High-Functioning Anxiety in Training Environments and workplaces

Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety: The Quiet Battle for Achievement

02.14.2025

Emotional Intelligence | Future Work Skills | Trainers Certification

by: Erik Boshuizen

In this article, I will discuss the hidden symptoms of high-functioning anxiety and how it often appears as admirable behavior at work.

Ever notice how your “star employees” seem to effortlessly excel—yet something feels off beneath the surface? High-functioning anxiety is a silent force that often disguises itself as workplace excellence. For Learning & Development professionals, understanding this paradox is critical to fostering a culture of true wellness and psychological safety.

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How Trainers Can Manage High-Functioning Anxiety

An Infographic

The infographic outlines strategies for managing high-functioning anxiety in training environments, emphasizing the role of certified trainers. These approaches align with the standards of the International Board of Certified Trainers (IBCT), promoting inclusive and supportive learning spaces.

People who perform well in their everyday professional activities despite experiencing high levels of anxiety are referred to as having high-functioning anxiety (HFA). High-functioning anxiety remains hidden because the affected people seem successful and capable. Their abilities as high achievers, attention to detail and reliability conceal their inner struggles.

How do you know them?

Key Characteristics of High-Functioning Anxiety

1- Perfectionism

People who experience high-functioning anxiety establish very strict standards for their performance. The fear of failure and criticism pushes these individuals to both work excessively and pursue perfection in all their pursuits.

2- People-Pleasing

This category of skills refers to the ability of a worker to be a team player. Skills like these include social intelligence, virtual collaboration, and cross-cultural competency.

3- Overthinking

They obsessively contemplate their choices and consequences while frequently doubting their decisions. This behavior results in analysis paralysis which makes decision-making feel overwhelming

4- Procrastination and Overplanning

These skills involve the ability of workers to solve technical problems and make decisions. Skills like these include new media literacy, computation thinking, design mindset and transdisciplinary.

5- Difficulty with Boundaries

They frequently face challenges in creating and sustaining healthy boundaries which results in excessive workloads and eventual burnout. Their commitment to helping others makes it difficult for them to focus on their own needs.

6- Outward Success

They achieve success in both their professional and personal spheres despite dealing with internal challenges. The professional success these people achieve masks their anxiety from those around them.

The Paradox of High-Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety demonstrates a paradox because people with this condition achieve success outside while suffering distress inside. These successful people conceal their battles with substantial stress and self-doubt along with fear which they experience internally. Although their anxiety pushes them toward achievement it negatively impacts their mental and physical health.

Why It Matters

Understanding high-functioning tension is essential as it frequently is going unrecognized and untreated. The people affected may not are looking for assist due to the fact they don’t realize they have got a problem or because they worry being perceived as susceptible. This can cause chronic stress, burnout, and other intellectual health troubles.

How to Support Individuals with High-Functioning Anxiety

Promote Open Conversations: Encourage a culture where mental health can be discussed openly without stigma.
Encourage Balance: Help individuals set realistic goals and boundaries. Encourage them to take breaks and prioritize self-care.
Provide Resources: Offer access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or stress management workshops.
Recognize the Signs: Train managers and colleagues to recognize the signs of high-functioning anxiety so they can offer support.

Application in Training and the Certified Trainer’s Responsibility

In the training room, where learning and development take center stage, certified trainers play a pivotal role in recognizing and addressing high-functioning anxiety. As facilitators of growth, trainers must create environments that are not only educational but also psychologically safe. This is where the standards and principles of the International Board of Certified Trainers (IBCT) come into play.

Why Awareness Matters in Training

High-functioning anxiety can manifest in training sessions in subtle ways. Participants may:

Overprepare for activities, fearing they won’t meet expectations.
Hesitate to ask questions or share ideas, worried about being judged.
Overcommit to group tasks, taking on more than their fair share to avoid conflict.

As a certified trainer, it’s essential to recognize these behaviors and respond with empathy. IBCT emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where participants feel safe to engage authentically.

How Trainers Can Manage High-Functioning Anxiety

Set Clear Expectations: At the start of any session, outline the ground rules and reassure participants’ mistakes are part of the learning process. This helps reduce the pressure to be perfect.
Encourage Balanced Participation: Use techniques like round-robin discussions or small group activities to ensure everyone has a voice without feeling overwhelmed.
Model Vulnerability: Share your own experiences with challenges or mistakes. This normalizes imperfection and builds trust within the group.
Incorporate Stress-Management Activities: Incorporate mindfulness exercises or brief breathing techniques into your sessions. These tools can help participants manage anxiety in real time.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Frame feedback in a way that focuses on growth rather than criticism. This aligns with the IBCT’s commitment to fostering positive, development-focused learning experiences.

The IBCT’s Role in Shaping Trainers

IBCT equips trainers with the skills to handle diverse learning needs, including those related to mental health. By adhering to IBCT standards, trainers learn to:

- Adapt to Individual Needs: Recognize that each participant brings unique challenges and strengths to the table.
- Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that training environments are welcoming and supportive for all, regardless of their internal struggles.
- Prioritize Well-Being: Balance the pursuit of learning outcomes with the mental and emotional health of participants.

IBCT Trainers Please Remember

Final Thoughts for Trainers

As IBCT certified trainers, we have the power to transform training rooms into spaces where high-functioning anxiety is not just recognized but actively managed. By integrating IBCT principles and fostering a culture of empathy and support, we can help participants learn, grow, and thrive—without sacrificing their well-being.

Let’s commit to being not just trainers, but advocates for mental health in every training session we lead.

by: Erik Boshuizen

Erik Boshuizen is the global director of the International Board of Certified Trainers (IBCT). Erik is an early-retired President of a Graduate Business School for HRD in the Netherlands. He worked in multiple marketing and HR positions within business and HRD industry. Erik studied Strategic Corporate Education with a major in ‘transfer of training’ and evaluation. Erik holds a master's degree in Education.