The Invisible Weight of High-Functioning Anxiety

Stella Ong
Apr 22
3 min read

Updated: May 15

Are you anxious all the time and barely holding it together?

Living with high-functioning anxiety

This often means excelling on the outside but what about on the inside? It is a completely different story. Does this sound like you?

You are incredibly organized and meticulous because you constantly fear being criticized for any small mistake
Your schedule is packed to the brim because you feel you should always be doing something productive
You are constantly overworking because you are afraid that if you don't go above and beyond, you will be viewed as incompetent
You push yourself to the limit because you believe that if you are not constantly achieving, you are failing
You have trouble saying "no" to requests because you fear disappointing others or being seen as not worthy enough
You rehearse conversations in your head because you're afraid of saying the wrong thing and being judged for it
You second-guess every decision because you are afraid of making the wrong choice
You are always on the go because slowing down means facing the anxious thoughts that you have been ignoring and putting to one side

These traits that help you function can also be exhausting.

It's okay to take a step back and breathe, be kind to yourself.

man with anxiety LightingWay — Do you find it hard to silence your busy mind?

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex emotional response characterized by feelings of apprehension, worry, and unease. It is a normal reaction to stress and can manifest in various forms such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. While everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, such as before a major life event or during challenging situations, for some individuals, anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with their day-to-day functions.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Increased heart rate even when resting
Shallow, rapid breathing
Sweating, dizziness
Whole body trembles
Fatigue
Difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks
And more

Furthermore, anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may steer clear of situations or places that trigger their anxiety. These chain events potentially results in a never-ending cycle of fear and isolation.

Understanding anxiety is crucial, as it not only affects mental health but can also have physical health implications if left unaddressed. Effective treatments, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, can help individuals manage their anxiety and improve their overall quality of life.

Anxiety Therapy in Singapore with Counsellor Stella Ong

We encourage clients to get psychotherapy to complement external psychiatric treatment and medication as that would benefit two-fold:

Assist in helping you to understand and process the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours that affect your anxiety
Offer a secure environment for you to explore and address past experiences or triggers that might be contributing to your anxiety
Teach you tips and techniques to manage and cope with anxiety in your day-to-day life
Promote lifestyle adjustments and self-care habits that improve your mental health and overall well-being