What is high functioning anxiety

Someone with high functioning anxiety will usually look like they are confident and successful to the outside world. Close friends may be aware but most are able to hide their anxiety well and it usually propels them to work harder and be outwardly successful.

The following are just some of the positives the others see:

• Outgoing
• Punctual
• Organised
• High-achiever
• Very helpful
• Appears outwardly calm and collected

And here are just some of the negatives that are not always obvious to others:

• People pleaser
• Overthinking
• Need for reassurance
• Rumination dwelling on the negative and past mistakes
• Inability to say "No
• Insomnia
• Racing mind
• Feeling intimidated by the future
• The tendency to compare yourself to others
• Potential for unhealthy coping methods e.g alcohol etc.

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-high-functioning-anxiety-4140198#toc-what-high-functioning-anxiety-looks-like