The silence of those who appear strong is often not an achievement, but a form of anxiety that has become chronic.
There are some people who never neglect their responsibilities, do not lose control in times of crisis, and quietly carry the weight of life. From the outside, they appear strong, resilient, and successful. For this reason, they are often assumed to be “fine.” Yet this silence is not always a sign of balance; it can also be the result of continuously suppressed anxiety. High-functioning anxiety is precisely the name of this invisible effort.
High-functioning anxiety is not a clinical diagnosis; however, it describes an experience frequently encountered in the field of psychology. Such people suffer from anxiety; however, such anxiety does not interfere with their daily activities. In fact, it actually encourages them to work even harder and be even more careful and composed in their behavior. Anxiety is thus what drives their productivity. Yet this engine runs not on peace, but on a constant state of alertness.
These individuals are generally perceived by others as reliable and strong. They complete their tasks on time, do not avoid responsibility, and often support others. However, their inner lives are something entirely different. The mind is never at rest; even when the list has been completed, a sense of relief does not follow. Rest is a notion that has to be earned. Emptiness does not bring calm, but discomfort.
One of the main reasons high-functioning anxiety remains so invisible is how society defines success. Productivity, resilience, or the strength to maintain the standing posture throughout the day can be idealized. Showing signs of tiredness might be considered a sign of weakness. Establishing limits might be looked upon as the lack of adequacy. Consequently, one learns to repress personal struggles instead of articulating them. Over time, anxiety stops being seen as a problem and begins to feel like a part of one’s personality.
However, this suppression does not come without cost. Constant tension can manifest in the body through various symptoms. Sleep problems, muscle pain, digestive issues, and chronic fatigue are common. On an emotional level, individuals gradually lose contact with their own needs. They know what they should do, not what they feel. Emotions are postponed; the body carries the burden. This is a classic pattern of emotional suppression.
At this point, individuals often find themselves feeling “successful but exhausted,” “strong but restless.” The sense of achievement is temporary; anxiety is permanent. After every goal, comes a moment of relief, and then a concern. The brain knows what to do next, but not how to pause. In this manner, anxiety becomes an ever-present companion.
The most difficult part about having high-functioning anxiety is the inability to realize when help is needed. The “I can still manage” keeps the alarm bells muted. Functioning is confused with well-being. Yet psychological well-being cannot be measured solely by the completion of tasks. Being able to work and fulfill responsibilities does not necessarily mean one is mentally well.
During this process, the need for control gradually increases. As uncertainty triggers anxiety, individuals plan more, think more, and let go less. Making mistakes is perceived as a threat. A sense of self-worth is derived not from being human, but from performance. Being “good enough” is never truly possible, because the standard is constantly pushed further.
In this manner, the anxiety affects not only the inner world but also the external life of the individual who has high-functioning anxiety. Individuals experiencing high-functioning anxiety are like safety and stabilizing forces to others and are also very resilient; on the contrary, by becoming habituated to keeping their problems to themselves, they also do not allow others to approach them because they tend to be helpful rather than seeking help from others. A lot of emotional imbalance can occur because the individual is appreciated but not really understood; it further leads to increased loneliness and brings about a vicious cycle because of the increased feelings of anxiety experienced by the individual.
Psychological resilience is not something built in defiance of emotions but in the ability to maintain contact with them. Awareness is the most essential aspect of this process. One has to understand that it is possible to recognize the fact that anxiety is neither a power that holds one up but rather a weight that is always pushing him or her beyond the boundaries of endurance. In a performance-driven world, self-compassion means neither passivity nor one of the most essential ways of maintaining psychological health.
Therapy is not a solution reserved only for moments of crisis. In high-functioning anxiety, therapy makes the invisible visible. It creates space for individuals to recognize themselves not only through what they do, but also through what they feel. It reminds them that pausing, being imperfect, and being “good enough” are possible.
High-functioning anxiety is exhaustion disguised as success. It is quiet, unnoticed, and often applauded. Yet mental health heals not through applause, but through genuine contact. Sometimes what keeps a person standing is not strength, but a habit of never having been allowed to stop.