Therapy for High Functioning Anxiety in NYC
“People with high functioning anxiety appear to be ‘high functioning’. But on the inside, it feels like we are barely getting by.”
What is High Functioning Anxiety?
What it looks like
You may have high functioning anxiety if others describe you to be put-together, calm, and successful, but you feel very different on the inside. In other words, you may be good at masking your symptoms of anxiety.
Another way of describing high functioning anxiety is that anxiety is more of a motivating, rather than paralyzing factor for you. However, it may just be that you have a “fear of” things going wrong, which propels you to do things right. Under the surface, you are in constant worry.
Other traits you have may include:
- Always on time, or usually early, even
- Don’t miss deadlines
- Afraid of failure, or disappointing others
- A perfectionist
- A “people-pleaser”
- Don’t show signs of weakness—if you’re sick, you just pretend everything is ok
Indeed, many would describe these traits as strengths, rather than weaknesses, or something that needs to be treated. However, each of these strengths have their challenge counterparts. It is likely that someone with high functioning anxiety finds that being stressed is a common day-to-day feeling, and has adapted ways to deal with it. That does not change the fact that having anxiety is not a pleasant way to live.
How can therapy benefit me if I have high functioning anxiety?
All types of anxiety can benefit from treatment, including high-functioning forms. You may consider whether you need treatment, if your anxiety is “high functioning”:
- If my anxiety motivates me, then maybe I will be less motivated after treating it
- People might not take me seriously if someone like me, who seems to be perfectly fine, is seeking treatment
- Other people, who are lesser-functioning as a result of anxiety, are in more need of treatment
While these are valid concerns, high functioning anxiety is still anxiety, and can seriously hinder your life. Many symptoms of high functioning anxiety overlap with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), so it is at least worth evaluating whether you also have some other form of anxiety.
The bottom line is, seeking therapy for high functioning anxiety can be beneficial. You will still be able to accomplish things without your anxiety.
There are effective treatment options that can lessen your anxiety symptoms. The main recommendation would be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which will train you to reframe your thought processes that cause your anxiety symptoms. Additionally, medications such as antidepressants (SSRIs) can help lessen your anxiety symptoms on a day to day basis.
Work with an anxiety therapist at Integrative Psych
Integrative Psych is an NYC-based private practice specializing in the treatment of anxiety conditions. Many of our clients are based in Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Manhattan (Chelsea, Village, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, SoHo), Connecticut, Westchester but our therapists are licensed to treat anyone in the state of New York.
Integrative Psych takes a compassionate and comprehensive approach to treating anxiety. We will carefully evaluate your present life and evaluate how your anxious thoughts affect your day-to-day life, including work and relationships.
When making recommendations, anxiety therapy may involve tailored medication and likely cognitive-behavioral therapy, depending on what works best for you.
Decisions about what treatment or treatments to pursue are made as a team, between you and your anxiety therapist. Once you have begun care with us, we will see you regularly to monitor your progress and make any adjustments necessary to ensure that you benefit fully from your anxiety therapy at Integrative Psych.
At Integrative Psych, we are your premier destination for integrative and evidence-based therapy in New York City. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists specializes in a wide range of mental health services, tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you are seeking assistance with psychodynamic therapy nyc, bipolar disorder nyc, high-functioning anxiety nyc, complex PTSD nyc, or any other mental health concerns, we are here to support you on your healing journey.
For those suffering from high-functioning anxiety nyc, we offer specialized therapy to help you better understand and cope with your anxiety in a productive and healthy manner. Our therapists are trained in cutting-edge techniques such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy nyc and can work with you to develop skills that will enable you to effectively manage your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.
If you’re seeking treatment for your anxiety and interested in working with one of our therapists, book an appointment here.
Take Our Anxiety Quiz here
