16/12/2024
Fine with public speaking. Rubbish at social events.
The PARADOX OF HIGH FUNCTIONING ANXIETY. Lessons from Jordan Raskopoulos’s brilliant TED Talk.
Anxiety doesn’t always manifest in the ways we might expect. For many, it hides in plain sight, often masked by a veneer of productivity, confidence, and composure.
What is high-functioning anxiety?
It’s a paradox. On the outside, everything looks great—career achievements, polished presentations, and ticking all the boxes. But on the inside, there’s a constant hum of worry, overthinking, and self-doubt that drives every decision.
Jordan’s story is deeply relatable for many professionals who find themselves pushing harder, striving for perfection, and keeping up appearances, even when they’re battling a storm beneath the surface. Jordan’s talk reminds us that the most successful, outwardly composed individuals are often quietly struggling.
Some key take aways from this brilliant talk are:
💡 Anxiety doesn’t have a “look.”
We often picture anxiety as someone visibly stressed or overwhelmed. But high-functioning anxiety challenges this stereotype. It’s an invisible struggle that can coexist with outward success.
💡 Acknowledgment is the first step.
Jordan emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming our experiences. By understanding our mental health, we take the first step toward managing it.
💡 Embrace the duality.
It’s okay to acknowledge both sides of ourselves: the high achiever and the worrier. Mental health is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
💡 Create safe spaces.
Whether it’s in the workplace, in personal relationships, or within ourselves, fostering environments where we can talk openly about mental health is crucial.
As someone who works with professionals navigating stress, anxiety, and personal growth, I’ve seen how high-functioning anxiety can often go unnoticed and how it can lead to burnout if unaddressed. It’s time to break the stigma and start creating spaces where we can support ourselves and others.
In my work helping professionals and teams, I often encounter people who feel they’re alone in their struggles. They’ve achieved incredible things but feel trapped in a cycle of pressure and perfectionism. Talks like Jordan’s remind us that we’re not alone—and that it’s okay to seek help, set boundaries, and practice self-compassion.
What can we do together?
✔ Normalize discussions about mental health.
✔ Offer resources for stress management and resilience.
✔ Promote work-life balance to reduce burnout.
✔ Be mindful of the signs—sometimes the most capable person in the room needs the most support.
Have you experienced high-functioning anxiety, or do you know someone who might be experiencing it? What steps do you take to manage it or support others? Let’s start a conversation.
It could make all the difference for someone out there.
As a comedian and performer, Jordan Raskopolous does not suffer from stage fright. Away from the spotlight, however, it's a different story. For her, everyday experiences like talking on the phone produce the kind of anxiety most people feel on stage. In this personal and funny talk about the nuance...
