HIGH-FUNCTIONING ANXIETY

Living With High-Functioning Anxiety or Sensitivity

You may function well on the outside while carrying a constant sense of pressure internally. You get things done, think carefully, and often take responsibility — yet anxiety, tension, or mental fatigue never fully switch off.

Quietly Holding It All Together

• You seem capable on the outside, while carrying pressure or fatigue internally.
• Your mind stays active — replaying conversations, analysing, and anticipating what comes next.
• You put yourself last, and feel uneasy when you do not.
• After social time, you may feel drained rather than restored.

High-Functioning Anxiety and Sensitivity

High-functioning anxiety often involves appearing calm and capable while internally the mind remains active and pressure builds. For people who are more sensitive or deeply reflective, experiences can be felt more intensely and held for longer, making it harder to fully switch off.

Common Experiences

• Persistent overthinking or repetitive thoughts
• Sustained mental or emotional effort that leads to fatigue
• Difficulty relaxing or mentally disengaging
• High internal standards or self-critical thinking
• Restless sleep or difficulty settling at night

We work practically, focusing on what is keeping things stuck and allowing change to take place at a pace that feels right.