Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi Aman! High-functioning anxiety is today's topic. We'll discuss what it means, how it shows up, and why it’s often misunderstood. Dr. Jodi explores the invisible struggles behind a high-performance exterior and shares actionable strategies to navigate the challenges. Plus, we’re joined by Thom, a teacher who shares his firsthand experience with newfound anxiety after a traumatic event.

Episode Summary:
High-functioning anxiety is not a diagnosis but a term that describes people who appear highly successful and composed on the outside while battling internal pressures, perfectionism, and worry. Dr. Jodi breaks down the biology of anxiety, the role of adrenaline, and how the mystery surrounding these feelings can make them more overwhelming. Thom joins the conversation to discuss his journey managing anxiety after an unexpected fire at his workplace, including the guilt and emotional toll it took. This candid discussion is packed with tips for reducing anxiety and reclaiming peace.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety: This form of anxiety often goes unnoticed because individuals appear outwardly successful while dealing with internal pressure and perfectionism.
Biology of Anxiety: High adrenaline levels throughout the day can lead to nighttime anxiety and overthinking.
Breaking the Cycle: Strategies like mindful self-talk, positive reframing, and observing thoughts without engaging can reduce the grip of anxiety.
Thom’s Story: How a traumatic event at work triggered new levels of anxiety and guilt, and the steps he’s taking to heal.
Hope for Recovery: Anxiety is a normal response to life’s context and can be alleviated with the right tools and mindset shifts.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Watch the video of this episode at the blog: https://jodiaman.com/blog/high-functioning-anxiety
Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel: @DoctorJodi
Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide: jodiaman.com/guide
Redirect Positive Mindset Cards jodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cards
EnCompass SEL Class Activity jodiaman.com/order-encompass-game
Anxiety, I'm So Done with You! Book

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Key Terms: high-functioning anxiety, anxiety symptoms, managing anxiety, anxiety causes, overcoming perfectionism, mental health tips, trauma-informed care, stress management, emotional health, anxiety in high achievers, signs of anxiety, coping with anxiety, burnout prevention,

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About Dr. Jodi:

Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi.

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and relationship advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Advice that helps you breathe a sigh of relief.

You’ll discover that your brain is not broken...that, whatever you are feeling, it is understandable. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. But that doesn’t mean you are destined to stay like this. You can get better. And we're here to help.

We cover topics that you and those you love are dealing with every day, helping you understand the problem, yourself, and other people so you have the information you need to heal, shift beliefs, get relief, set strong limits, let go, and act in a way that helps you and those you love FEEL BETTER.

I’m your host, Dr. Jodi. I've worked for 28 years as a psychotherapist, so I've seen and understood the nuances of human behavior and relationships from a rare perspective inside people’s minds and emotions. Together, we’ll discover how you are much more amazing than you think you are by building your confidence and accelerating your healing journey.

We livestream this show on YT every Monday at 8 PM E, @doctrojodi, so follow me there so you can participate in the conversation. We do live coaching on air, and you can get personalized advice for your situation. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, gain practical tips, and hear from relatable guests who will show you how to get rid of worry, strengthen your emotional bandwidth, and create a happy, purposeful life.

High-Functioning Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and How to Cope