San Francisco’s economic culture is demanding. Part of that is the high cost of living, which makes people feel like they have to work extra hard to live here. Part of it is tech culture in general, which affects not only those working in the tech world, but those around it as well. It’s also the companies that are here and who they bring in, choosing to attract workaholics.
Whatever the cause, there are many people here that find themselves driven to be hardworking and perfect at everything that they do. The question is what is driving it. Some people are extra motivated to work hard. Others, however, are driven by something else – a type of anxiety that fuels them in ways that can lead to production, but also a much lower quality of life. We call this “High Functioning Anxiety”
About Me
My name is Esther Oh. I’m a therapist in the Bay Area with over 10 years of experience, and many of my clients – especially, but not exclusively, those in the tech industry – struggle with what we often call “high functioning anxiety” brought on specifically by some of the economic demands of San Francisco. If you feel like this speaks to you, please reach out to me today.
What is High Functioning Anxiety?
High functioning anxiety refers to anxiety in people that otherwise appear to be “high functioning:”
- Successful
- Social/Active
- High Performing
People that are high functioning are often performing very well in their careers. The quality of work they do is often seen as good or even exemplary. They may appear to be talented socially and may even have active social lives. Those that meet them may feel like they have it “all together.”
But, underneath the surface, these individuals are struggling. They are experiencing anxiety over performance, anxiety over perfectionism, and a feeling as though they have to keep going or they may lose control. Anxiety can even be the fuel that helps them achieve such great things, yet inside they are struggling with overwhelming stress and a high risk of burnout or further mental health deterioration.
High Functioning Anxiety in the Bay Area
San Francisco’s culture attracts and may even foment this type of high functioning anxiety. The 60+ hour a week culture attracts those that are extremely high working and geared towards success, but also those that do not take time to unwind and may allow anxiety to take over.
If you feel like you may be struggling with high functioning anxiety, it helps to treat it. Therapy addresses the anxiety, teaches you other ways to stay motivated, and can address other concerns like perfectionism that can create more severe anxiety symptoms. Learn more or get started today by reaching out.