Are you a high performer? An overachiever? Do you strive every day to be the best version of yourself? You could simply have high functioning anxiety. This is because sometimes, high achievers actually have high functioning anxiety and overwork themselves and stress themselves out in order to accomplish tasks and function well in their lives and society.
There is a very fine line between high functioning anxiety and a high performer, and the two often overlap. So, let’s take a look at the signs in a little more detail.
What Is A High Performer?
A high performer is a high achiever. It is someone who excels at what they do or in their job or role. They may often strive to go beyond expectations and always try to go the extra mile if it means achieving a goal or completing a task. This may be within the workplace, school settings, or in their day-to-day lives and relationships.
A high performer may also try to take the initiative and always try to improve themselves or better themselves. Some signs that you are a high performer are if you are very proactive with your time and work. You may be very focused and driven and unable to shut off until your task is completed.
High performers also often strive for perfection and expect high quality in everything. They may struggle when others do not have the same high standards.
What Is High Functioning Anxiety?
On the other hand, there is high functioning anxiety. Anxiety disorders can be very debilitating for many; however, high functioning anxiety is when a person can function as normal even though they are suffering from anxiety.
High functioning anxiety is when someone is experiencing anxiety, despite seeming to manage their life and their stress well. They may appear well accomplished and well put together on the outside but can be very worried, stressed, obsessive, or overwhelmed on the inside.
Signs Of High Functioning Anxiety
Some common signs of high functioning anxiety are:
- Striving for perfection
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Fear of failure or criticism
- Habit of dwelling on past mistakes
- Anxious habits such as nail-biting or leg shaking
- Fatigue
- Overthinking
- Overanalyzing situations
- The need to please others
- Excessive anxiety and worry
- Comparing yourself to others
- Unable to relax or enjoy the moment
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Always planning for ‘what ifs’
- Worrying about the future
- Unable to ‘switch off’
How To Tell The Difference
The main way you can tell the difference between being a high performer and having high functioning anxiety is how you feel about yourself. What is the driving force behind your achievements? Is it to better yourself? To improve your skills? To further your career? If so, then you may be a high achiever, and you like to be a perfectionist and do things to a high quality because it makes you feel good.
On the other hand, if you are a high achiever because you feel anxious about failing, worry about things not being right, or are unable to turn off and feel you’re never doing enough, you could have high functioning anxiety. The difference is that you don’t feel good about it.
If you are performing well on the outside, but internally you feel constantly stressed, irritable, worried, and tense, you could be experiencing high functioning anxiety. Those suffering from this disorder often look like they have everything together on the outside but may be a nervous wreck on the inside.
There is a fine line between being a high performer for the sake of achieving and being a high performer because you have high functioning anxiety. If you feel constantly stressed, worried, and trying to do more, you could be suffering from high functioning anxiety. If this is the case, seek help from a licensed counselor or therapist for guidance and treatment.
