Grin and Bear It: Here’s How I Recognize and Treat ‘High-Functioning’ Anxiety in Women as a Feminist Therapist
Oh, hello. I see you out there. It’s the beginning of a new year and you’ve hit the ground running. You’ve always got so much to do. Whether it’s a task for work, a social event, a family obligation, or a creative project. Yup, your ambition is epic (though you don’t give yourself enough credit). And your to-do list reflects that. I get it. After all, game recognizes game.
Tired and Uninspired
But I also see you tired and uninspired. It’s rare you get a good night’s sleep and that muscle tension in your neck and shoulders … well, it never seems to go away. You feel on edge most of the time. And you’ve begun to lose interest in things you once enjoyed.
Has Feeling Down and Irritable Become Your Norm?
But it’s 2023. Here in California’s biggest cities - whether Los Angeles, San Diego, or the San Francisco Bay Area - we move at a faster pace. We have things to do. This is just everyday living, right? Well, yes, and … it doesn’t have to feel like a constant grind. Women with high-functioning anxiety often don’t even recognize that they’re anxious because feeling down and irritable has become the norm.
But feeling constant stress and fatigue is not Life. it’s anxiety.
To be precise it’s “high-functioning” anxiety. This is a term used to describe the experience of folks who:
A) feel persistently anxious
B) push through it
C) to the outside observer, are doing just fine.
The truth is, high-functioning anxiety is a lonely experience. It’s often shrouded in shame and kept secret - making it worse. As a Feminist Therapist, in my practice, I work with women to break this vicious high-functioning anxiety cycle.
Symptoms of High-Functioning Anxiety in Women Include:
Sleep disturbance
Muscle tension
Feeling “stressed” or “burned out”
Irritability
Restlessness
People-pleasing behaviors
Negative Self-Talk / Self-Blame
Difficulty focusing
Chronic fatigue
Persistent worry about relationships, self-image, work performance
Perfectionism/Imposter Syndrome
High-functioning anxiety in women can often lead to depressive symptoms including:
Sadness
Isolation
Lack of interest in a pleasurable activity
Hopelessness
Let’s Move Toward Healing
It doesn’t have to be this way. Now that we’ve got a clear picture of what high-functioning anxiety is and looks like, let’s talk healing. Because imagine what it would be like to live a full life that reflects your passions and values. What if you showed up feeling rested, grounded, and inspired? And on the hard days, knew exactly how to care for yourself? I absolutely believe it’s possible.
Using Feminist Therapy to Support Women with High-Functioning Anxiety
In my practice, as a Feminist Therapist, I utilize a Feminist Therapy framework to support women throughout the state of California.
Feminist Therapy is unique in that it centers on the experiences of women and girls. It recognizes that our emotional health hinges not only on a strong sense of self and nourishing relationships but on a society where everyone feels safe and respected.
Pressures of the Patriarchal Capitalist Society
Because, as women, we have internalized so many of the pressures from capitalism and patriarchy, it’s important to hold that frame as we begin to heal the symptoms of high-functioning anxiety and reclaim our well-being.
In addition to using a Feminist Therapy framework, I pull from a whole host of tools to help women with high-functioning anxiety, depending on their individual goals for therapy. My approach is truly holistic and integrative.
Other Therapeutic Approaches and Tools Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness Practice
Motivational Interviewing
Expressive Arts Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Parts Work
Spiritually-Integrated Therapy
Self-Compassion Practice
Seeking the support you deserve
As we close out this post, please remember you don’t have to go it alone. As women in a patriarchal culture, we’ve learned to grin and bear it, to push through, and to hide our distress. But at what cost? I would argue that the more we normalize our experiences and reactions, the more space there is for healing. Anxiety and depression thrive in isolation, so reach out to someone you trust and let them know what you’ve been going through. A Feminist Therapist who understands these challenges is available and I would love to hear from you.
Wishing you all health and ease,
Jessika
Online Psychotherapy for Women in California - the Support You’ve Been Seeking.
My approach is holistic and tailored to each client’s needs. Whatever your struggles, whatever your goals, we work as a team. I'm in this with you - warm, direct, and transparent in the process. And I love the work I do. Let’s get started!
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Other services offered by Jessika Fruchter, LMFT- Therapy for Women and Girls
In addition to providing holistic psychotherapy for women in San Diego, Los Angeles and and beyond, I also offer online therapy for women, therapy for teen girls, and spiritual psychotherapy for women and teen girls in California.
Other Services Include:
Groups and Workshops for Women: Magic happens when women come together! I offer new groups and workshops quarterly, both online and in-person. Topics and themes have included:
Therapeutic Writing
Mask Making
Tarot Practice for Developing Intuition
Women’s Circles
Clinical Consultation for Therapists:
I specialize in collaborating with clinicians who want to integrate expressive arts therapy or psychospiritual practices such as tarot therapy, dreamwork, altar making, and ritual, into their practices. I also offer training on these topics. To learn more about my offerings for clinicians visit: www.mycreativepractice.com.
Training for Psychotherapists:
I have a passion for providing creative and useful training to teams on the front line of community mental health. Past training has focused on trauma-informed expressive arts therapy interventions and burnout prevention. Training may also be developed/tailored based on the unique need of the team. Contact me here.
Books and Blogs:
Check out my first book project for teens published in September 2021. For articles and essays about women’s mental health and wellness, check out my blog, Say More and you can also subscribe to receive the latest updates.
