For as long as I can recall, the moment I wake up, my mind kicks into overdrive. My to-do list bombards me before I can even appreciate the beauty of the morning. It’s a reflex I can’t shake, making it impossible to be present as the early morning haze lingers. No matter how hard I try, my anxiety sneaks in, attempting to consume me — every single day.
I often find my fingers running through my hair, twisting and twirling as I search for an outlet for my restless energy. This habit has been with me for as long as I can remember. I used to bite my nails and even smoked cigarettes, sneaking them behind buildings or in my car, desperately trying to conceal my dirty little secret while my mind raced ahead to my next task.
Living with high-functioning anxiety means your restless energy can either paralyze you or propel you forward. When it pushes you, you’re a force to be reckoned with. People often think you have it all figured out, but in reality, the thought of being still can be overwhelming, so you keep hustling. The concept of relaxation? It’s foreign to you.
Like many others dealing with high-functioning anxiety, I navigate this routine daily. It’s uncomfortable, but when you endure persistent angst, you become quite adept at handling discomfort. I know I’m not alone; around 18% of adults experience some form of anxiety. On the outside, you might seem composed, but internally, you’re constantly questioning how you can improve. You excel at dissecting your own thoughts, using them as fuel to drive you forward, even while feeling utterly drained. It’s a paradox: it feels both rewarding and exhausting.
If you often grapple with thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I should push myself harder,” yet still find a way to keep going, you are truly remarkable. You’re adept at wading through your own challenges, capable of recognizing that these thoughts aren’t necessarily reality, despite their heavy burden. This skill allows you to see through the nonsense, making you perceptive to others’ struggles — a superpower, if you will.
You’re the kind of person who lifts others up when they’re feeling down because you live through these feelings daily and refuse to let your loved ones be controlled by them. You understand that feelings are valid; you cannot simply dismiss them with phrases like “Just get over it.” You possess the strength to extend empathy to those around you.
You might wear a brave face when necessary, but sharing your feelings with someone can help lighten the weight of your inner turmoil. And you want to climb out of that darkness; you’re tough and resilient.
Time and again, you hear comments like, “Don’t let it bother you,” or “Just relax,” which grow tiresome from people who don’t grasp the depth of the struggle. You find yourself wishing you could change these aspects of yourself, but you know it’s not that easy. Instead, you embrace your unique offerings, which are substantial.
As you navigate life, you discover that activities like exercise, hobbies, and socializing help alleviate some of your anxiety. You are always busy, and when you feel anxious, it often means you’re in tune with your emotions. You recognize your triggers, the people and situations that make you uncomfortable, and you aren’t afraid to assert your needs or step away when necessary.
Remember, you’re accustomed to pushing through the challenges anxiety presents. When you think, “I can’t do this today,” remind yourself that you can. You’ve done it before. You are a strong individual worthy of living your best life.
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Summary
High-functioning anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it also brings a unique strength and resilience. Those who experience it often become adept at navigating their internal struggles while supporting others. Embracing this journey allows for personal growth and deepens empathy towards others.