It’s Not Easy Being Type A

by Deborah Krevalin

I work with bright, successful professionals, many of whom are ‘high-strung.’ They are also intelligent, organized, creative and reliable.

People who are “high-strung” have a frenetic form of anxiety and are often unlovingly referred to as Type- A.  Their symptoms are much more intense than the common worry or concern. They feel an internal beat within that is palpable, and an urgency of thought that causes pressured speech and can be off-putting to those around them. High-strung people are easily stressed, and can be impatient and irritable and often hear friends and family telling them to “chill out” or “just relax”, which of course, is never helpful.

As a Psychotherapist, Relationship Expert, and Business Coach, I work with bright, successful professionals, many of whom are ‘high-strung’. They also tend to be intelligent, organized, creative, reliable and capable and would like nothing more than to feel relaxed, at peace, and “chill.” However, this state of being is extremely difficult for them to achieve.  

How do you combat being high strung? Like most things in life, it takes practice and commitment. “Calling yourself out” when you become agitated, irritated, and impatient can be an effective intervention. Employing Positive Self-Talk is an excellent tool that can slow us down, and help decrease emotionality. It can decrease internal chaos and give us a chance to regain composure, and problem-solve more productively. Exercise is an “oldie but goodie” remedy for Type- A individuals. Taking a run, lifting weights, or jamming out to your favorite tune are not only heart-healthy options but they make us feel strong and powerful, restoring faith in ourselves to create positive change and self-control.