The "Swan" Syndrome
High-functioning anxiety is often called the "Swan" effect. On the surface, you are gliding gracefully—hitting deadlines, organizing events, and being the rock for your family. But underneath the water, your feet are paddling frantically just to stay afloat.
Because you are successful, people assume you are fine. You might even doubt yourself, thinking, "I have a good job and a nice life. Why can't I just enjoy it?"
Does this sound like you?
The Neuroscience of "Never Enough"
You aren't broken, and you aren't just "stressed." Your brain has simply become highly efficient at a specific survival mechanism.
In high-performers, the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN)—the part responsible for daydreaming and self-reflection—often becomes hyperactive. Instead of resting when you aren't working, your brain automatically switches to "scanning for threats." In the modern world, threats aren't tigers; they are unopened emails, potential criticism, or the fear of being "found out" (Imposter Syndrome).
This keeps your nervous system in a chronic state of sympathetic arousal (fight-or-flight). You perform well because you are running on cortisol, but cortisol is a short-term fuel. Long-term, it leads to burnout, irritability, and that crushing fatigue you feel at 5pm.
Why Standard "Coping" Doesn't Work
You've probably tried yoga, meditation apps, or "thinking positive." But for high-performers, these often become just another task to fail at.
My approach is different. We don't try to delete your drive—that ambition is part of who you are. Instead, we use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to untangle your self-worth from your productivity.
We move from "I need to do everything perfectly to be safe" to "I can pursue excellence without sacrificing my peace."
Your Roadmap to Sustainable Success
Therapy isn't just venting. We use a structured, evidence-based approach to rewire your relationship with anxiety.
Unhooking from Thoughts
We use cognitive defusion techniques to create space between you and your inner critic. You'll learn to notice the thought "I'm going to fail" without automatically believing it or acting on it.
Regulating the Nervous System
You cannot think your way out of a survival response. We practice somatic tools to signal safety to your body, allowing you to actually rest when you're off the clock.
Redefining Your "Why"
High-functioning anxiety often stems from chasing other people's version of success. We clarify your true values so you can set boundaries without guilt and work with intention, not just panic.
Meet Jesse Cynamon, RP
I specialize in working with high-functioning professionals who feel like they're barely holding it together. As a Registered Psychotherapist, I offer a space where you can drop the mask and stop performing.
Credentials: CRPO #10979 | MA in Counselling Psychology
Wondering if it's actually ADHD?
Many professionals confuse high-functioning anxiety with adult ADHD. Read our guide to understand the difference.
Read: Adult ADHD vs. Anxiety Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is "High-Functioning Anxiety" a real diagnosis?
It is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it is a very real clinical presentation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The difference is that instead of "freezing," your fight-or-flight response makes you "fight" (overwork, over-prepare). Because you are functional, you often don't get help until you hit burnout.
Will therapy make me lose my "edge" at work?
This is the #1 fear I hear. The answer is no. Anxiety is a dirty fuel—it burns hot and fast, but it damages the engine. We replace that fuel with values-driven motivation. You will likely become more effective because you won't be wasting mental energy on catastrophic thinking or second-guessing every email.
Do you offer evening appointments?
Yes, I specifically reserve evening spots for professionals who cannot leave work during the day. Virtual therapy allows you to transition from "work mode" to "therapy mode" without a commute.
Ready to Reclaim Your Mental Space?
You don't have to wait for a breakdown to ask for help. Therapy can be the tool that helps you sustain your success without the suffering.
Book Free 15-Min Consultation
Virtual sessions available evenings & weekends.