Food Mood Therapists

How to Know If You're Struggling With High-Functioning Anxiety

If people around you think you’re calm, capable, and “always on top of things” - but your mind feels like it’s running a marathon - you might be dealing with high-functioning anxiety.

It doesn’t always look like panic attacks or avoidance. In fact, many people with high-functioning anxiety are the go-to friend, the reliable coworker, the overachiever. On the outside, things look fine. Internally, though, it can feel exhausting.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety isn’t a formal diagnosis, but it describes a very real experience: people who seem to function well but live with intense internal pressure, worry, or self-criticism. It’s often overlooked because productivity masks the distress.

You may have high-functioning anxiety if you're constantly overthinking, overpreparing, or people-pleasing and feel like it’s the only way to stay safe, liked, or in control.

6 Signs You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety

1. You can’t shut your brain off - even when things are going well

Your mind replays conversations, worries about the future, or analyzes every little detail. You may lie awake at night thinking about something small you said five days ago.

2. You say yes to everything (even when you're overwhelmed)

You hate letting people down, so you say yes to the extra project, the favor, the invitation. Resentment builds, but saying no feels risky.

3. You're constantly busy… but you’re not sure why

Your to-do list never ends. If you're not being productive, you feel lazy, guilty, or on edge - like you’re wasting time.

4. You're praised for being dependable, but it never feels like enough

You might be the coworker who always picks up the slack or the friend who shows up no matter what. But deep down, you're exhausted and unsure how to ask for support.

5. You're highly self-critical

Even when things go well, you find something you “should have done better.” You struggle to give yourself credit or rest without guilt.

6. You have physical symptoms - but brush them off

Tension headaches, stomach issues, jaw pain, fatigue… anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind. If you’re feeling run down but assume it’s “just stress,” it might be time to pay closer attention.

You Don’t Have to Keep Holding It All Together Alone

If this sounds like you, know this: you're not broken, lazy, or failing. High-functioning anxiety can be isolating - especially when everyone else sees you as someone who "has it all together."

Therapy can help you:

Quiet the inner critic
Set boundaries without guilt
Learn how to actually rest without spiraling

At Food Mood Therapists, we help people untangle anxiety from identity. If you're in Kansas or Missouri and ready to feel less overwhelmed and more grounded, we’d love to support you.

Book a free intro call with a therapist who understands that being “strong” doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.