A whole lot of us are fighting this internal battle to meet those sky-high standards and expectations, be it in our personal or professional lives. Are you one of those who want everything to be just perfect? No shame in that, we all do! But guess what? Behind that show of dedication and being a total high achiever, there might be something lurking beneath the surface – high-functioning anxiety. Understanding how they’re connected can help us embrace our vulnerabilities and find better ways to deal with the challenges they throw at us.
High-functioning anxiety is a term used to describe when people experience significant levels of anxiety but manage to function relatively well in their day-to-day lives. On the outside, they might appear calm, collected, and even successful, but beneath the surface, they are dealing with a constant stream of anxious thoughts and unease.
The Endless Quest for Validation
Both high-functioning anxiety and perfectionism stem from a profound desire for external validation. People who experience these traits have a propensity to seek approval and praise from others as a means of reassurance. Perfectionists crave acknowledgment for their flawless performance, while those with high-functioning anxiety seek reassurance that their actions and decisions are correct. The fear of making mistakes or being judged negatively fuels this thirst for validation. When they don’t get the recognition they yearn for, it can hit them hard. They may also end up feeling insecure and inadequate, which becomes a difficult situation to be in.
Catastrophic Thinking And Overthinking
At the core of both lies an incessant and distressing habit of overthinking. Catastrophic thinking becomes the norm, as one begins to anticipate worst-case scenarios, magnify potential problems, and constantly worry about future consequences. Perfectionists often overanalyze their actions, striving to eliminate any possible mistakes or flaws in the assigned work, while those with high-functioning anxiety excessively ruminate on past events, scrutinizing every decision they made so far. This constant mental churn further perpetuates the anxiety and pressure they experience.
Fear Of Vulnerability
One of the most striking similarities between high-functioning anxiety and perfectionism is the fear of vulnerability. People face challenges opening up to someone with their struggles and vulnerabilities. They fear that showing imperfections or expressing doubts will lead to a loss of credibility and respect from others. As a result, they may choose to suffer in silence, putting up a wall between them and those around them. By doing that, they miss out on forming genuine connections and building support networks. It’s like they’re stuck on an island of their own, cut off from the people who could understand and help them.
Self-Criticism and Harsh Internal Dialogue
There could be similarities that involve a pervasive pattern of self-criticism. Perfectionists are incredibly hard on themselves, setting unrealistically high standards and berating themselves for any perceived failure to meet those standards. They are their own worst enemies if it had to be put in simple words. Likewise, those with high-functioning anxiety may constantly doubt their abilities, downplay their achievements, and get stuck in negative self-talk. The inner dialogue of self-doubt and harsh criticism can be detrimental to their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Perfectionism and anxiety disorders are often interconnected and can be incredibly debilitating, impacting various aspects of a person’s life and overall well-being. From relationships and careers to physical health and emotional stability, anxiety can cast a shadow over every aspect of life. The good news is that people may find relief and reclaim control of their life with the right care and assistance.
How Anxiety Treatment Can Help?
- Improves Quality of Life: Effective treatment can significantly improve the overall quality of life by lowering the intensity and frequency of anxiety symptoms. With proper intervention, you can find relief from the burden of anxiety and resume engaging in meaningful activities and relationships.
- Enhances Coping Skills: Therapy and counseling provide individuals with effective coping skills to manage anxiety. People gain the ability to tackle the challenges of life with more resilience when they learn healthy ways to deal with stress and negative emotions.
- Restores Relationships: Treatment can help you rebuild and strengthen your relationships by addressing communication issues, fostering understanding, and enhancing emotional regulation.
- Academic and Professional Success: People who can manage their anxiety do better in academic or professional contexts, reaching their full potential and following their goals with confidence.
- Physical Well-being: Reduced anxiety leads to improved physical health. By managing stress levels, you can mitigate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety.
- Prevents Escalation: If anxiety disorders are left untreated, they can worsen over time, leading to more severe symptoms and complications. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of anxiety attacks and the development of other mental health issues.
- Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Anxiety treatment can provide you with an opportunity for self-discovery, self-awareness, and personal growth. It will allow you to understand the root causes of your anxiety and make positive changes in your life.
North America Behavioral Health Services
If you are looking for a way out of anxiety disorders, reach out to North America Behavioral Health Services. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to offer guidance and provide you with essential resources. We are committed to helping you connect with qualified mental health professionals who can address your specific mental health needs. Take the first step towards improved mental well-being and contact us today.
