In the era of social media, an abundance of videos surfaces, featuring individuals recounting their personal experiences with high-functioning anxiety. This label commonly characterizes those who grapple with anxiety while adeptly masking it.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness indicates that a staggering number of over 40 million adults in the United States contend with various forms of anxiety. Given these substantial figures, it’s hardly surprising that numerous individuals have embarked on their own unique narratives and voyages to share.
Frequently surfacing on social media is another term: perfectionism. While not officially classified as a mental illness, perfectionism can significantly complicate one’s quality of life. Psychology Today defines perfectionism as an intense desire to evade failure, often accompanied by self-judgment and critical evaluation of oneself and others for any mistakes.
Though perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety exhibit striking similarities, they do possess distinct nuances, particularly in their interrelation. To glean comprehensive insights into both concepts, we exclusively sought the expertise of Lindsey Bass, a dedicated LGBTQ+ therapist specializing in anxiety at Linden Tree Counseling, who sheds light on these terms and their differentiating factors.
Perfectionism is a multifaceted phenomenon. While society often esteems it due to its connection with achievement and diligent characteristics, it harbors complexities that can actually diminish one’s overall well-being. Prior to identifying whether you align with the traits of a perfectionist, it’s crucial to understand that “perfectionist” isn’t a diagnostic term; instead, it signifies a distinct trait.
Lindsey Bass, an LGBTQ+ therapist specializing in anxiety at Linden Tree Counseling, exclusively shares, “In psychology, perfectionism is classified as a personality trait that varies among individuals, much like extroversion. Some individuals exhibit a higher degree of this trait (‘perfectionists’), while others display a lower degree (non-perfectionists). Given its variable nature, researchers have also identified several distinct forms of perfectionism, some of which may or may not align with the conventional notion of ‘perfectionists.'”
Similar to other personality traits, perfectionism exists on a continuum, and not all perfectionists exhibit uniform characteristics. Individuals direct their perfectionism in diverse ways; some focus it inwardly, while others project it outwardly. As Bass elucidates, self-oriented perfectionism stands as the most prevalent type, compelling individuals to constantly excel and attain the highest standards in all aspects of their lives. Conversely, other-oriented perfectionism places pressure on others to excel and evade failure or errors.
Conversely, high-functioning anxiety pertains to individuals who grapple with a form of diagnosable anxiety. However, as highlighted by Lindsey Bass, the term “high-functioning” lacks medical classification and doesn’t serve as an official benchmark for categorizing anxiety.
Instead, it characterizes individuals with anxiety who seldom manifest their symptoms in public settings. Whether adopted as a coping mechanism or due to external pressures, those with high-functioning anxiety often project a veneer of normalcy despite experiencing internal anxiety. Bass explains, “Individuals with high-functioning anxiety may have developed coping strategies that prioritize external circumstances over their inner emotional state.
This tendency can lead to heightened anxiety about their performance, which is why descriptions of high-functioning anxiety frequently intersect with notions of perfectionism.”
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that high-functioning anxiety is just as insidious as its more overt counterpart. “Despite their outward composure and ability to handle daily responsibilities, individuals with high-functioning anxiety grapple with the same internal symptoms of anxiety—persistent worry, difficulty controlling anxious thoughts, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, among others,” affirms Bass.
Nevertheless, due to its covert nature and the absence of conspicuous indicators, detecting the presence of high-functioning anxiety can prove challenging. Unless openly disclosed by the individual, many individuals surrounding you could be silently wrestling with high-functioning anxiety, unbeknownst to others.
Perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety share similarities, but they differ in their core characteristics and effects on individuals.
Perfectionism:
High-Functioning Anxiety:
In summary, perfectionism revolves around setting high standards and avoiding failure, while high-functioning anxiety involves internal anxiety symptoms masked by outward composure. While they may coexist, understanding their distinctions is crucial for recognizing and addressing these complex psychological experiences.
Dealing with perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety requires a combination of self-awareness, coping strategies, and seeking professional help if needed. Here are some steps you can take:
Dealing with Perfectionism:
Dealing with High-Functioning Anxiety:
Remember that dealing with perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if these challenges become overwhelming.
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