Blog

Many people assume that anxiety looks like avoidance, panic attacks, or visible distress. But for countless high-achieving adults—especially in fast-paced cities like New York—anxiety can hide behind success, productivity, and exceptional performance. This is known as high-functioning anxiety, and while it’s often invisible to others, it can take a powerful toll on a person’s emotional, physical, and relational well-being.

As a psychologist, I often talk with patients about the importance of social connection, the benefits of novelty, and how powerful it can be to bring more joy, play, and presence into our lives. What I don’t always share is how much these same practices matter in my own life — and how meaningful it has been for me lately to try new things purely for connection, curiosity, and fun.