The Sunday scaries are creeping in...and it’s Saturday night. Here we go again...

You want to love your job because work is such a big part of who you are. You pride yourself on being a good manager, a loyal employee. Some days it does feel really fulfilling. You feel yourself learning and growing and proud of what you do. But most days you’re f*cking exhausted. If you get another email or calendar invite, you’ll scream. 

Something always feels off, and you constantly feel on, and this is where the burnout cycle of toxic productivity begins.

How did this happen? You’ve always excelled and pushed yourself to do well in school and at work. You were the girl who signed her own permission slips and report cards in school because you got things done easily and efficiently. And to the external world, you’re still doing well. Of course! Who doesn’t love an overachiever?!

Perhaps you’ve received positive feedback on your annual review or earned an award, bonus, or recognition for your work ethic, projects, or ideas. But lately, it’s been so hard to focus. You feel the need to guard both your heart and time freely. Your inner voice has become more and more critical, and you’re feeling more stress than ever. Maybe the stress is causing physical symptoms - headaches, stomach issues, trouble sleeping. This could be causing you to feel shame and guilt. How can this be the case with a “Type A” personality like yours? Was the idea of hard work really a lie?

Maybe you’ve just started a new role at work or a new job and you are struggling to determine where you fit in. “Imposter syndrome” (what a loaded phrase!) is creeping in and you’re questioning how you got here and if you belong. As a lifelong perfectionist, you question the emails you send, second guessing your word choices. You power through each day but have lingering thoughts in the back of your mind about deserving the position. Perhaps you’re uncomfortable even calling yourself an achiever, or a successful person because of your sometimes debilitating thoughts. Maybe you have specific “tics” that you’ve had for some time, but are embarrassed by or ashamed of.

Even as you read this, you may be thinking to yourself, “Anxious? Not me, no way!” Anxiety can look so many different ways, and can run the spectrum from low-key to intrusive. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. In fact, over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Though you may not have a diagnosis of anxiety, you may still experience symptoms such as stomach aches, restlessness, sweating, racing/intrusive/anxious thoughts, or irritability.

Anxiety can be confusing, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you’re an attorney or a corporate baddie, an engineer or an analyst, a freelancer or a creative, a recruiter or a teacher, you don’t have to face Sunday evening anxiety by yourself. If you’ve wanted time and space to reflect freely, but haven’t had the space or capacity to do so, reach out to me. If you have the desire for boundaries at work but don’t know where to start, I am here to help.

What anxiety as a high achiever makes you feel 💔: resentful, fatigued, dissatisfied, cynical, irritable, overwhelmed, triggered when not in control, obsessive over getting things right

What anxiety as a high achiever makes you think 💭: “I’m dreading going to work today.” “I can’t do this anymore.” “I can’t add anything more to my plate.” “I have to do everything just right.”

What anxiety as a high achiever makes you do ✔: have difficulty concentrating, beat yourself up, have trouble sleeping, struggle to get all the “to do’s” done, experience decision or analysis paralysis, ignore phone calls, avoid friendship issues

It’s tough to ask for help when you're used to going it alone. Anxiety is a very real struggle for many people, particularly after the past several years of uncertainty and chaos. However, there is a way to feel less overwhelmed and more balanced in your life and compassionate toward yourself.

I will provide you clear tools, steps, and solutions to support a more mindful approach to anxiety. Let’s work together to begin creating more harmony.

Therapy can help you process your anxious feelings about work, family, and friendships. There is relief available to you.

If you live in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., I can help.