Anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental condition that affects a significant portion of the Australian population. In fact, a staggering 16.8% of Australians aged 16–85 experience this condition, which translates to approximately 3 million individuals. Surprisingly, this number more than doubles the incidence of depressive illnesses. Could it be that anxiety is often confused with stress, making it seem less common than it really is? It is important to note that anxiety can have a severe impact on your daily life, even if you’ve experienced it before. Too much anxiety can be overwhelming and have effects on your mind, body, and emotions. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into anxiety, what it is, and how it can be managed. We will approach this topic from both a lived experience perspective and by examining the available evidence.
The Struggles of Being an Anxious Achiever: How to Recognise and Cope
- Sensitive: An Empathetic Overachiever
An anxious achiever’s sensitivity is both a blessing and a curse. They deeply care about the approval of others and often have an acute sense of empathy. However, this sensitivity can lead to “over-caring” and difficulties in “dumbing down” their emotions. They strive to be seen as positive and put-together, even when they are struggling.
- Pursue Excellence: Striving for Perfection
For anxious achievers, excellence is the ultimate goal. They seek the highest quality in everything they do, and the pursuit of perfection can be a strong motivator. While they understand the importance of compromise, they often struggle to accept anything less than their ideal outcome. Procrastination is common when perfection is unattainable.
- Uncomfortable a Lot of the Time: Living with Discomfort
Anxious people who want to do well often feel bad, especially when they think they are not making progress towards their goals. However, this discomfort can fuel their ambition and drive to succeed. They may feel restless and stressed, but it propels them to work harder.
- Prioritising Busy over Relaxing Evenings: Overcoming Boundless Energy
Anxious achievers have an abundance of energy and take on numerous projects. They strive to do everything meticulously, leading to a busy and often restless evenings. They may work late into the night, prioritising completing tasks flawlessly and on time over getting a good night’s sleep.
- Planning for the Next Day or Talk: Preparing for Success
Anxious achievers tend to plan ahead, often in the night. They use different organisational tools, like calendars, outfit planners, and email scheduling, to turn their worries into work. This helps them feel more in control and ready for success.
- Using Drugs to Relax: Coping with Overwhelming Feelings
Anxious achievers may find it hard to unwind and turn to drugs or alcohol to help them cope. They often feel like they don’t have time for hobbies or other activities that could help them unwind. This can lead to feelings of regret and dissatisfaction when they fail to meet their targets. Learning healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Getting Help and Support for Anxious Achievers
Even though anxiety disorders are common and professional help is available, many anxious achievers may not have sought help because they think that some of the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety are what push them to do well.
Anxiety does not always cripple people, making it hard for them to do things in their daily lives. Anxious achievers may appear to have it all together on the outside, but on the inside, they may be struggling with overwhelming emotions internally.
Mental illnesses like anxiety are still stigmatised and often do not attract the same attention as physical conditions like cancer. This needs to change.
Many people with anxiety try to cope by denying or dismissing their internal struggles, and may convince themselves nothing is wrong. They might think of themselves as just hard-working or careful, not realising that anxiety is having a big impact on their lives.
Recognising and acknowledging the presence of anxiety in the life of an anxious achiever is the first key step towards seeking the necessary support and treatment.
While being an anxious achiever may seem and feel distinct from other types of anxiety, it is there (even though it is well hidden) and significantly affects a person’s life.
Breaking the Silence: Smashing Stigma Around Mental Illness
Reducing stigma around mental illness makes a significant difference in people’s lives. It can be tough to ask for help when you’re feeling isolated and alone, but if more people are open about their mental health challenges, it makes seeking treatment more accessible and less daunting.
It is important to know that mental illness is not a sign of weakness and that getting help, is the same as getting help for a physical illness. Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health creates a more supportive and understanding society where individuals are more likely to seek help when they need it.
Overlooked and Suffering in Silence: The Hidden Struggle of Anxious Achiever
Anxious achievers face a unique form of anxiety that often goes undiagnosed, leaving them struggling in silence. Despite their ability to excel in various areas of life, their internal battles can take a toll on their overall wellbeing.
Even though they might not meet the usual criteria for a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, their symptoms can still have a big effect on their physical, mental, and emotional health over time. Without seeking help, the constant stress and pressure may lead to severe mental health issues down the road. It’s time to bring attention to this hidden struggle and offer support for anxious achievers, who deserve the same basic level of care and understanding as those with diagnosed anxiety disorders.
Breaking the Stigma: How Anxious Achievers Can Seek Help and Find Support
I know it is not easy to admit that we might need help, but trust me, it is worth it.
You see, anxious achievers are a unique breed of people. We are high-functioning, driven, and often overachieving. We take on more than we can handle, and we rarely stop to take a break. We’re the ones who work late into the night, always planning and worrying about the next day.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “I don’t need help; I can handle it on my own.” But here’s the truth: We all need help at some point in our lives, and that’s okay. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
There are many ways to get help and support for anxiety. The first step is to talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a therapist. Sometimes just talking about our feelings and worries can make a world of difference.
Secondly, it is essential to talk to a medical practitioner you trust. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. This can be a daunting step, but remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Once you’re connected with a mental health professional, there are a variety of evidence-based treatments they may recommend. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is one popular approach that can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. Dialectical behavioural therapy can also be effective for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal skills.
Group therapies help people learn and practise new skills in a supportive setting, and dual diagnosis treatments can help people who have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
SSRI’s and other medicines can also help with anxiety symptoms, as well as mindfulness practises like meditation and yoga, which can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed.
Remember, getting help is a process, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, however, you can find the targeted interventions that work for you and start feeling better. Don’t let anxiety hold you back from living your best life.
The Bottom Line
Let’s take a moment to really think about what’s going on. Anxious achievers are the ultimate workaholics. They put their job and perfectionism above everything else, meaning they forget to prioritise self-care and before they know it, they’re barely sleeping, never exercising, and barely eating.
It’s not just their work that’s all or nothing. They have the same mentality when it comes to mental health. But sometimes, it helps to step back and ask, “Is there another way to look at this?”
Everyone should focus on their mental wellness and “fitness.” But that can be hard when you don’t even know how to talk about your feelings. Please know you are not alone in what you’re going through.
And I can tell you, there are ways to get help and support. And the first step is reaching out to a medical practitioner who can refer you to a mental health specialist. With treatments like cognitive-behavioural therapy, group therapy, and medication, you can start to feel like yourself again.
Remember, it’s okay to take a break and focus on your mental health. Let’s work towards a happier, healthier future together. things into perspective and ease the mood.
How do I know? because I am an anxious achiever.
Author Teresa Coffey
Sources
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/anxiety/treatment/
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