Living with high-functioning anxiety is like having an incessant roommate in your mind, always pointing out the worst-case scenarios.
It’s not about being just a “worry-wart”, it’s about that constant unease that seems to seep into every aspect of your life.
Here’s where it gets tricky. High-functioning anxiety often operates in the shadows, subtly influencing your actions and decisions.
You might be highly productive, ambitious even, but beneath that successful exterior, there’s a perpetual sense of dread and fear.
If certain things make you feel uneasy or anxious, you might just be dealing with high-functioning anxiety. Here are seven signs to look out for.
Acknowledging the issue is the first step towards managing it, and trust me, it can be managed!
And remember, while high-functioning anxiety can be challenging, with the right coping strategies, it can also be a driving force towards resilience and innovation in your entrepreneurial journey.
1) Overthinking
It’s late at night, you’re trying to sleep, but your brain is running a marathon.
You’re replaying conversations, scrutinizing every minor interaction, and brainstorming worst-case scenarios for tomorrow’s meeting.
Welcome to the world of overthinking, a common companion of high-functioning anxiety.
Overthinking often feels like being trapped in a cage of your own thoughts.
It’s not just about worrying what might go wrong – it’s about obsessively analyzing every possible outcome and second-guessing your every move.
The problem is, this constant mental gymnastics can be exhausting. It can keep you awake at night, distract you during the day, and leave you feeling perpetually on edge.
If you find that you’re constantly stuck in your own head, overanalyzing the past and fretting about the future, you might be dealing with high-functioning anxiety.
It’s important to remember though, while overthinking can be a hurdle, it also means that you are extremely thorough in your approach – a trait that can serve well in entrepreneurial endeavors when channeled correctly.
2) Perfectionism
I remember working on a project for my business and spending hours tweaking one tiny detail that probably no one else would notice.
I was fixated on making it absolutely perfect, even at the cost of my own mental peace and sleep.
This is perfectionism, an all-too-familiar trait for those with high-functioning anxiety.
Perfectionism isn’t about setting high standards. It’s about setting impossibly high standards – and then beating yourself up when you fall short.
It’s about an intense fear of making mistakes, and the belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable.
If you find yourself agonizing over tiny mistakes, or spending extra hours on a task just to make sure it’s ‘perfect’, you might be dealing with high-functioning anxiety.
Perfectionism, when managed, can morph into meticulousness – an essential quality for ensuring quality and precision in your business operations.
3) Difficulty saying no
People with high levels of anxiety are more likely to say ‘yes’ even when they want to say ‘no’.
You might agree to take on extra work, attend events you’re not interested in, or help others at the cost of your own well-being.
This difficulty in saying ‘no’ stems from a fear of conflict, rejection, or letting others down.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed because you’re constantly taking on too much, it might be a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
But don’t worry, being naturally inclined to say ‘yes’ can also mean that you’re a team player and someone who’s willing to go the extra mile – both valuable traits in the world of entrepreneurship.
4) Restlessness
With high-functioning anxiety, relaxation isn’t just hard. Sometimes, it feels downright impossible.
You might find yourself constantly on the move, unable to sit still or enjoy a moment of peace.
Restlessness can show up as physical agitation – like fidgeting or pacing – or as a mental restlessness, where your mind is always buzzing with thoughts and ideas.
If you find it hard to switch off and just ‘be’, if you’re always feeling restless and on edge, it might be a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
On the flip side, this restlessness can also translate into a constant drive for action – a trait that can fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and drive innovation in your business.
5) Procrastination
There was a time when I had a crucial presentation to prepare for a potential client.
But instead of working on the slides, I found myself reorganizing my desk, cleaning my inbox, basically doing everything but the task at hand.
This is procrastination, a lesser-known sign of high-functioning anxiety. It’s not just about being lazy or disorganized.
Often, it’s about feeling so overwhelmed by the thought of a task that you end up avoiding it altogether.
If you find yourself constantly putting off tasks until the last minute, only to feel even more stressed and anxious as the deadline looms closer, it might be a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
Though it may seem counter-intuitive, procrastinators are often visionaries with high standards.
With the right strategies to manage anxiety-induced procrastination, this vision can be harnessed to create something truly remarkable in your entrepreneurial journey.
6) Compulsive planning
With high-functioning anxiety, uncertainty can feel unbearable.
You might find yourself creating detailed plans for every aspect of your life, from work projects to social outings, just to feel in control.
This compulsion to plan and organize can lead to excessive list-making, scheduling, and a constant need to know what’s coming next.
If you find yourself feeling uneasy or anxious when things don’t go according to plan, or if you’re constantly planning and organizing, it might be a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
On the bright side, this penchant for planning can make you an excellent strategist and a reliable leader in your business endeavours.
7) Physical symptoms
High-functioning anxiety isn’t just mental – it can also manifest physically. You might experience symptoms like a racing heart, tightness in your chest, headaches, or an upset stomach.
These physical symptoms are your body’s way of signaling that something is off.
It’s important to listen to these signs and not dismiss them as just stress or fatigue.
If you’re frequently experiencing physical symptoms without a clear cause, it could be a sign of high-functioning anxiety.
Taking care of your mental health is as crucial as your physical health, especially when you’re navigating the challenging waters of entrepreneurship.
A gentle reminder
The human mind is an intricate labyrinth, and high-functioning anxiety is just one manifestation of its complexity.
It’s important to remember that having high-functioning anxiety does not define you or limit your potential.
In fact, many of the traits associated with high-functioning anxiety – like thoroughness, meticulousness, and a drive for action – can be harnessed into strengths when managed effectively.
If any of these signs resonate with you, take it as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.
Reach out to mental health professionals who can guide you in navigating this journey.
Acknowledging you might have high-functioning anxiety is not a weakness but a strength.
It’s the first step towards understanding yourself better and creating a life that works for you, not against you.
And as you continue to grow and build your business, remember to take care of your mental health.
After all, entrepreneurs are not just business owners – they are human beings navigating the complex terrain of life.
Let this article serve as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to ask for help and prioritize your well-being. Your mental health matters – to you, to your loved ones, and to your business.
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