It’s a wide-held misbelief that if you are depressed, you cannot be functional. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, “functioning” could actually be a sign of depression.
High-functioning depression is a subtype of depression where individuals experience many of the symptoms of depression but are still able to maintain daily activities and responsibilities. Unlike major depression, high-functioning depression may not interfere with a person’s ability to function at work or school, and they may appear to be functioning well on the outside, despite struggling internally. However, this does not mean that the person is not suffering or that their symptoms are less severe. High-functioning depression can still have a significant impact on a person’s overall quality of life and mental health, and it is important to seek support and treatment if you suspect you may be experiencing this type of depression.
High-functioning depression can look different for different people, but some examples of how it may manifest include:
- Someone who appears to be successful and accomplished in their career, but struggles with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness when not at work.
- Someone who maintains a busy social life and appears outgoing, but experiences persistent fatigue and lack of energy, making it difficult to engage in social activities.
- Someone who seems to have their life together and is highly functional in their day-to-day tasks, but experiences difficulty sleeping and persistent negative thoughts that interfere with their overall well-being.
- Someone who appears to be happy and content on the surface, but experiences a loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed, and struggles to find pleasure or meaning in their daily life.
- Someone who is highly productive and efficient, but experiences self-critical thoughts and feelings of worthlessness that undermine their accomplishments and achievements.
- Someone who is the life of the party, but secretly over-indulges in harmful behavior (ie. drinking, drugs, sex).
It is important to note that high-functioning depression can manifest differently for each individual, and that seeking support from a mental health professional can help in identifying and addressing symptoms of depression, even if they are not immediately apparent to others.
If you need help dealing with symptoms of high functioning depression, help is available today.
Contact one of our therapists now.