Depression does not always look the same for everyone. The image most people associate with depression is someone in almost total isolation, unable to participate in their own lives.
However, high-functioning depression describes a group of people who are able to achieve their day-to-day tasks and maintain a sense of normalcy but are battling depressive symptoms and episodes behind closed doors. This feeling is often characterized by disinterest in daily activities and persistent feelings of fatigue and sadness.
Recognizing High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression is often generally less severe than a major depressive disorder , but many of the symptoms are similar. People with high-functioning depression can experience a range of symptoms, such as low moods and energy, lack of interest in activities, low self-esteem, and change in appetite.
Living with high-functioning depression can look different for everyone. Many people feel like they must hide their emotions, which often leads to self-isolation. In addition, the struggle of maintain “normalcy” can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, often worsening symptoms of depression.
It can be difficult to identify when someone is struggling with high-functioning depression, since the very nature of the condition is that they tend to minimize or hide their symptoms to the outside world. Here are some characteristics of high-functioning depression you might recognize in yourself or your loved ones:
- Feelings of persistent sadness, such as always feeling or being considered moody or a downer
- Feeling tired all the time, no matter how much or how little sleep you get
- Feelings of low self-esteem and unworthiness
- Having to force yourself to engage in activities that you used to be interested in
- Difficulties focusing or concentrating on work or daily tasks
How to Help Someone Battling High-Function Depression
Check in. Simply touching base with loved ones can make all the difference to someone experiencing high-functioning depression. A quick text to let someone know you’re thinking about them can relieve some of the pressure someone with high-functioning depression may face. If you’re comfortable, opening up and sharing your own struggles with loved ones can help others find comfort and create a community of support.
Listen to understand. People with high-functioning depression often face a lack of empathy from others. Because of the subtleties of the disease, coupled with the fact that the nature of high-function depression is to downplay their symptoms, others tend to dismiss symptoms someone being “moody” or having a bad day. This can lead to even deeper feelings of isolation and self-esteem issues. Listening to understand and support those with high-functioning depressions —not to offer opinions or judgment — can be a powerful tool in the healing journey.
People experiencing high functioning depression often benefit from a variety of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is designed to develop coping strategies to help those suffering manage their symptoms. Suggesting forms of therapy to those you believe are struggling might be a daunting task, but it shows the support and love necessary for healing.
Your journey toward hope and healing beyond high-functioning depression begins at Beachside Rehab in West Palm Beach, Florida. We offer a variety of holistic inpatient and outpatient mental health programs. Please call 866-349-1770 to speak with one of our trained admissions counselors.
Photo by Madison Oren on Unsplash