Anxiety in High-Achievers: When Success Masks Stress

Anxiety in High Achievers

Living in New York City demands drive, ambition, and resilience. For many high-achievers—whether professionals, entrepreneurs, or students—the hustle never stops. From the outside, their lives look impressive. Inside, though, many quietly suffer with anxiety, perfectionism, and fear of failure.

At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, a Brooklyn-based practice, we specialize in helping successful individuals navigate the emotional costs of achievement through evidence-based therapy both in person and via online therapy.

The Silent Struggle: What Anxiety Looks Like in High-Achievers

Anxiety in high-functioning people can be difficult to detect—even to themselves. Rather than presenting as panic attacks or avoidance, it shows up as:

Constant fear of underperformance
Overworking and difficulty disconnecting
Trouble sleeping or “shutting off” mentally
Impostor syndrome despite accolades
Reluctance to rest due to guilt

In cities like Brooklyn, Park Slope, Williamsburg, and the West Village, the drive to succeed often masks emotional distress.

Why Are High-Achievers Prone to Anxiety?

1. Perfectionism and Control

Driven individuals often hold themselves to perfectionistic standards. Anything less feels like failure, which breeds chronic worry.

2. External Validation

Success can become a core part of identity. When praise stops—or competition rises—self-worth may plummet.

3. Suppressed Emotions

High-achievers are often conditioned to “power through.” This leaves little room to process anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt.

How Therapy Helps High-Performing Individuals

At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we offer personalized therapy for anxiety in Brooklyn and NYC tailored to busy, achievement-oriented clients. Our therapists help you slow down, reflect, and recover without compromising your goals.

🔹 Evidence-Based Tools We Use:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Change anxious thought patterns and perfectionist habits
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Learn to manage stress in the moment
Narrative Therapy: Separate self-worth from performance
Online Therapy: Flexible scheduling from home or office

Therapy is not about lowering your standards—it’s about raising your well-being.

Online Therapy for Busy NYC Professionals

Don’t have time to commute to therapy? No problem. We offer secure virtual sessions via Telehealth, accessible from Bay Ridge to Manhattan, ideal for:

Corporate executives
Medical professionals
Students at NYC universities
Remote workers and entrepreneurs

Explore our online therapy options →

You Deserve Support—Not Just Success

If you’re constantly pushing forward but feeling emotionally exhausted, therapy may be the reset you need. You don’t need to “break down” to ask for help. Therapy can prevent burnout, restore clarity, and help you reconnect with what truly matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Whether in-person or online, all therapy sessions at Resilient Mind Psychotherapy are fully confidential and HIPAA-compliant.

Can therapy help with work stress and burnout?

Absolutely. Our therapists specialize in helping clients manage anxiety tied to high-pressure careers and success-driven lifestyles.

Do you offer evening or virtual sessions?

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling—including evenings—and secure online therapy for clients across Brooklyn and New York State.

Ready to Balance Success with Sanity?

At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we believe high achievers deserve emotional support too. Whether you’re in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, or anywhere in NYC, our licensed therapists are here to help you thrive—not just succeed.

🖋️ About the Author

Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder & Clinical Director, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy

Yana Shenker is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, a Brooklyn-based practice dedicated to transforming society’s relationship with mental health. Motivated by her personal experience with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Yana pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in 2012. Her professional journey includes working in psychiatric in-patient facilities and with children with developmental disabilities. In 2020, she established Resilient Mind Psychotherapy to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across New York State.