Introversion associated with high-functioning anxiety is more common than previously thought. This profile often hides what’s called “secret anxiety. “So, and while it always seems like an admirable serenity, inside everything hangs like an impossible puzzle, an unmeasured concern, the need to escape, perfectionism?
We’ve written a lot about introversion. A few years ago, we witnessed this “silent” awakening, where the introverts gradually find their place. We cannot ignore that our society, and in particular the business, school or university world, are more focused on this more open, sociable and, in essence, an extroverted profile.
- Introversion with high-functioning anxiety affects much of the people with this profile.
- It is a very camouflaged and resistant type of anxiety over time.
Books such as Susan Cain’s “The Power of Introverts” value the qualities that generally define this type of psychological profile, factors such as creativity, empathy, reflection, or the ability to resolve conflicts are dimensions that can place introverts in leadership and leadership positions. that make them feel more efficient on a day-to-day life.
However, just as it is necessary to highlight the worth, strengths and abilities, it is also essential to know the more complex and often debilitating side, everyone, regardless of our personality, is more or less likely to suffer some type of anxiety. However, introversion is very familiar with the integration of a very particular and camouflaged anxiety pattern that needs to be known.
It is often said that the most precious treasures are in the depths, however, we all know that in these deep and abyssal worlds remains darkness and some occasional threatening presence, living in these strata has its advantages, but also the other side of the coin. : characteristic hazards and threats.
Before defining what high-functioning anxiety introversion is, let’s think about this idea: introversion-extraversion is a constant. That is, we are all located there, either at an intermediate point or a little higher or lower, however those that are at the most extreme points usually have pathological characteristics, in which it is very complex to enjoy a good quality of life. to be productive or even to take care of social relationships.
People characterized by introversion with high-level anxiety do not quite reach this extreme, but almost, that is, they usually lead a normal life, with their responsibilities, jobs and relationships (hence the “high functioning”). However, inside, He saw something very complex. A well-camouflaged secret emotional labyrinth where fear seeks a way out, insecurity meets continuous contradiction and constant anxiety faces the wall?several times.
Let’s see what the characteristics of introverted people are with high functional anxiety.
Introversion with high-functioning anxiety is characterized by vigilant and defensive people, there is always something that worries, threatens or disturbs them, your mind is never calm. It is usually a commitment, an interview, a project that you have to carry out, are facts that take them out of their comfort zone generating high levels of anxiety.
The most impressive thing about the introvert suffered from high functional anxiety is that it rarely loses its characteristics, are defined by balance, calm and apparent self-control, characteristics that others perceive without knowing that something very different is happening. in them; divide between fear and insecurity.
This continuous effort to seem calm and determined can be exhausting, it will contradict you, it hides the fear every day of putting on a force armor that increases your weight every day.
Introverts need a more relaxed environment to feel good, to work, there are those who feel good in their private and exclusive corners, but there are others, however, who feel loneliness differently, you are frustrated at not being understood, angry with others Do you not understand your needs, your way of feeling life?
The introversion associated with high-functioning anxiety is also defined by high perfectionism, they are demanding and self-demanding, because perfectionism, for them, offers them a sense of control, and when something is under control it brings them positive rewards. source of suffering.
Secret? Does introverted people’s anxiety manifest in different ways, is it common for them to develop psychosomatic diseases such as skin problems, digestive problems, headaches, muscle aches, nervous tics?They are channels of one’s own body where internal anguish, constant concern, expresses the need to defend themselves from the world and what they cannot control.
Thus, a common feature of this personality profile is also the way it is expressed, they usually speak with nervousness and haste, so that even others can understand them as extroverted people, however, this is one more symptom of internal anxiety, of something so complex. complicated inside.
In conclusion, if we identify with this profile, it is best to seek the help of a good professional, the introversion associated with high functional anxiety usually become chronic, we normalize it to the point of living for years, until the aftermath appeared, such as psychosomatic diseases or other more serious psychological disorders.
So let’s get out of this labyrinth of anguish and live with more balance.