Behind the Mask

Many people believe that the topic of mental health is overdone and talked about too much by the media. However, there is still a stigma around mental health so much so that many individuals convince themselves that what they are going through is normal and is not a mental illness. This is problematic because they do not take the necessary steps to get help for their mental health. One of the reasons that people convince themselves that they do not have a mental illness is because they are living with high-functioning forms of the anxiety or depression. High functioning anxiety is defined by the mayo clinic as exhibiting anxiety symptoms but also keeping up with high functionality through an individual’s day to day routine. An individual may stay up to date with their to-do lists and seem like they are doing ok, but internally they are struggling with persistent worries, doubts and fears that impact their life.

High functioning anxiety includes feelings that are similar to generalized anxiety disorder such as fears of criticism, significant stress, and feeling on edge a majority of the time. The graphic below depicts a good visualization of how from the surface, people with high functioning anxiety seem proactive, highly organized, detail oriented, and show qualities of being a high achiever. These individuals may have controlling behaviors that lead them to have strict routines striving for perfection. However, once a deeper dive is taken it is clear that the individual is also struggling with things such as excessively worrying, overplanning and setting impossibly high standards for themselves. The high-functioning aspect of the individual is just the tip of the iceberg whereas the anxiety comes when a closer lens is applied.

Source: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/what-is-high-functioning-anxiety-and-do-i-have-it

The main problem with people who have high-functioning anxiety is that they are more likely to over function which leads to burnout. These individuals strive for success in their career and personal lives and look for these successes in every action they take. Therefore, this type of anxiety can take a massive toll on an individual.

Related to high-functioning anxiety is high-functioning depression. Similarly, individuals with this mental illness seem like they have their lives together and should theoretically have nothing to be upset about. But once the full iceberg is looked at, they do not feel good doing all of the things that they are pushing themselves to do to maintain a “happy life.” People who may be functioning well may not think that they should feel depressed because there is a stigma and embarrassment around having depression. Many do not want to admit to others that they need help and that something is wrong in their life, when in reality they need to seek help. An article mentioned that a woman, like many others living with high-functioning depression, felt as though she could just push through the feeling, and it would eventually go away. However, depression does not go away without necessary support.

High-functioning anxiety and depression is hidden by the mask of individuals seeming overly organized, motivated, and happy. However, once that mask is removed the truth unfolds and the problems reveal themselves. It is important to keep this in mind when interacting with others as they may seem ok on the outside, but deep down they are struggling.