We understand high-functioning anxiety, volunteer at Fern Park & the LA River, and Porchfest LA!
A Letter From Our Founder
Dear reader,
Have you made it through September intact? Because, borrowing from lingo I picked up from my favorite reality dating shows, I’m cooked (am I using this right?). September kicked my ass. So much to organize, so much work to do, so much going on from the moment my alarm went off until I laid my weary head down at night. Some of it was lovely and exciting and some of it was downright grueling. And, of course, some was a mixture of both.
Every day, I offered myself words of encouragement. That is, until my car got towed and then I realized that I had misplaced my keys after getting a ride to the tow yard. That’s when I lost it, and the feelings that had been bubbling inside came to a boil. I stood in the middle of the sidewalk swearing every expletive I could think of as loudly as possible.
My anxiety had been working with me and against me until that moment, keeping me moving and pushing me past what I could actually handle. It took losing my keys in a tow yard parking lot for me to realize how much I had piled on myself.
If any of this sounds familiar, you might know what it’s like to live with high-functioning anxiety. It doesn’t look like anxiety from the outside. It looks like competence. But underneath, it can feel like a low hum that never fully turns off. This month’s blog article digs into what high-functioning anxiety actually is and why it can be so hard to recognize in yourself.
As always, if you’re looking for support with this or anything else, we’re here. You can reach us at info@takeroottherapy.com or call or text (323) 388-5578.
Hoping for more ease for all of us,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?: When Anxiety Doesn’t Look Like Anxiety
I have had moments when my anxiety peaks and makes it hard for me to tend to my responsibilities or spend time with the people I love. I remember one panic attack when I was scheduled to take my kid out for a bike ride. My stomach was in knots the whole time, I felt sick to my stomach, and was anywhere but present while pumping my legs on the bike. But most of the time, my anxiety is undetected by others. In fact, people assume that I have it all together and that I have it all figured out. They’ve shared this with me once they’ve gotten to know me and I’ve been vulnerable about my inner world, and I’m always shocked. But my anxiety, my “high-functioning anxiety,” has both pushed me to seem totally together while at the same time making me want to crawl out of my …
How to Help
Fern Dell Park Workday
Help Friends of Griffith Park clear debris, small branches, and invasive plants from stream beds near Fern Dell and Red Oak Drive. Please complete the required volunteer form before attending. Bring a hat, water, and closed-toe shoes; tools and gloves will be provided
WHEN:
Saturday, September 26
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE:
Fern Dell, Griffith Park
Meet near Fern Dell and Red Oak Drive
Great LA River Clean Up
Join Friends of the LA River for its annual community cleanup. Volunteers will help remove trash from river sites and care for local habitat. Check the event page for site locations and registration details.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 3 and Saturday, October 10
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE:
Multiple sites along the LA River
Community Events
Porchfest LA
Enjoy free live music on neighborhood porches across Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and East Hollywood. The volunteer-run festival also welcomes community members who’d like to help with event day, sound, outreach, or flyers
WHEN:
Saturday, October 17 – Sunday, October 18
WHERE:
Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and East Hollywood
Olvera Street Muertos Artwalk
Browse art, jewelry, clothing, and handmade goods from more than 35 local artists. This free, family-friendly event will also feature live music and performances.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 3
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
WHERE:
Olvera Street
Downtown Los Angeles
Featured Publications
The Friendship Rituals That Are More Important Than You Think
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
Experts Say ‘Insinuation Anxiety’ Is On The Rise — And Technology Might Be To Blame
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
Why Talking to Your Parents Still Pushes Your Buttons—Even as an Adult
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie