Signs You May Be Struggling With High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is mainly ignored. It is such an insidious form of depression that it allows one to lead a good life day after day, secretly carrying all this emotional turmoil. No matter how well the tasks at work are attended to, relationships are preserved, and personal goals are attained, they appear fine outwardly but feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from within.

In this blog post, we will discuss the signs, symptoms, and potential consequences of high-functioning depression, plus some tips on how to manage it. If you have ever wondered whether you or someone you know has this condition, this guide will help you understand what is happening.

What Is High-Functioning Depression?

Unlike common depression, where a person can hardly get out of bed, attend work, or even maintain relationships, high-functioning depression lets people go about their day-to-day lives. To outsiders, they look normal, but on the inside, they are warring with those feelings of sadness, fatigue, and emotional numbness that they may never reveal to anyone.

High-functioning depression is just as debilitating as major depression. It remains hidden in functionality and productivity, leaving it undiagnosed. Yet, an emotional price eventually wreaks havoc on a person’s mental and physical well-being.

Others who experience functioning depression can get everything done. For example, they keep pace with all their obligations while attending social gatherings and other activities. Yet the truth remains that persistent depression is not mentally healthy and emotionally healthy as assumed.

Key Characteristics 

Maintaining ResponsibilitiesPeople suffering from high-functioning depression seem to be good at accomplishing work, academic success, and other individual chores.
Internal StrugglesThey appear to have divorced their feelings, disrelated, and even hopeless, but offer the world in perfect order.
Overachieving TendenciesSome people become so engaged with jobs and other extrinsic developments to prevent inner battles that may occur.

Awareness of high-functioning depression is, is crucial because acknowledgment of the illness is the starting point of recovery.

What Are the Signs of High-Functioning Depression?

Having been diagnosed with high-functioning depression, let’s take a closer look at some common symptoms and signs. Those affected by this condition rarely fit into the ideal image that people imagine being an individual suffering from mental illness. That is not to say that there aren’t characteristic warning signs we should look for to aid in establishing this condition.

Chronic Fatigue or Exhaustion

One of the characteristics that mark high-functioning depression is the chronic fatigue a sufferer experiences. Contrasting this, a sufferer who has a significant depression illness would seriously struggle to get out of bed. 

However, a sufferer who has functional depression will make every effort to fulfill one’s obligations but feel drained in terms of both emotional strength and physical stamina.

The exhaustion that comes with high-functioning depression is both physical and emotional. It is that mental fatigue of trying to pretend everything is fine and in control, while managing a surge of feelings on the inside.

Emotional Numbness or Detachment

The key indicator of high-functioning depression is emotional numbness. A person feels alienated not only from their feelings but also from the world around them. This sense of separation sometimes expresses itself as a feeling of not enjoying, feeling interested, or finding fulfillment anymore in things that were once enjoyed.

People with depression just seem to exist or go through life as a spectator. They seem to attend social events or family gatherings but do not connect with whatever happens.

Perfectionism and Overachieving

They are perfectionists in the quest to hold on and look normal. These depressed people, in a way, will be perfectionists in pursuit of trying to be in control and not lose it while keeping up appearances.

This drive for perfection may lead to burnout. High standards are often used to cover up deeper feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. Despite the individual’s apparent success, the emotional cost can be extreme.

Difficulty Expressing or Identifying Emotions

Individuals suffering from high-functioning depression often cannot even identify their emotions or, when asked to do so, do not even comprehend them. They are frequently incapable of putting into words what’s happening. They describe the feelings as “flat” or “numb.” This makes connecting with others or reaching out for help quite challenging.

Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness

Even though a person with high-functioning depression may still get things done, they usually feel like they are not doing everything they can. There may be continuous feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, contradictory to what is happening outside.

These emotions are usually internalized, meaning the person will not express them due to the fear of not being understood or judged by others. People often suffer in silence, making it even harder to get others to realize you’re struggling.

5 Signs You May Be Dealing With High-Functioning Depression

Let’s look into the more specific symptoms of high-functioning depression. If you or a loved one is showing some of these behaviors and emotions, it may indicate that they are suffering from high-functioning depression.

  1. Constantly Feeling Drained

If you are always tired, although you sleep enough, possibly you are suffering from what is termed persistent depression. This feeling of exhaustion is always mental, emotional, and psychological rather than physical. The process of keeping an ordinary countenance while at the same time masking deeper internal struggles can drain off one’s energy.

  1. Social Withdrawal

Someone with such depression might want to go out socially, but they are pulling back from it more and more. They will think that they are merely playing a role. They may have self-isolated for fear that someone would see through them and see they are struggling. Also, activities, relationships, and interests tend to drain their energy levels over time.

  1. Loss of Interest in Things You Once Enjoyed

If you find that you get bored and unmotivated by things that used to excite and interest you, then that may be hidden depression. In this disease, individuals lose interest in activities that once made them feel good. They might still keep going out for them but leave feeling emotionally numb or uninterested.

  1. Inability to Relax

Individuals with this type of depression may not completely be able to relax and let their guard down. They may always feel as if they need to be “on” or performing at all times, even at rest. This can always leave one feeling drained or mentally exhausted.

  1. Negative Self-Talk

A common feature of hidden depression is the negative self-talk. They may find fault in themselves constantly and feel they are never good enough or don’t deserve happiness. This makes them feel inadequate and develop self-doubt in situations where everything else may be going great.

What Happens When High-Functioning Depression Co-Occurs With Substance Abuse?

It is not rare for individuals with high-functioning depression to have a history of substance abuse. For some, using drugs or alcohol may become a coping mechanism to numb the emotional pain associated with functioning depression. This dangerous combination can have serious consequences.

How the Two Conditions Interact

This situation often complicates the treatment of depression, especially if it is high-functioning depression. Substances will provide temporary relief from emotional pain but will not deal with mental health problems. The individual will gradually rely more on substances for coping, leading to self-destructive behavior.

The Impact on Mental Health

Substance abuse can exacerbate the symptoms of high-functioning depression, with increased hopeless feelings, isolation, and hopelessness. These substances can also affect chemistry in the brain, making it impossible to manage one’s thoughts or emotions.

Therefore, a person who happens to have dysthymia and substance abuse would need to look for medical help from a mental professional who can deal with such issues simultaneously.

How to Manage High-Functioning Depression?

If you suspect you are suffering from high-functioning depression, there is good news, there is help available. Of course, managing depression is not easy, but it is possible to be well again with the proper strategies and support.

  1. Seek Professional Help

The first step in managing high-functioning depression is to seek support from a therapist or counselor. This mental health professional will explain your symptoms, offer ideas for coping, and direct you through the healing process.

  1. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is paramount in managing dysthymia. Focus on what nourishes your mind, body, and spirit. This can be through exercising, meditating, writing in a journal, or just chilling and recharging.

  1. Set Boundaries

The depressed with dysthymia tend to take in a lot of responsibilities to remain “normal.” This creates a boundary at work or in your relationships, protecting you from burning out and emotional exhaustion.

  1. Build a Support System

Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a support group. Sharing your feelings with others can help you feel less isolated and more understood.

  1. Consider Medication

For some people, medication can be a helpful tool in managing high-functioning depression. Antidepressants can help regulate mood and energy levels, making it easier to cope with day-to-day stressors.

Overcoming High-Functioning Depression: You Are Not Alone

You are not alone if you are experiencing functional depression. This is one of the most challenging conditions. Admitting symptoms and soliciting help from a professional would be the first steps to recovery. Don’t be afraid to contact a mental health professional who will walk you through the recovery process. You deserve to feel as good as possible and live without the burden of functional depression.

Today might just be the day you or one of your loved ones steps towards a solution for high-functioning depression. Reach out, get support, and step towards emotional well-being today. You are not alone, and help is waiting.

FAQs

  1. What causes high-functioning depression?

Mixed genetic, environmental, and psychological aspects could lead to dysthymia. Stressful life events, family history, and negative thinking patterns can all influence functional depression.

  1. Can persistent depression be diagnosed?

Yes, even in a case where daily tasks are being carried out, symptoms such as sadness, fatigue, and emotional numbness may be evaluated by a mental health professional to diagnose major depression.

  1. How is high-functioning depression treated?

One course of therapy often has medications and lifestyle modifications along with psychotherapy (for example, CBT). In addition, building a network of friends and practicing self-care help apply to the management of such depression.

  1. How does dysthymia affect relationships?

Even though individuals maintain all of their responsibilities without complaint, the emotional numbness or withdrawal from a person with high-functioning depression can put recommendations in a delicate position. Therefore, open communication and support are crucial.

  1. What’s the difference between persistent depression and regular depression?

The main difference is that people with high-functioning depression can maintain their daily tasks, while those with regular depression often struggle to do so. Both require treatment to prevent worsening symptoms.

Recent Posts

Help Is Here

Our team is here to provide healing, hope, and a brighter future. Reach out today!

Step into Brighter Days with Shine Mental Health

Unlock the door to a brighter future with Fresno’s premier mental health treatment center.
All calls are 100% free and confidential