember, my mornings begin with an overwhelming rush of thoughts. Instead of savoring the beauty of a new day, my brain is bombarded with a relentless to-do list. It’s as if anxiety has an automatic switch that flips the moment I wake up, pushing aside any peaceful moments I might hope to experience. Each day, it feels like my anxiety is trying to consume me before I even have the chance to truly wake up.
I often find myself running my fingers through my hair, twisting and twirling it as a means to channel my nervous energy. This has been a habit of mine for years. In the past, I resorted to biting my nails or even smoking cigarettes to cope, hiding these habits in the shadows. My mind races ahead, fixating on what lies ahead, making it difficult to find peace in the present moment.
Living with high-functioning anxiety means that your nervous energy can either paralyze you or propel you into action. When it propels you, you become incredibly productive. To the outside world, it may seem like you have everything under control, but the truth is that being still feels unbearable. Relaxation becomes a foreign concept.
Like many others navigating high-functioning anxiety, I find myself in this cycle daily. It’s uncomfortable, yet after experiencing anxiety for so long, I’ve become accustomed to discomfort. I know I’m not alone—about 18% of adults deal with some form of anxiety. Even if you appear calm on the surface, there’s often an underlying concern about self-improvement. This tendency to analyze yourself can drive you forward, but it also leads to exhaustion. It’s a paradox of feeling accomplished yet drained.
If you frequently grapple with thoughts like “I’m not enough,” “I need to push harder,” or “How can I improve this?” yet still manage to get through your day, you are remarkable. You navigate through your own struggles and recognize that these thoughts don’t define your worth, even when they feel crushing. This ability to see through your own negativity allows you to detect similar patterns in others, which is a unique strength.
You excel at uplifting others who feel inadequate because you understand that struggle all too well. You want those you care about to overcome their challenges, just as you strive to do. You understand that feelings are valid; telling yourself or others to simply “get over it” isn’t effective. You extend empathy because you know how it feels to be trapped in those moments.
You wear a brave face when needed, but expressing your feelings to someone else can provide solace as you navigate through your darker thoughts. You are determined to rise above and find your way out.
Often, you hear well-meaning advice like “Don’t let it get to you,” “Just relax,” or “Does it even matter?” These statements can be frustrating, especially from those who don’t understand your battle. You may wish you could change aspects of yourself, but it’s not that simple. Instead, you learn to embrace your unique qualities because they are valuable.
Throughout life, you discover that activities like exercise, hobbies, and social interactions can alleviate some anxiety. You remain busy, constantly engaging with the world around you.
When anxiety strikes, you become more attuned to your own needs. You learn what triggers negative emotions, what environments and people make you uncomfortable, and you aren’t afraid to say no or ask for what you need. You are resilient.
You routinely face the challenges that anxiety throws at you, so when you feel like saying “I can’t today,” remind yourself that you’ve overcome such feelings before. You possess the strength and determination to push through because you are capable of living your best life.
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Summary
High-functioning anxiety can be a complex and exhausting experience, characterized by a relentless stream of thoughts and a constant push to stay productive. While it may appear that those with this condition have their lives together, the reality is that they often grapple with feelings of inadequacy and pressure. However, through self-awareness and resilience, they can navigate their anxieties and strive for personal growth.