You’re productive, punctual, and praised—and also panicking inside. Let’s talk about it.

In this episode of My Brain’s a Mess (And That’s Okay), we’re calling out high-functioning anxiety for what it really is: a coping mechanism dressed up as achievement. You’re managing your life like a pro on the outside—color-coded calendars, perfect emails, a reputation for being dependable—but inside, it’s chaos.

We break down how high-functioning anxiety shows up, why it’s often misread (or rewarded), and how to start regulating instead of overfunctioning. Because “doing it all” isn’t the same as being well—and you deserve more than survival mode in a nice outfit.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What high-functioning anxiety looks like behind the scenes

• Why perfectionism, overpreparing, and people-pleasing feel protective

• Nervous system-based strategies for moving from panic-fueled action to calm, connected living

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. Listening to this show does not create a therapist-client relationship. I’m a licensed therapist, but I’m not your therapist. If you’re looking for personalized support, I encourage you to connect with a qualified mental health provider in your area.