Under & Over Functioning
Under Functioning and Over Functioning are two ways we can respond to anxiety.
Over Functioning Anxiety is the person who kicks into action when stressed or anxious. They take control, make lists, and start doing.
This isn’t a problem as long as it’s not an avoidant strategy, whereby you’re distracting yourself from feeling or you’re so caught up in action you’re like a headless chicken and causing more harm than if you took some time to be still and plan.
Under Functioning is when we slow down or hide. The stimuli get too overwhelming and so we look to retreat so we can gather ourselves and work out a plan. Over Functioning is regarding higher in society than Under Functioning, as we value action over inaction. But in the same way it’s only a problem if it’s an unhealthy avoidant strategy.
Trying to avoid feeling is unhealthy for us. Knowing what are natural responses to anxiety and stress are important as then we can consciously chose whether we need to act right now or whether it’s best to pause and plan.
