Are you secretly running on anxiety, even as everyone praises your productivity, drive, and ability to “do it all”? I’m joined by an award-winning psychologist, Dr. Lalitaa Suglani, who breaks down the difference between being simply driven and silently battling high-functioning anxiety—a line so thin, most of us don’t even realize we’ve crossed it.
We’ll dive deep into what high-functioning anxiety really is, how it hides behind ambition, and why so many busy, successful women are silently caught in its grip. Dr. Lalitaa reveals how childhood patterns might still be running the show, why saying “yes” is sometimes a sign you’re feeling “not enough,” and how external success can actually keep you stuck in survival mode.
You’ll find out what high-functioning anxiety really looks like from the inside out, how it might be showing up in your body, and the practical next steps to help you break free from the overwhelming cycle without sacrificing your ambition or success.
By the end of the episode, you’ll have the tools to start drawing boundaries and understanding your triggers so you can stay ambitious without the constant wave of stress, guilt, or shame. Hit play and let’s dive in.
4:53 – What High Functioning Anxiety Really Looks Like for High Achievers
11:02 – How Childhood Experiences Shape Adult Anxiety
18:58 – How to Spot the Difference Between Being Driven or Overwhelmed and the External Red Flags of High-Functioning Anxiety
24:11 – The First Real Step to Feeling Better (It’s NOT Just Slowing Down)
28:57 – The Tools and Therapies that Actually Help and How to Find Support
32:36 – What Life After Healing From High-Functioning Anxiety Can Look Like
Episode Links:
🔗 HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://mindin-my-wellness.captivate.fm/episode129
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Thanks so much for tuning into Well On Her Way! I'll catch you in the next episode.
Heads up–we share these conversations to inform and educate. I love bringing on experts, but this isn’t medical advice. Because each person is unique, please check with your healthcare professional if you have medical questions before making changes to your health, treatment, or lifestyle.
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