High-functioning stress is an invisible yet pervasive issue, particularly among high-achieving individuals. Those working in high-pressure sectors often operate under immense pressure to perform at extraordinary levels1. While outwardly successful, many of these individuals may experience chronic internal stress that remains unnoticed or underplayed1. The constant drive for excellence and perfectionism fuels incredible accomplishments, but it also paves the way for significant mental wellbeing challenges such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional exhaustion1.
Maintaining an image of success often means putting on a mask; hiding vulnerability and downplaying any sign of weakness2. This facade, while preserving a public image, can limit the emotional support available and leave the individual silently battling stress and mental strain2. For many, stress doesn’t appear as an emotional collapse but instead manifests as heightened productivity, control, and achievement on the surface, masking deeper emotional distress.
In this blog, we’ll explore how stress can evolve from high-functioning stress to emotional shut-down, and the profound impact this can have not only on mental wellbeing but also on personal relationships. We’ll also discuss how to recognise the early signs and how addressing stress in its early stages can prevent more severe conditions such as burnout, high-functioning anxiety, and depression1.
The hidden burden of high-functioning stress
High-functioning stress refers to a form of chronic stress experienced by individuals who, on the surface, appear to be thriving in high-pressure roles. These individuals – often high achievers in leadership, corporate, or other demanding environments – may not outwardly display the signs of stress, making it difficult for others to recognise the internal toll it takes1. Their ability to maintain a facade of success and productivity often masks the emotional and mental strain that builds over time. This stress can be likened to a slow-burning fuse that, if left unchecked, can lead to more severe consequences, both mentally and physically.
In many cases, high-achieving professionals use productivity as a coping mechanism, leading to a phenomenon where stress becomes intertwined with their self-worth. For some, it can even develop into an ‘addiction’3-4. Studies suggest that individuals may become addicted to the rewards of productivity, such as recognition or financial gain, which only serves to reinforce the cycle of stress3-4. This ‘addiction’ to being productive is further complicated by the fact that society often rewards – and even normalises – such behaviours4.
However, this approach comes with serious risks. As chronic stress builds, it begins to take a toll on both physical and mental health. High-functioning individuals often push themselves to the point where their stress becomes unsustainable, resulting in long-term health complications2, 7-13. For instance, studies show that high achievers are more likely to experience depression due to their tendency toward perfectionism and intense self-criticism2. CEOs, in particular, have been found to have depression rates as high as 50% – double the national average5-6.
Additionally, stress can trigger anxiety in these individuals. The long-term activation of the stress response and overexposure to stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt bodily processes, increasing the risk of anxiety and other health problems7-8. If left unchecked, this can spiral into burnout – a state of physical and emotional exhaustion characterised by reduced accomplishment and feelings of detachment9. Burnout, in turn, increases vulnerability to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and inflammation10-13.
For professionals facing hidden stress, the real danger lies in its slow accumulation. Without diagnosis and treatment-based intervention, chronic stress in professionals can lead to profound physical and mental health conditions, threatening long-term wellbeing.
When stress becomes chronic: emotional shut-down
Chronic stress is the long-term accumulation of stress, where individuals remain in a heightened state of tension over extended periods14. Unlike acute stress, which is a short-term reaction to a specific event, chronic stress results from constant feelings of pressure, whether from personal or professional demands14. This prolonged exposure slowly erodes mental and physical health, depleting psychological resources and taking a significant toll on the brain and body14.
One of the primary effects of chronic stress and mental health is emotional exhaustion, a state of feeling drained and overwhelmed by ongoing stress15-16. When people are under stress they cannot control and have insufficient resources to cope, they may begin to experience emotional burnout16. Symptoms of emotional exhaustion include lack of energy, poor sleep, and a decreased ability to stay motivated or engaged with tasks16. It becomes difficult to recharge mentally and physically, making even simple activities feel exhausting.
Over time, this burnout can progress to an emotional shutdown, where individuals feel emotionally flat or numb17. Emotional shut-down is a psychological defence mechanism – a way for the brain to cope with intense stress by disengaging from overwhelming emotions17. This process occurs when the nervous system is overloaded, as the brain seeks to protect the individual from further emotional harm18. While shutting down emotionally may seem like a temporary relief, it can have long-lasting effects; people may struggle to reconnect with their emotions, leaving them feeling distant or detached from both their own inner experiences and their relationships17.
Emotional shutdown due to stress is a deep-rooted mental health condition in its own right, where individuals are unable to fully engage with their emotions17. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, feel distant from others, and have difficulty experiencing positive emotions19. Over time, this leads to isolation, further compounding stress and emotional distress17,19. Recognising the early signs of emotional shutdown – such as withdrawal, numbness, and isolation19 – is crucial for timely intervention and recovery.
As we mark Stress Awareness Week, it’s essential to highlight these hidden effects of chronic stress. By raising awareness and encouraging early identification, we can help more people recognise the signs of emotional burnout before it escalates into a shutdown, providing opportunities for better stress management and mental health care.
The impact of chronic stress on personal relationships
Chronic stress doesn’t just affect the individual; it creates a ripple effect that often disrupts personal and intimate relationships. For many high-functioning individuals, the pressure to maintain a facade of success can create a communication barrier, distancing them emotionally from their partners, friends, and family members. This emotional withdrawal worsens the stress on both sides, as loved ones struggle to understand what is really happening beneath the surface20-21.
People dealing with high-functioning stress often bottle up their emotions, making it difficult for those around them to offer support20-21. The stress they experience drains their emotional energy, leaving little room to nurture relationships or address any existing relationship issues21. This can lead to irritability, misunderstandings, and conflict, adding another layer of strain to an already overwhelmed individual. One key issue with stress and relationships is the way stress can exacerbate relationship difficulties, which in turn increases stress – creating a feedback loop where both problems compound each other21. Over time, this can push individuals into emotional isolation, making it even harder to seek help or support.
Interestingly, research suggests that the spillover of stress into personal relationships is more commonly experienced by women22. One study found that the more stressful events women faced, the more problems they perceived in their relationships – placing blame onto their partner themselves22, rather than the wider challenges that one or the other may be experiencing within their professional lives that is impacting their mental wellbeing. Men were less likely to place blame on their female partner22. This highlights how the spillover of chronic stress can manifest differently across genders, but its impact on relationships remains profound for all involved.
The role of at-home treatment in stress management
Unlike traditional clinical settings, at-home mental health care offers a more discreet and effective way to manage chronic stress, particularly for high-profile individuals in high-pressure roles. These individuals may lead busy lives that make attending residential or clinic-based treatment impractical. At-home treatment provides the flexibility to receive care without disrupting professional responsibilities or risking public exposure.
One of the key benefits of at-home mental health care for stress is the privacy it affords. For those in the public eye or who value discretion, at-home treatment allows the management of stress-related conditions in the comfort of familiar surroundings, far from the pressures of public scrutiny. Additionally, the tailored nature of at-home care ensures that treatment plans are personalised, addressing specific stressors without the rigidity of clinical schedules.
This approach integrates treatment into everyday life, making it a sustainable and realistic option for managing stress within the context of work, family, and relationships. It supports long-term recovery, helping individuals achieve better mental wellbeing without compromising their daily lives.
Breaking the cycle of stress
Recognising high-functioning stress early is critical to preventing its progression into emotional shut-down and long-term health complications. This form of stress often goes unnoticed, particularly in high achievers, but can lead to significant relationship strain and deteriorating mental and physical wellbeing if left unaddressed.
Early intervention is vital and, healthcare professionals – including GPs and psychiatrists – each play a key role in identifying the precursors to these conditions. Being proactive in recognising the signs and timely referral on to specialists can prevent further decline and promote long-term recovery.
For many individuals, particularly those in high-pressure or public-facing roles, at-home mental health care offers an effective and discreet solution. Tailored to meet their specific needs, at-home treatment integrates mental health support into daily life, making it more sustainable and realistic than traditional clinic-based options.
If you’re working with patients or clients experiencing chronic stress, consider discussing the benefits of at-home treatment. Get in touch with our team to explore how our bespoke, private mental health services can support long-term recovery and wellbeing.
References
- https://pmac.uk/resources/miscellaneous/high-achievers-syndrome/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/pieces-of-mind/202209/emotional-well-being-and-the-high-achiever
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/in-excess/202008/productivity-addiction
- https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200807-when-productivity-becomes-an-addiction
- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1136888
- https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/faces-philip.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-and-anxiety#stress-vs-anxiety
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037#:~:text=The%20long%2Dterm%20activation%20of,Anxiety.
- https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/managing-smart/how-to-douse-chronic-workplace-stress-explodes-full-burnout
- https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)31714-7/fulltext
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/02/04/chronic-stress-can-cause-heart-trouble
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2019/november/sleep-and-heart-and-circulatory-diseases
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder
- https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-exhaustion
- https://hola.health/health-info/mental-health/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-shutting-down-emotionally
- https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/a-therapist-explains-why-we-shut-down-when-flooded-with-big-emotions
- https://www.verywellmind.com/emotional-numbing-symptoms-2797372
- https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2018/atp-relationship-stress
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/close-encounters/202212/how-stress-changes-what-you-notice-about-your-partner
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167203255984?journalCode=pspc
