High Functioning Anxiety

Do any of these sound familiar?
🚩 Extreme fear of failure?
🚩 People pleasing?
🚩 High achieving?
🚩 Perfectionism?
🚩 Comparing yourself to others?
🚩 Feeling guilty for taking time off?
🚩 Keeping overly busy as a coping mechanism?

People with high functioning anxiety often appear to be successful and well-adjusted but they may be struggling internally with intense anxiety which can manifest in a myriad of ways. From a workplace perspective, often the behaviours we see externally such as hard working, detail-oriented, self-sufficient and highly organised are viewed as positive traits but have actually come about as a way of helping to manage the anxiety itself.

Other signs of anxiety in the workplace may include:

Overthinking and over analysing tasks and situations. This may include anything from their work performance to their relationships.

Fear of failure. Individuals may be afraid to make mistakes and this may prevent them from taking risks or trying something new.

Perfectionism. Individuals may have unrealistic expectations for themselves which can lead to them never feeling good enough.

Fatigue. High functioning anxiety can be exhausting, particularly if the individual feels the need to mask and suppress behaviours or doesn't have someone to talk to. This may in turn affect their working memory, sleep habits and make it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

Increased stimming. Stimming may help deal with anxiety and sensory overload in a positive way.

If you suspect one of your employees may be struggling with anxiety there are a number of things you can do to support them:

✔️Above all be understanding and compassionate.

✔️ Create a psychologically safe work environment which encourages authentic two-way conversations. Make sure the workplace is supportive

✔️ Upskill yourself by learning about HFA and rather than make assumptions, ask the individual how you can best support them.

✔️ Create a culture of understanding and acceptance

As someone who has lived with anxiety for much of my life, I have found understanding my triggers to be very empowering, monitoring and managing my energy levels (uses tools such as energy accounting and spoons), using sensory tools, using anchor points to create structure in my day.

How does anxiety in the workplace manifest for you? What else would you add to this list? Comment below.