Why High-Functioning Anxiety Often Gets Missed (And What to Do About It)

You’re doing great. No one would guess what it costs you.

You show up. You produce. You perform.
But under the surface, you’re bracing all the time.

That’s not “just stress.” That’s high-functioning anxiety.

It’s common, especially among high-achieving women. And because it looks like success, it often gets missed—even by the person experiencing it.

Why is so so easy to miss? First, society tends to rewards these symptoms. If you’re someone who is able to stay organized and get things done, people may not realize that you’re struggling. You’ve built an identity around coping mechanisms that helped you survive—but now keep you stuck.

So how can you tell that you may be experiencing high-functioning anxiety?

• You can’t stop thinking, planning, or preparing

• Rest feels unsafe or unearned

• You say “yes” to avoid disappointing people

• You fear being “found out” as not okay

• You’ve forgotten what joy or ease feels like

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, I encourage you to pay attention to the cues your get from your body. Notice when you’re bracing-your shoulders are tense, your jaw is clenched, or you’re holding your breath. Next, name the fear. Ask yourself “what’s the story my anxiety is telling me?” Then offer yourself safety by breathing, meditating, or joyful movement.

High-functioning anxiety is exhausting because it makes you work for the illusion of calm.

You deserve real calm. From the inside out.

Ready to stop bracing and start healing? Learn how trauma-informed therapy can help you find real peace—not just performance.