What Is High-Functioning Depression?

Picture this: your best friend always has a smile on their face. As far as you can tell, they are thriving. They complete their daily obligations, but something feels off. They tell you they’ve been unmotivated and feel low most of the day. To everyone on the outside, life seems normal. This is why high-functioning depression is tricky; it can mask itself so well.

Noticing the signs of high-functioning depression can be difficult. It is not clinically diagnosed because it doesn’t prevent someone from living their daily life, but it is important to treat.

Understanding High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is a non-clinical label for a type of depression that isn’t as severe as clinical depression. It’s a confusing and tricky way of saying yes, it’s depression, but it’s typically not at a debilitating level.

In many cases, someone with high-functioning depression can complete daily tasks and responsibilities and mask their depression. Most people with high-functioning depression can still maintain school, work, and personal obligations while having a lack of motivation and a lower mood. They tend to struggle in silence, and it’s not as noticeable to those around them.

Causes of High-Functioning Depression

There are multiple causes of high-functioning depression, and they will vary from person to person. High-functioning depression can be caused by high levels of stress from family, school, or work. It can also be due to traumas from the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or physical or mental abuse.

Medical illness and chronic pain can also lead to high-functioning depression. Many with chronic health issues tend to get “used” to what they’re going through, and they struggle without telling others. It’s also possible that someone can have a predisposition to depression based on heredity.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the biggest differences between standard depression and high-functioning depression is that someone with high-functioning depression can appear as if nothing is wrong. Many will still have a smile on their face and seem like they’re in a relatively good mood. They could be less active or less willing to do things they used to enjoy. While some may openly express hopelessness or helplessness, many will try to hide their feelings.

 Additional signs and symptoms can include:

■     Being irritable or angry regularly

■     Productively levels are lower than usual

■     Rapid weight loss or weight gain

■     Feeling tired despite adequate amounts of sleep

■     Not being able to sleep at night due to ruminating

■     Oversleeping or taking extended naps when they don’t feel tired

How to Cope

If you’re feeling depressed or have symptoms of depression, please make sure you speak with a healthcare professional. Talking to family and friends about how you’re feeling can also be beneficial. As difficult as it can be, talking to someone can help you feel heard, understood, and less alone. In addition to talking to a therapist, the tips below could be useful for coping with high-functioning depression.

Set daily goals.

Setting attainable goals is always a good thing to do. This can be especially true for someone with high-functioning anxiety. Having goals you can reach will help boost overall self-esteem and confidence and help you stay on track.

Make overall health improvements.

This can include improving your diet to incorporate foods that help provide energy and help you feel less sluggish. You can also add exercise to your daily routine to help improve mental health and overall mood. It’s also important to create healthy sleeping habits that include going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.

Having high-functioning depression can make you feel lonely and scared. It’s important to remember you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact us to make a therapy appointment. We can help you find the root of your high-functioning depression and get you started on your healing journey.

Picture this: your best friend always has a smile on their face. As far as you can tell, they are thriving. They complete their daily obligations, but something feels off. They tell you they’ve been unmotivated and feel low most of the day. To everyone on the outside, life seems normal. This is why high-functioning depression is tricky; it can mask itself so well.

Noticing the signs of high-functioning depression can be difficult. It is not clinically diagnosed because it doesn’t prevent someone from living their daily life, but it is important to treat.

Understanding High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is a non-clinical label for a type of depression that isn’t as severe as clinical depression. It’s a confusing and tricky way of saying yes, it’s depression, but it’s typically not at a debilitating level.

In many cases, someone with high-functioning depression can complete daily tasks and responsibilities and mask their depression. Most people with high-functioning depression can still maintain school, work, and personal obligations while having a lack of motivation and a lower mood. They tend to struggle in silence, and it’s not as noticeable to those around them.

Causes of High-Functioning Depression

There are multiple causes of high-functioning depression, and they will vary from person to person. High-functioning depression can be caused by high levels of stress from family, school, or work. It can also be due to traumas from the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or physical or mental abuse.

Medical illness and chronic pain can also lead to high-functioning depression. Many with chronic health issues tend to get “used” to what they’re going through, and they struggle without telling others. It’s also possible that someone can have a predisposition to depression based on heredity.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the biggest differences between standard depression and high-functioning depression is that someone with high-functioning depression can appear as if nothing is wrong. Many will still have a smile on their face and seem like they’re in a relatively good mood. They could be less active or less willing to do things they used to enjoy. While some may openly express hopelessness or helplessness, many will try to hide their feelings.

 Additional signs and symptoms can include:

■     Being irritable or angry regularly

■     Productively levels are lower than usual

■     Rapid weight loss or weight gain

■     Feeling tired despite adequate amounts of sleep

■     Not being able to sleep at night due to ruminating

■     Oversleeping or taking extended naps when they don’t feel tired

How to Cope

If you’re feeling depressed or have symptoms of depression, please make sure you speak with a healthcare professional. Talking to family and friends about how you’re feeling can also be beneficial. As difficult as it can be, talking to someone can help you feel heard, understood, and less alone. In addition to talking to a therapist, the tips below could be useful for coping with high-functioning depression.

Set daily goals.

Setting attainable goals is always a good thing to do. This can be especially true for someone with high-functioning anxiety. Having goals you can reach will help boost overall self-esteem and confidence and help you stay on track.

Make overall health improvements.

This can include improving your diet to incorporate foods that help provide energy and help you feel less sluggish. You can also add exercise to your daily routine to help improve mental health and overall mood. It’s also important to create healthy sleeping habits that include going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.

Having high-functioning depression can make you feel lonely and scared. It’s important to remember you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact us to make a depression therapy appointment. We can help you find the root of your high-functioning depression and get you started on your healing journey.