anxiety therapy

What are the Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety is a unique and often hidden form of anxiety that impacts many people, especially the women I work with. On the outside,  these people may appear successful, organized, and in control of their lives, but on the inside, they struggle with significant anxiety. They may not even recognize what they feel is anxiety or realize how anxiety therapy could help.  Recognizing the signs of high-functioning anxiety is important in order to get the right support and understanding to those silently battling this condition. From perfectionism and overthinking to excessive planning and difficulty relaxing, the signs of high-functioning anxiety offer insights into the inner world of those who may be silently grappling with intense worries and fears. 

Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety is a form of anxiety where people appear to be doing well in their daily lives, but are struggling with significant anxiety. It can be challenging to know someone is experiencing anxiety as they may appear successful, organized, and in control. However, some signs and behaviors that may indicate high-functioning anxiety include:

Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While it may drive high levels of achievement, it can also create pressure and self-criticism when you don’t meet your own standards. Anxiety therapy can help you understand the negative beliefs and fears driving perfectionism. Perfectionism makes it difficult to have a balance of self-compassion and accomplishments. 

Overthinking and Worrying

You might constantly think about and analyze yourself or others in situations. People with high-functioning anxiety might use overthinking as a way of giving themself a sense of control that they can change an outcome. In reality, it activates your nervous system and puts you in a constant state of anxiety.  

Difficulty Relaxing

People with high-functioning anxiety often struggle to relax because of the constant mental chatter in their heads and an underlying fear of losing control. They also feel they have to constantly be productive to achieve their goals and be worthwhile so when they do try to relax or wind down they feel guilty. 

Excessive Planning

Excessive planning is a common coping skill for people with high-functioning anxiety. It helps them reduce uncertainty and avoid unexpected situations that may trigger anxiety. It also helps them avoid being vulnerable, embarrassed, or looking stupid in situations. 

Procrastination

Procrastination for those with high-functioning anxiety can provide temporary relief from all the decisions and choices they feel they have to make. They get a temporary break from all the pressure they feel when they are trying to achieve their goals. 

Physical Symptoms

People with anxiety may experience physical symptoms due to the body's stress response. These symptoms can include headaches, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, digestive issues, and shortness of breath.

Constant Need for Reassurance

Those with high-functioning anxiety often want reassurance because their anxiety fuels self-doubt and the need for validation. Despite appearing composed on the outside, they may be overwhelmed by fear of not being good enough. 

People-pleasing

People with high-functioning anxiety often engage in people-pleasing behaviors as a way to manage their anxiety and avoid conflict. They fear rejection, criticism, or disappointing others, so they go to great lengths to accommodate the needs and desires of those around them. 

Overcommitment

Those with high-functioning anxiety often over-commit to responsibilities due to a fear of disappointing others and because they want validation for what they do.  They may struggle to say "no" to avoid conflict and to maintain an image of a successful person. 

Anxiety Therapy in Utah for High-Functioning Anxiety

Anxiety therapy can be incredibly helpful for those dealing with high-functioning anxiety. In anxiety counseling or anxiety therapy, you'll have a safe space to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As an anxiety therapist, I  will work with you to identify the root causes of your anxiety and help you recognize unhelpful thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, you'll develop ways to manage stress, set healthier boundaries, and challenge perfectionistic tendencies. Anxiety therapy gives you tools to help you relax and have more self-compassion, and find more balance in your life. 

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah 

You can manage your anxiety better and live the life you want without anxiety always holding you back. Anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist specializing in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

  1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation

  2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

  3. Begin coping better

What Triggers High Functioning Anxiety?

What causes and triggers High-Functioning anxiety isn’t always obvious. In fact, anxiety triggers can be really sneaky and you don’t notice them until later. Sometimes it’s hard to notice them at all because they can be something you’ve dealt with for what seems like forever. Figuring out your anxiety triggers and anxiety therapy are important steps in helping you overcome high-functioning anxiety. You'll be surprised at how many everyday situations can unknowingly set off your anxiety. Whether it's work stress, relationship stuff, or even certain social situations, we'll take a close look at each trigger and discuss ways to manage them.

Triggers or Causes of High-Functioning Anxiety

Everyone has their own unique experiences with anxiety symptoms. This isn’t a comprehensive list so if this doesn’t fit for you, that’s ok! It just means you have different triggers that can be explored and understood more fully.

Fear of Failure

High-functioning anxiety is often fueled by an overwhelming fear of failure. These people set exceptionally high standards for themselves, creating a constant need to excel in every aspect of life. The fear of falling short of their own expectations can be paralyzing, leading to relentless self-doubt and anxiety. The women I work with experience fears of failing as a mom, employees, partners, and more. They constantly worry that they aren’t giving or doing enough. This fear of failure leads to anxiety symptoms. 

Past Painful Experiences or Trauma 

Experiencing a painful event or traumatic experience in the past can lead to anxiety in several ways. First, these painful memories can act as emotional triggers, making certain situations, people, or places bring back the distressing event, causing anxiety. Those with high-functioning anxiety fear a similar negative experience might happen again. Fear of repeating these painful experiences can make you feel on edge, expecting danger, and leading to ongoing anxiety. Negative thought patterns can make you believe negative outcomes will happen despite evidence that says otherwise.  

Need for Control

The fear of uncertainty leads to coping with anxiety through a need for control. This desire for control is often linked to perfectionism, leading to constant worry about not meeting the high standards you or others have set for you. Overthinking and ruminating are anxiety symptoms that are common as you try to gain a sense of control by analyzing things that happened in the past or future situations that may come up. Doing this only makes anxiety worse.  Avoiding uncertainty becomes a way of coping, but it really makes anxiety worse in the long run. . Strained relationships and difficulty adapting to change also contribute to anxiety. 

Stress and Burnout 

Chronic stress and burnout can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, leading to worse anxiety. When you experience ongoing stress, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that might result in anxiety symptoms. Juggling overwhelming pressures, worries, and responsibilities can overload your mind making it tough to manage your thoughts and emotions well.  This, combined with feeling physically and emotionally drained and having trouble sleeping make anxiety symptoms worse.  When you are stressed and burned out your coping skills might not feel like they work anymore. This can lead to feeling more helpless and powerless to deal with anxiety, and you guessed it, this leads to more anxiety.  Negative ways of thinking and not having supportive relationships can all add to the anxiety cycle amid stress and burnout.

Anxiety Therapy in Utah can help your high-functioning anxiety 

I totally get that high-functioning anxiety can be tough to handle, but anxiety therapy can really make a big difference. Anxiety therapy isn't about judging or fixing you – it's about understanding what's going on and learning better ways to deal with it. In anxiety treatment, we'll work together to figure out what triggers your anxiety and how it affects your life. We'll explore those racing thoughts and the constant worry that might be holding you back. And you know what? It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes; we all do. Anxiety creates a safe space where you can talk openly about your experiences without worrying about judgment from me. You might think, "I'm a high achiever, I can handle this on my own." But trust me, it's okay to ask for help. Therapy isn't about making you feel weak; it's about empowering you to take control of your anxiety and find balance in your life.

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah today 

You deserve the support and help to work through your high-functioning anxiety. You don’t have to keep trying to figure it out yourself. Anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist who specializes in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

  1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

  2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

  3. Begin finding relief from anxiety symptoms

 What is the Difference Between Generalized Anxiety and High-Functioning Anxiety?

Anxiety can affect people in different ways, and there are different types of anxiety disorders. We are gonna chat about two common types Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and High-Functioning Anxiety. Although they share some similarities, there are some differences. Regardless of differences and similarities but can be treated and helped through anxiety therapy.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is a recognized condition in the mental health field, listed in the DSM-5. It involves excessive worrying about everyday events and situations, often lasting for extended periods, sometimes even months or years. People with GAD find it challenging to control their worries, which can significantly impact their daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue,  insomnia, and difficulty concentrating are common with GAD.

High-Functioning Anxiety: While it's not an official diagnosis, we use the term "high-functioning anxiety" to describe those who appear successful and capable on the outside but experience significant anxiety internally. They can excel in their careers, maintain relationships, and fulfill responsibilities, all while dealing with considerable stress and pressure. They may experience the same symptoms of GAD but it just looks different on the outside. Those with high-functioning anxiety can have difficulty controlling their worry but might channel it to being productive or achieving something.

Differences between GAD and High-Functioning Anxiety

Symptom Severity

GAD tends to cause more intense and persistent anxiety, like an ongoing background of worry that affects various aspects of life. On the other hand, high-functioning anxiety indicates that individuals can manage their anxiety differently and continue with their daily activities.

Diagnosis

GAD is a formally recognized diagnosis, but high-functioning anxiety is more of a descriptive term used to characterize how anxiety manifests in certain people.

Impact on Functioning

Although people with GAD can still manage daily tasks, their anxiety can make it challenging and impact their overall well-being. While it may seem like those with high-functioning anxiety might seem to be doing well externally, internally they might be dealing with significant stress and turmoil.

Awareness and Coping

Those with high-functioning anxiety may be aware of their anxiety and find ways to cope with it by disguising it because they are productive and high achieving.  People with GAD might find it more challenging to control their worries, leading to feelings of overwhelm.

Please know that both forms of anxiety are valid experiences, and seeking support from an anxiety therapist can be beneficial if you dealing with either type. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, reaching out for anxiety therapy is a step toward getting the care and support needed. 

Anxiety therapy in Utah can help you cope with anxiety better

If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you don't have to face it alone. Seeking help through anxiety therapy can truly make a difference in your life. It's completely okay to reach out for support, and taking this step shows incredible strength. Through anxiety counseling, you'll have a safe and understanding space to explore your feelings and concerns. A compassionate anxiety therapist can work with you to identify triggers and coping skills providing you with practical tools to manage your anxiety in daily life. Remember, anxiety therapy isn't about judgment; it's about growth, healing, and finding ways to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. You deserve to experience peace and happiness, and with the right support, you can get it. 

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah 

You can find relief from your anxiety. You can learn to cope with anxiety through anxiety therapy. This Utah Counseling Center has an anxiety therapist who specializes in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

  1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

  2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

  3. Cope with anxiety better

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is a compassionate anxiety therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah. She holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and family life and human development from Southern Utah University, as well as a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. With a passion for mental health, Ashlee helps women overcome anxiety by providing a safe space to explore triggers and develop coping skills.. With up-to-date treatment methods and a dedication to professional growth, Ashlee is committed to supporting her clients on their journey toward emotional well-being. Outside of therapy, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs and riding her ebike through Snow Canyon State Park.

3 Reasons Why You Could Be Putting Off Anxiety Therapy

A woman looking distressed. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides anxiety treatment in Utah.

There are many different reasons why people put off getting treatment for their anxiety. As a therapist, I don’t have judgments about why people put off going to therapy because I get it. Everyone has their own unique experience, and that’s ok. Seeking therapy for any mental health issues is a sign of self-awareness and demonstrates hope of getting better. Hope and awareness are always the first steps to getting better, and they make a huge difference. Why are people hesitant to put off going to therapy though? Let’s chat about it. 

Common reasons people avoid therapy for anxiety

Let’s acknowledge that some people, don’t have the means to pay for therapy and this is a legitimate issue that can be a valid struggle. There are different reasons why people struggle with going to therapy but these are some of the common reasons. 

1. You think you need to deal with anxiety symptoms on your own 

A woman holding a glass looking anxious. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides therapy for birth trauma in Utah.

The women I work with tend to be high achieving and independent. They are used to being able to work hard and accomplish their goals. When they experience anxiety, they believe they need to figure it out on their own because that’s what they’ve always done. If you relate to this, you might even believe that dealing with anxiousness is normal and just what you have to learn to live with. It might seem like therapy is for other people but you should just somehow know how to manage anxiety on your own. This is a myth and not a helpful belief. Anxiety therapy is for everyone. Therapy is especially for those that are motivated to work on themselves but just need the right tools. Working with a therapist for anxiety can help accelerate your progress in this area. 

2. You are afraid of judgment 

It would be terrifying to reach out for help if you felt like you would be judged. Many of the women I have worked with in therapy have shared they put off going to therapy because they were worried the therapist would dismiss their issues, and say they didn’t really need therapy. Aside from the fear of being judged by a therapist for what they struggle with, they also worry about what family and friends would say if they knew they were going to therapy. Although therapy has become more normalized, we still have a long way to go. I can’t promise you that nobody in your life will judge you but I can promise as an anxiety therapist, I won’t be judging you. I and most therapists are just eager to help you feel better. I want my clients to feel safe and to know my job is to help not to judge. 

3. You don’t recognize the impact anxiety has on your life and relationships 

A woman looking peaceful. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides therapy for body image issues in Utah.

So many people don’t realize that impact anxiety has on their lives. You may not even realize that what you are feeling is anxiety. You could have become so accustomed to feeling the way you do that it just seems normal. You might have high-functioning anxiety and it’s often disguised to yourself and others. You could also be perfectionistic and may not recognize how this is a way of coping with your anxiety. Many people who are people pleasers struggle with anxiety about disappointing other people. Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways but it doesn’t mean it’s not valid or that you don’t deserve help. 

How can anxiety therapy help?

Anxiety therapy can be molded to whatever you need it to be. Anxiety is often a symptom related to a past experience or traumatic event. Some people have personality traits that are more prone to anxiety but when anxiety is debilitating that’s a sign that there may be something else going on. Most people will dismiss that they’ve had trauma or any other issue that might be contributing to their anxiety. However, with a little exploring in therapy, we find there are things in the past that are playing a role. Anxiety therapy can not only help you learn to develop grounding and coping skills for anxiety but it can also help you work through those experiences in the past. 

Anxiety therapy in Utah can help give you relief

A woman sitting on a bench looking content. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides binge eating disorder treatment in Utah.

There are so many reasons to work with an anxiety therapist. Working with an anxiety therapist to help you find relief from anxiety and panic. When anxiety consumes more of your life than you would like it to, therapy can make a world of difference. Therapy for anxiety can help you identify your triggers, utilize exposure therapy, learn ways to cope, and do it all with the support of someone that is an expert in treating anxiety. 

Start working with a therapist for anxiety in Utah

You don’t have to keep dealing with anxiety all on your own. You deserve help. Anxiety therapy can help you find the help you are looking for. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist specializing in treating anxiety. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

  1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

  2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety 

  3. Find relief from anxiety

Work with an anxiety therapist online in Utah 

A woman looking on her computer. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides online therapy in Utah.

When you have anxiety,  you want to feel safe and comfortable. You want to feel like what you are sharing will be kept private and don’t want to feel intimidated by trying to find an office. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. It’s just as effective as in-person therapy but it can be done in the comfort of your own home. 

Online counseling also means I can work with you wherever you are in Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more.

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Anxiety treatment isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, counseling for college students, birth trauma therapy, and body image therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author

Ashlee Hunt LCSW. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides therapy for eating disorders in Utah.

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. She has a bachelor's in psychology and a bachelor's in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee loves helping women learn to calm their anxiety and offer themselves self-compassion. She utilizes EMDR therapy to help women work through their past experiences that may contribute to anxiety. 

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3 Reasons to Work with a Therapist for Anxiety in Utah 

A woman with her head in her hands looking anxious. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides help to women through eating disorder therapy in Utah.

When you are struggling with anxiety, it feels like everything in life just feels so overwhelming. The physical symptoms you get when dealing with anxiousness, your heart racing, breathing fast, muscle tension, and nausea are difficult to manage. On top of physical symptoms, you might think negatively about yourself, feel consumed with worry, have difficulty concentrating, and struggle to sleep. There is no question that anxiety can take over and hard to know how to deal with it. 

Why should I work with a therapist for anxiety?

If you are dealing with anxiety, there is no question that you deserve help to learn to get through it. Many of the women I work with have tried to figure it all out on their own. They don’t want to have to take a pill or talk to a therapist. They don’t want to have to need anyone. However, what I also know about the clients I work with is they like to get it right and be efficient about the process. If you want to effectively deal with your anxiety and be able to manage it as fast as possible, doing it on your own isn’t the answer. Working with a therapist for anxiety is. As anxiety therapists, we have specialized training in treating symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. As a therapist, I eat, drink, and sleep figuring out how to help my clients feel less tied to their anxiety. A therapist for anxiety can help in so many ways. 

A woman with a backpack outside. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy helps anxious women by providing therapy for dating anxiety. Begin therapy for body image issues in Utah. | 84601 | 84

Reasons to work with a therapist for anxiety 

Everyone has a different experience with anxiety. I work with many women that have shared personality traits and experiences and yet their anxiety manifests in different ways and is managed in unique ways. These are some of the common reasons to work with a therapist for anxiety. 

  1. Reduce anxiety symptoms 

If you are going to go to therapy, I’m sure that your hope is to reduce the impact of anxiety on your life. The overall goal of goal I have for my clients is for them to have less anxiety. We can’t completely cure anxiety in every person. Anxiety therapy can help anxiety feel less heightened. Part of why anxiety therapy works to reduce symptoms of anxiety is having a safe place to talk to about your feelings. Part of the process of working through anxiety is to be able to share how it impacts your life and know that you aren’t going to be judged for it. As cliche as it may seem, it’s important to let your feelings out to be able to feel less of them. 

2. Learn coping skills for anxiety 

When you are experiencing anxiety, it’s important to be able to know how to deal with it effectively and know how to calm anxiety down. While we can’t snap our fingers and get rid of anxiety, there are things you can do to be able to make it better not to make it worse. Anxiety therapy can help you learn the coping skills to be able to deal with your anxiety better. As a therapist for anxiety, I teach the clients I work with different kinds of coping skills they can use in different situations. From deep breathing, grounding skills, journaling, and meditation, to bilateral stimulation there are different skills to learn to use to help you be able to feel less impacted by your anxiety. When you learn coping skills you are more prepared to address the things that might be underlying and contributing to your anxiety. 

The words just breathe written in sand at the beach. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy helps women cope with symptoms of anxiety by providing online eating disorder therapy in Utah.

3. Understand your triggers 

While some people have personalities and temperaments that are more prone to anxiety than others, there’s usually more to anxiety than that. Many people have experienced past experiences or trauma that impact their anxiety or ability to function. Anxiety therapy is about helping you be able to understand the situations, people, or places that trigger anxiety. When you are able to understand your triggers, you can do something about them. Part of my job as an anxiety therapist is to help you be able to understand how these past experiences may be playing a role in your anxiety and to be able to help you feel differently about them. Anxiety therapy can help you feel less anxious about triggers. 

Begin anxiety therapy in Utah 

You don’t have to keep struggling with feeling anxious. Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life. You can find more peace and calmness, and anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Center has an anxiety therapist that specializes in anxiety therapy. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

  1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

  2. 2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

  3. Find relief from anxiety

Work with an anxiety therapist online in Utah 

A woman smiling at her computer. This represents how Maple Canyon Therapy provides eating disorder therapy in Provo, Utah.

Anxiety therapy is not always convenient or accessible. If you have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow you much time to travel or if you just feel more comfortable meeting from home, I can still help. I provide online therapy in Utah to help you work through your anxiety without having to try and attend another appointment. Online counseling is just as effective as in-person therapy but much more convenient. 

Online counseling allows me to work with clients all throughout the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, and Salt Lake City. 

Other mental health services offered by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Anxiety therapy isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, birth trauma therapy, therapy for college students, and body image therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. She has two bachelor's degrees, in psychology, and family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee enjoys helping women work through their anxiety symptoms through self-compassion. She also understands how anxiety can be a symptom related to trauma and knows how to help women navigate this effectively. 

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