Understanding High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis. Rather, it is a term used to refer to someone who appears to be a normal functioning person because his or her symptoms do not disrupt their work or social life. They can fulfill their daily tasks and responsibilities, be productive, and appear to have everything together on the outside, despite their private inner struggle with deep depressive feelings.

High functioning, however, is not the same as happy and healthy. Depression is still depression, no matter how well you can function and cope with life. Even though you may not think you have a problem or that you need help, it is still important for you to reach out and get the support you need. Left untreated, it can turn into more severe mental health issues down the road, as well as rob you of your quality of life.

Even though high-functioning depression is not recognized as a mental health condition in the revised edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is often associated with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), which is a chronic, low-grade form of depression that usually lasts for two to three years.

Indications of high-functioning depression

Some key red flags that could indicate you are struggling with high-functioning depression include persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness, lack of enthusiasm or joy, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, a pessimistic outlook on life, feeling as though everything you do seems like a monumental effort, and over-functioning at work or home to mask your symptoms and avoid being a burden to others.

Common symptoms

High-functioning depression can manifest in different ways in different people, but some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty finding joy or meaning in life.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Low energy.
• Low self-esteem.
• Self-doubt.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Loss of appetite or overeating.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Irritability.
• Brain fog.
• Perfectionism.
• Loss of interest in doing things.
• Limiting social interactions.
• Self-doubt.
• Unexplained aches and pains.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.
• A tendency to be self-critical.
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, ashamed, or burdensome.
• Impostor syndrome.

Why people with high-functioning depression may hide their symptoms

People with high-functioning depression may mask or suppress their feelings for any number of reasons. They may be unaware they have a mental health problem or be in denial of the impact of their symptoms, or they may have a fear of being judged or criticized and want to avoid the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Other reasons may include a lack of information about symptoms and available treatment options, not knowing how to ask for help because they think people won’t believe them, guilt or shame, not wanting to seem needy or be a burden, or to avoid losing their job or disrupting relationships and social activities.

Importance of treatment and support

Being able to mask your symptoms does not diminish their negative impact. High-functioning depression is unlikely to go away on its own, and if ignored, can lead to several physical and mental illnesses down the road such as anxiety and heart disease, as well as rob you of your quality of life.

If you resonate with what you have read in this article about high-functioning depression and would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors at Texas Christian Counseling to discuss your concerns and how you could benefit from therapy, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.