What is High Functioning Depression?

The sound of the alarm goes off in the morning, and you wake and get up with ease to start your day. After a shower and getting dressed, you look completely put together and ready to tackle the day like a boss. You arrive at work and sip your morning coffee.

As the day goes on, you complete every responsibility required of you, maybe even a bit extra. Tasks are submitted on time. Both your physical space and your schedule are organized to perfection. You are able to juggle whatever demands come your way.

On the outside, everything appears as put together as anyone could possibly be. But they are not seeing the crushing weight you carry around as you navigate your day.

You have perfected the art of portraying an average demeanor, but internally, you feel this hopelessness, and everything is a struggle. This is high-functioning depression.

Characteristics of High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is a type of depression where you experience the symptoms of depression, but are still able to maintain most of your ability to function. You are able to participate in social engagements and take care of personal responsibilities. Holding a job and keeping dynamics professional with colleagues is not an issue.

Your outward appearance does not alarm anyone of any problem. Your struggle all takes place on the inside, unnoticed. Symptoms are generally less intense compared to a standard depressive disorder, but they do tend to last longer.

Common Symptoms Experienced

When living with high-functioning depression, you often experience sadness, hopelessness, and low moods. You may be able to put on that fake smile on the outside, but your inside is a wreck.

It is often accompanied by sleep disturbances and changes in appetite. Sleeping changes can include insomnia or sleeping too much. When either or both are affected, it can result in low energy, fatigue, and brain fog.

You may experience difficulty concentrating, which can make routine tasks take longer and require more effort. Depending on how active your symptoms are, you could actually have a decrease in productivity.

While relationships can be maintained, withdrawal from non-essential social functions is common. Spending the energy to be "on" when feeling taxed and down just does not seem worth it.

One key symptom worth noting is a need for perfectionism. With high-functioning depression, you often set unrealistically high standards for yourself. It is meant to be a technique to cope, but it can end up causing you to feel other negative emotions as well.

Managing High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is tricky because most of these symptoms get masked. People outside do not realize the extent to which you are struggling. You show up when you need to and maintain your lifestyle, so no red flags pop up.

Less awareness on the outside, mixed with the ability to handle what is going on internally, makes it less likely that you will receive the support you need. When you do not appreciate the problem for its severity, you are less likely to seek treatment.

If you or someone you love has concerns about high-functioning depression, working with a professional is an excellent step to finding healing. This type of depression can be treated with the right lifestyle changes and use of healthy coping strategies.

During therapy sessions, I can work to uncover any underlying causes that are affecting your situation. We can look at patterns in your behavior to see where modifications need to be made. We can also explore exercises to improve the internal struggle you've been going through.

If you are interested in learning more, contact me today.