Things Girls With High-Functioning Anxiety Know Too Well
High-functioning anxiety—which refers to a type of anxiety disorder in which the sufferer still manages their daily life fairly well, despite the associated symptoms and challenges—is common, but that doesn't make it any less of a struggle.
Just because you might appear to be productive or put-together doesn't mean you aren't dealing with intrusive thoughts and internal battles that others can't exactly comprehend. This is especially true for girls who experience high-functioning anxiety, as they are left to deal with the additional battles of being a woman in today's society. If you yourself are a girl dealing with high-functioning anxiety, then the following might sound all too familiar to you:
You Overthink Every Comment, Even Compliments
Did that person really mean that they liked your outfit, or was it somehow backhanded? When you have high-functioning anxiety, even things that are meant to be compliments can be mistranslated by your brain as harsh or hurtful—even if that's not at all what the other person meant them to be.
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: 4 Things to Know About Dating With Anxiety
You Have a Ton of Nervous Habits
Nail biting, picking off your mascara, peeling off your nail polish—the list goes on and on. These nervous habits may be small, but they're incredibly frustrating to you and can be pervasive, no matter how hard you try to stop.
Dating is Extra Difficult
The overthinking nature of an anxious dater can make dating even more difficult than it is for, well, everyone. After all, you're hyper-analyzing every word that's exchanged, every outfit you wear and every interaction you have with this person.
(via Shutterstock)
You Can Come Off as 'Clingy'
Related to the point above, anxiety can make you question your place in someone's life and make you act more "clingy" towards them because of that. This isn't just true of romantic relationships, though, as it can also be true of friendships and other interpersonal relationships in your life.
Also read about: 4 Dating Tips for Teens With Anxiety
You Strive for Perfection
You always strive for perfection—specifically, self-perfection. You can't control all of the things around you, so instead, you choose to try and control what you can when it comes to yourself. From your grades to your appearance and almost everything in between, nothing is good enough unless you reach your unrealistic goal of perfection.
(via Shutterstock)
Sound familiar? If so, you might also relate to what you see when you click HERE to check out our list of things that aren't helpful to say to someone with anxiety.