Anxiety is a constant, uncontrolled feeling of worry that doesn’t go away (American Psychological Association). Many conditions manifest themselves in different way and the same is true for anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders, crossing a broad range of severity and its ability to take a significant toll on one’s mental health.

But what is high- functioning anxiety? This refers to individuals who experience anxiety, living in a constant state of duress, caused by overthinking, overanalyses and over performing, yet they can maintain an outward façade of calm.  Confident and organized outwardly and seemingly manage a well-rounded work/life balance but ultimately carry a ball of worry and/or fear within. These individuals have found a way to convert anxiety into productivity instead of allowing it to hold them back. While some level of anxiety is normal, understanding signs and symptoms of excessive or high-functioning anxiety is essential since some people do not make the connection between their symptoms and their chronic stressors.

Common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety also include:  

• Excessive worry and challenges expressing emotions
• Self doubt
• Striving for perfection
• working long hours
• going above and beyond to make sure you don’t make an error
• setting impossibly high standards that even when reached, don’t leave you feeling satisfied
• Tendency to dwell on past mistakes.
• Need to please others and difficulty saying no
• Nervous habits and/or racing thoughts

For some, high-functioning anxiety could eventually lead to a number of anxiety diagnosis and mood disorders. In addition, the burden of stress and suffering can relay into physical imbalances such as upset digestion, sleep issues or chronic aches and pains

Regardless of the stage of anxiety, it is about gauging stress levels and recognize when anxiety starts interfering with your day-to-day activities and when to reach out for assistance.

Become more self-aware and check-in with yourself regularly to ensure you are weighing options to help feel in control and make informed decisions. 

Try setting boundaries to help keep your stress levels down. If you are working extra long days, begin to reduce your hours one or two days each week.

Recognize it’s okay to say no. Saying no can help improve mental health through valuing our ourselves and prioritizing our needs.

For some, high-functioning anxiety could eventually lead to a number of anxiety diagnosis and mood disorders. In addition, the burden of stress and suffering can relay into physical imbalances such as upset digestion, sleep issues or chronic aches and pains

Regardless of the stage of anxiety, it is about gauging stress levels and recognize when anxiety starts interfering with your day-to-day activities and when to reach out for assistance.

Become more self-aware and check-in with yourself regularly to ensure you are weighing options to help feel in control and make informed decisions. 

Try setting boundaries to help keep your stress levels down. If you are working extra long days, begin to reduce your hours one or two days each week.

Recognize it’s okay to say no. Saying no can help improve mental health through valuing our ourselves and prioritizing our needs.

Factors to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

• Lifestyle changes (reduce stimulants including caffeine and nicotine, alcohol, and drugs)
• Diet and exercise
• Yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and acupuncture
• Daily mental wellness breaks (10 – 15 minutes)
• Deep breathing
• Making sleep a priority
• Keeping a journal

Support Anxiety with Supplements

GABA supplements are one of the first supplements for consideration because low levels of GABA have been associated with anxiety, agitation, worry, tension, separation anxiety, stress, panic, poor sleep, depression, and decreased tolerance for pain.   Natural GABA production in the body is depleted when the body is under continued stress, sleeping disorders or some medications. GABA's primary function is to block certain nerve transmissions from over-firing. By preventing the overstimulation of neurons, moods and reactions to stress or anxious events are better managed. GABA helps the nervous system to better process information about fear, anxiety and stress and has a calming effect

Ashwagandha   is an adaptogenic herb that operates at the level of the overall body systems by maintaining balance with the chemicals, hormones and processes that run the human body. Ashwagandha literally adapts to what the body needs. Ashwagandha is one of the most recognized adaptogenic herbs and is easily tolerated by adults. It is best known for its ability to better manage the stress response by balancing cortisol levels. It also nourishes the central nervous system, promotes sleep and relieves insomnia. It is especially useful for people that are exhausted from stress, complain about body aches, get sick easily, or have trouble falling and staying asleep. When taken during the day, this herb can help improve brain power by raising the level of acetylcholine, which positively affects learning and cognitive functioning

L-Theanine is another supplement to support adults that suffer from anxiety, panic, and nervousness.  L-Theanine is an amino acid derived from green or black tea leaves and is linked to improved concentration, cognitive performance, memory retention and emotional well-being.   L-Theanine boosts calming neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to promote relaxation and lower brain chemicals associated with stress and anxiety. L-Theanine has a chill-like effect on the mind. It takes the edge off without making you drowsy.   L-Theanine is also effective at increasing the production of GABA.

5-HTP stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan supplements are made from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia Simplicfolia. 5-HTP is also a by-product of the amino acid tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin.  5HTP works to soothe the mind and provide internal comfort from stress and worry. Increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain appears to help brain cells communicate, which reduces symptoms of depression and improves mood.