How High Functioning Anxiety Can Lead To Depression
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While high functioning anxiety isn’t a medical diagnosis, it is a term to describe anxiety that does not impact your day to day life despite having these symptoms. Depression is very commonly linked to anxiety, so it is not surprising that high functioning anxiety can lead to depression.
I have high functioning anxiety which basically means for me is that I suffer from anxiety nearly daily, yet I still have a job, good grades in school, and keep up with tasks at home.
This does not mean I don’t suffer from depression or anxiety. Quite the opposite actually.
I have sought help for my anxiety and depression for years so I know how to manage it. But it is still hard!
I talked to my therapist recently about this, and she said that it is super common to be high functioning with anxiety and depression.
Just because you have a job, or have good relationships with friends, or whatever it might be, does not mean you aren’t suffering and you aren’t alone.
If you are worried you might hurt yourself or others, or just need to talk to someone, please call 988. If you need to reach out to someone more personal, reach out to me on TikTok or Instagram. I use TikTok more so talk to me there if you need help.
If you want to skip all the reading and shop this post, then click the button below!
This Post Is All About How High Functioning Anxiety Can Lead To Depression
1. Lack Of Self Esteem
Anxiety is a gut punch for self esteem.
It is also known as overthinking. All three are so intertwined that I would be surprised if you had high self esteem with anxiety.
With anxiety, we tend to think low of ourselves and our actions. You might overthink what you are wearing, how you look, how you act etc.
All of these thoughts can easily lead to depressive seasons in your life.
My Recommendations:
- Here is a great workbook for self love that I have personally gone through and my confidence has skyrocketed! They offer it on kindle unlimited, so if you pay for that it is basically free!
2. Perfectionism
When you have anxiety, you tend to try to be perfect in everything you do or say.
This can often lead to even more anxiety!
When we try to be perfect, we will inevitably fail and that can lead us into a depression.
But don’t fret! Anxiety and depression are both things we can manage and improve on. This is the same with perfectionism.
My Recommendations:
- Remember that progress is better than perfection!
- There are some great books on Amazon that I will leave linked in my storefront (button is at the bottom and top of the post!)
3. Rumination
Anxiety is basically just ruminating on things from your past or future. People with anxiety tend to lose focus on the present.
Meditation can be a huge help for quieting your mind.
Mind stilling was taught to me from the book A Court Of Silver Flames when all these warrior women come together to reignite a group of warriors from their history.
These women focused on mind stilling to focus more on the present and fight better.
Everyday is a fight when you have anxiety and depression.
My Recommendations:
- Read ACOTAR, its not really helpful for anxiety, but it is a great series :)!
- Try out guided meditations on YouTube!
4. Burnout
Constant anxiety and over compensating will lead to burnout which can cause a depressive episode.
Long story short, burnout is caused from anxiety which can cause more anxiety which can cause you to be depressed.
My Recommendations:
- Start setting boundaries at work, with family, and with friends.
- Take it slow if you are experiencing burnout. The reason you are experiencing burnout is because you took it too fast.
5. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Vices like vaping, drinking, and doom scrolling on social media are all unhealthy coping mechanisms.
All of these coping mechanisms can lead to depression and even more anxiety which can cause a cycle of mental illness that is hard to straighten.
My Recommendations:
- Start by being aware of when you engage in an unhealthy coping mechanism.
- Then start noticing why you engage in these vices.
- Then by delaying these vices, you can slowly quit and work on your mental health.
- Replace your coping mechanisms with healthy ones. Here are some examples: running, skincare, drinking water, journaling, and eating healthy food.
This Post Was All About How High Functioning Anxiety Can Lead To Depression
To buy some books that can improve your mental health without seeing a therapist, click the button below. I have a million recommendations, but I narrowed it down!
