Understanding High-Functioning Depression
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
If you have high-functioning depression (functional depression), you will experience symptoms of depression but can maintain your day-to-day responsibilities.
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. With high-functioning depression, you may appear to be emotionally well to others, but struggle with feelings of sadness, low energy, and negative thoughts.
When you tell others you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, you may be told that you don’t look depressed. However, just because you can meet deadlines, complete tasks, and socialize doesn’t mean you haven’t been living with high-functioning depression for years.
Is High-Functioning Depression Real?
Yes, high-functioning depression is real.
High-functioning depression is persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia. While high-functioning depression isn’t a clinical diagnosis, you may have the symptoms of depression while managing to appear outwardly successful and maintaining daily life obligations.
What Does High-Functioning Depression Look Like?
If you have high-functioning depression, you may have similar symptoms to clinical depression or major depressive disorder.
However, it can be challenging to notice the signs of high-functioning depression because you may often mask your feelings and hold them in.
Why Is High-Functioning Depression So Hard to Recognize?
Recognizing high-functioning depression is difficult because those with it hide their feelings from others.
To those on the outside, nothing appears wrong. If you have high-functioning depression, you may have a steady job, pay your bills on time, have a clean house, and be a good parent.
Having high-functioning depression can be challenging because you may not know you’re struggling. The symptoms of high-functioning depression – unlike those with major depression, where there is a baseline of “normal” feelings and emotions – are persistent.
However, it is crucial to point out that describing depression as “high-functioning” can be harmful. The use of the term makes it sound like the symptoms are less severe than those of another form of depression, like major depression. If you think your symptoms are less severe, you may dismiss them, think you won’t be believed, or choose not to seek treatment.
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility is here if you have any questions about your symptoms.
High-Functioning Depression Signs & Symptoms
If you have high-functioning depression, you may be able to function in your daily life but quietly hide signs of depression.
The symptoms of high-functioning depression include:
- Persistent sadness
- Fatigue
- Low mood
- Persistent exhaustion
- Avoiding emotions through overworking
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability
- Sleep changes
- Anxiety
- Social isolation
These symptoms negatively affect your physical and mental well-being.
At Ocean View, you will see a healthcare professional to evaluate the need for antidepressants, stabilize and maintain your medications, and improve your mental health and well-being. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that includes treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
What Are High-Functioning Depression Symptoms?
The symptoms of high-functioning depression are often the same as those of other mood disorders.
You may have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Low energy
- Imposter syndrome
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Lack of self-care routines, including hygiene
- Think about suicide, self-harm, or death
If you do have thoughts of self-harm, harming others, or suicide, reach out immediately to the Suicide & Crisis Hotline by calling, texting, or chatting 988. A counselor is available 24/7.
You can also contact Ocean View to talk about your symptoms and see if you can get immediate acute psychiatric crisis stabilization at our facility. A mental health professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation to see if you qualify for our inpatient treatment program.
What Are the Signs of High-Functioning Depression?
The signs of high-functioning depression can be mistaken for mild depression and be shrugged off by those with its symptoms.
If you are struggling with high-functioning depression, you may have an idea of what depression should look like. You may think it means that you are unable to function in your day-to-day life. You may also think that the symptoms are linked to those experienced by those with acute depression.
Suppose you experience any of the symptoms previously mentioned. While those symptoms may appear to be a part of your life, they may be a sign that you are living with high-functioning depression. In that case, you should talk to a mental health professional or your doctor about them and discuss whether depression treatment is right for you.
Do I Have High-Functioning Depression?
You may be experiencing high-functioning depression if you show symptoms of depression but can still maintain your daily responsibilities.
However, you may not notice the symptoms of high-functioning depression because you think they are a part of your regular daily routine. You may feel you’re doing fine and are not struggling with a mental health condition.
You may not realize you have high-functioning depression because you have experienced the symptoms for years. In some cases, you may not know what it feels like to feel mentally well. You may feel this way because you don’t feel connected to others or engaged with what is happening around you.
Individuals with high-functioning depression may try to self-medicate their symptoms. You should look at your lifestyle habits to see if you have signs of:
- Substance abuse
- Excessive gambling
- Alcohol misuse
- Workaholism
- Perfectionism
High Functioning Depression and Substance Use
What Happens When High-Functioning Depression Co-Occurs With Substance Abuse?
When high-functioning depression co-occurs with substance abuse, it means you may be abusing substances like drugs or alcohol to numb the feelings of sadness you are experiencing.
The co-occurrence of depression and substance abuse is common. Studies show that one-third of individuals with anxiety disorders or depression have a co-occurring substance abuse problem, creating a complicated cycle that negatively impacts relationships, work, and social lives.
The harmful impact of co-occurring disorders can decrease your quality of life and increase risk-taking behaviors. The interplay of mental health issues and substance abuse demonstrates the need for a personalized treatment plan that includes evidence-based treatment options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
The use of evidence-based treatment options, along with holistic therapies and medications, can support clinical improvement and help maintain positive mental health.
What Substances Can Perpetuate Symptoms of Depression?
There are specific medications prescribed for anxiety, high blood pressure, corticosteroids, hormone treatments, and pain relief that can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
Some of these medications include:
- Prednisone
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Blood pressure medications (ask your doctor)
- Acid reflux medications
- Pain medications (talk with your doctor)
Other substances can increase the risk of depression.
These substances include:
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
- Nicotine
Before you take or expose yourself to any of these substances, you should consider how they can affect your physical and mental well-being.
Do Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Always Co-Occur?
No, substance abuse and mental health disorders don’t always co-exist.
If you have one type of disorder, you may not develop a different kind of disorder; however, among specific groups, being diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder is not uncommon. For example, if you have a family history of substance abuse or mental health disorders, you have a greater chance of a diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder.
High-Functioning Depression & Loved Ones
How Does High-Functioning Depression Affect Relationships?
High-functioning depression can have a negative impact on relationships.
You may appear to be fine to others while you are actually internally struggling with feelings of fatigue, low energy, sadness, and disinterest.
These symptoms can lead to a disconnect between you and a loved one, and when this happens, there are often issues such as:
- Miscommunication
- Reduced interactions
- Emotional distance
- Difficulty expressing feelings
- Irritability
- Negative impact on intimacy
Recognizing these signs is vital to the health of a relationship. If you notice your relationship is struggling because of one or more of these symptoms, you can find support and help at Ocean View. Our mental health professionals provide you with skills that can decrease the negative impact of the symptoms of high-functioning depression through healthy communication tools.
How Can You Support Someone With High-Functioning Depression?
Supporting someone with high-functioning depression can include:
- Listening to them without judgement
- Support them by encouraging open, safe conversation
- Suggest they seek help from a professionally trained mental health therapist
- Educate yourself
- Offer to do activities they enjoy
- Use open-ended questions like “Is there something I can do to help?”
- Validate how they feel
- Practice acts of kindness
- Avoid taking their symptoms personally
- Help find resources
- Act if you’re afraid they may harm themselves or others
Most often, the best thing you can do to help someone you love who is experiencing high-functioning depression is to be there for them in a safe, empathetic way that makes them feel loved and understood.
What Would I Say to a Loved One if They Were Thinking This Way?
Talking with a loved one who has high-functioning depression is about being there for them, not “fixing” them.
A few simple phrases you can use to make them feel understood are:
- “I’m here for you.”
- “I care about you.”
- “You’re not alone in this.”
- “I want to help you.”
- “How have you been feeling?”
- “Would you like to (go for a walk, have lunch, etc) together?”
- “Can I help you with something today?”
Additionally, be patient and understand your loved one may not want to talk or be around anyone. Your commitment to being there and your openness to active listening make a difference.
How Do I Help Someone With High-Functioning Depression?
Helping someone with high-functioning depression may be challenging at times, but the fact that you’re there for them in an empathetic, supportive way makes a significant difference in their life.
When you take the time to talk, listen, or be present in their life, they can feel understood.
Diagnosis of High-Functioning-Depression
Is High-Functioning Depression Treatable?
Yes, high-functioning depression can be treated with:
- Lifestyle changes: Eliminating unhealthy behaviors with regular exercise, nutritious, healthy foods, and a regular sleep schedule can improve an individual’s well-being.
- Therapy: CBT is an evidence-based, effective therapy that can change negative thought patterns. Furthermore, interpersonal therapy can positively impact relationships and communication.
- Medication: Antidepressants (SSRIs) or other types of antidepressants can help stabilize symptoms.
Many with high-functioning depression may not recognize the symptoms, but it is essential to seek help as soon as their symptoms are noticed. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening, help recognize when symptoms are recurring, and, through treatment, equip individuals with the skills needed to maintain their well-being.
What Are the Challenges of Diagnosing High-Functioning Depression?
Is There a High-functioning Depression Test?
There are online, self-assessment high-functioning depression tests.
However, it is essential that you talk with your doctor or a mental health professional to see if you have persistent depressive disorder.
Treatment for High-Functioning Depression
How Is High-Functioning Depression Treated?
High-functioning depression isn’t a diagnosable disorder, but it can be treated like other depressive disorders with:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Medication
- Support groups
- Mindfulness practices and meditation
- Lifestyle changes
Seeking help for high-functioning depression is a positive step towards your physical and mental well-being.
How Can I Manage High-Functioning Depression?
Managing high-functioning depression includes a combination of treatment options such as:
- Medication
- Regular exercise
- Mindfulness practices
- Talk therapy
- Healthy diet
- Good sleep
- Maintaining good hygiene habits
You can find support groups, a therapist, and people who live with and support you, who can also help you manage your symptoms.
Is There Therapy for High-Functioning Depression?
Yes, various therapy modalities can help you with high-functioning depression.
The types of therapies that are proven to help include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Group therapy
If your symptoms are severe, you can seek help at an acute psychiatric health facility like Ocean View. At Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility, we provide crisis stabilization, including medication stabilization and monitoring, individual and group therapy, and recreational therapy.
Is There High-Functioning Depression Medication?
Yes, there is medication that can be used to treat the symptoms of high-functioning depression.
Psychiatric professionals often prescribe antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Is One Type of Antidepressant Better?
No, one type of antidepressant isn’t better than another.
The antidepressant you’re prescribed is determined by what works best for you and your symptoms. When you’re prescribed an antidepressant, you will be monitored to see if it is effective, safe for you, or if the dose needs to be changed. If the antidepressant doesn’t appear to make a change in your symptoms, it may be replaced with a different antidepressant.
FAQs
Can you be depressed and still be successful?
Yes, you can have the symptoms of depression and still be successful.
Often, an individual with high-functioning depression can function in their day-to-day life, be successful at work, and socialize with others. However, they may feel disconnected, fatigued, and sad throughout their day for years.
What are some signs that you or your loved one might have persistent depressive disorder?
Some common signs you or a loved one may have persistent depressive disorder are:
- Long-lasting low energy
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
Can high-functioning depression go away on its own?
No, high-functioning depression doesn’t go away by itself.
It often requires personalized treatment that can include:
- Talk therapy
- Other evidence-based therapies
- Medication
When untreated, the symptoms of high-functioning depression can worsen and may lead to:
- Thoughts of death
- Self-harm
- Suicide
Is there a link between high-functioning autism and depression?
Yes, there is a link between high-functioning autism and high-functioning depression.
Research has shown that individuals diagnosed with high-functioning autism are at a higher risk of developing high-functioning depression.
Some factors that can contribute to a higher risk include:
- Social isolation: Trying to socialize in a world that isn’t designed for those with autism often creates feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Bullying and Stigma: Some individuals bully or perpetuate the stigma against individuals with autism, which can increase mental health issues.
- An overloaded cognitive system: The focus it takes to navigate in a neurotypical environment often leads to burnout, which then can trigger a depressive episode.
What is high-functioning bipolar depression?
Individuals who have high-functioning bipolar depression can maintain a level of functioning in their day-to-day lives despite experiencing the symptoms of depression.
Since high-functioning bipolar depression isn’t an official diagnosis, it can go unnoticed and untreated.
Is there a relationship between high-functioning depression and anxiety?
Yes, there is a relationship between anxiety and high-functioning depression.
The combination of the two mental health conditions can be challenging for individuals who have the symptoms of both. The interactions among the symptoms may increase their severity and their effects on one another.