What Is High-Functioning Depression?
- blogging13
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
From the outside looking in, you might appear to be operating just fine. Maybe even your family and friends aren't able to pick up on what you're going through. But just because other people think you're fine doesn't mean you are. It can be exhausting trying to hide your true feelings, and you might feel like you'll erupt or collapse at any moment.
If it feels like you're dealing with internal struggles that no one seems to notice, you might be experiencing high-functioning depression. In this post, we'll learn what this kind of depression looks like and what you can do about it.
Defining High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression isn't an official diagnosis—rather, it's a term used to describe depression that is hard for people who aren't experiencing it to spot. Someone suffering from high-functioning depression is still able to maintain what appears to be a normal, well-functioning life. There are few external signs associated with this kind of depression.
What Makes It Unique?
What sets high-functioning depression apart from other types of depression is the way it affects one's ability to function. People suffering from depression generally experience major difficulties taking care of themselves and their daily responsibilities, and this is hard to hide from others.
Someone with high-functioning depression, on the other hand, may appear to have things under control. This can be misleading to others, as the internal struggles with this type of depression are often much more severe than they seem.
The Cause
There isn't one specific, universal cause of high-functioning depression. It can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as the following:
Brain chemistry
Genetics
Personality
Stressful life events
Trauma
The Signs and Symptoms
People with high-functioning depression still have the same signs and symptoms as any other person with depression or major depressive disorder. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms that a person with any kind of depression might deal with:
Changes in eating habits
Helplessness
Hopelessness
Lack of concentration
Loss of interest in things that used to bring them joy
Negative thoughts about themselves and others
Sleeping troubles
Although the internal signs and symptoms can be identical to other types of depression, someone with high-functioning depression will appear to be managing their life without too much difficulty. It can even go unnoticed by family and close friends.
Treatment Options
When it comes to something like depression, no matter the type, working with a mental health professional is recommended. However, there are also lifestyle changes that a person can make to help relieve some of their signs and symptoms.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Fueling your body with healthy and nutritious foods and beverages can make you feel better from the inside out. Make sure you're giving your body a healthy balance of protein, healthy carbs, and fats, and avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
Prioritize Your Sleep
Changes in sleeping habits are a common occurrence with depression. You can try to get on top of this by aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night. Create and stick to a sleep schedule and routine, limit caffeine, and avoid looking at screens too close to bedtime.
Ask for Support
Just because you're able to function doesn't mean you don't need support. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—on the contrary, it takes strength. Your loved ones aren't going to judge you for experiencing something like this.
Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional is one of the best ways to better manage the signs and symptoms you're struggling with and to find healthy ways to cope and move forward again. Don't delay in getting the help you need and deserve. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation for depression counseling.
