One may appear fine on the outside but may be experiencing symptoms of a depressive condition due to turmoil on the inside. This is referred to as high-functioning depression, also known as functional depression. Any degree of severity is possible in high-functioning depression, ranging from moderate to so severe that there is a risk of considering suicide or self-harm. Nevertheless, such people frequently conceal their symptoms from others. Hence, the persistent stereotypes about depression don’t apply to someone with “high-functioning depression. These people hide depression so well that it does not affect their day-to-day functioning. People with high-functioning depression may be socializing with friends, not expressing hopelessness, meeting expectations at work, and don't appear “sick, yet inside they would be struggling, which makes it difficult to identify their internal feelings of inadequacy and turmoil. Let’s understand this condition in detail.

Why High-Functioning Depression Often Gets Overlooked

People often have a mental picture in their heads of what depression looks like. They believe it appears to be a complete incapacity to operate. They envision the darkest moments that occasionally plague those suffering from extreme depression.

When asked to imagine someone who is depressed, many people see clouds of misery, unceasing tears, spending days in bed, overindulging in comfort food, neglecting their hygiene, and thoughts of suicide.

Although those symptoms are undoubtedly prevalent in major depression, not everyone experiences them, and they aren't always present. Individuals who suffer from functional depression might have a reliable, prosperous career, constantly appear well-groomed in public, and not seem sad. Since they don't conform to the stereotype of "the depressed person," their illness may get overlooked.

Signs and Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression can be hard to notice, but common red flags about the disease are listed below:

• Feeling sad and hopeless
• Decreased appetite or overeating
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Lack of energy and fatigue
• Losing interest in things that once made them happy
• Lowered self-esteem
• Withdrawing from others around you
• Talking or moving slowly
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Is ‘High-Functioning Depression’ Treatable?

 

Indeed! High-functioning depression is treatable. Like other forms of depression, this condition might not seem to be as bad as major depression but it is still a serious condition that can be debilitating if left untreated.

The first thing to do if you encounter any of the aforementioned symptoms is to consult your primary care physician or another medical professional.

Treatment options for depression may include talk therapy, medication, or a mix of the two. Various treatments are listed below:

 

• Psychotherapy

This therapy involves meeting with a psychotherapist who questions the patient about their emotions and history of negative events. It makes it possible for the patient to communicate with a specialist and share their unfavorable opinions. In order to lessen symptoms, a psychotherapist can assist the patient in understanding the underlying causes of their depression.

 

• Cognitive behavior therapy: One of the most popular forms of therapy for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches patients to replace maladaptive thought and behavior patterns with more adaptive ones. It not only reduces fear and negativity but the patient feels more in control of their emotions.
  
  
• Relaxation and Meditation: There are several ways to achieve a stress and negativity-free state of relaxation. You can reset your brain processes and approach situations from a fresh perspective when you're in this calm condition.
  
  
• Medication: Based on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant drug, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications. These drugs restore the proper balance of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.
  
  
• Lifestyle changes: Your everyday routine affects your mental health because of the mind-body link. High-functioning depression symptoms can be lessened by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, finding a better work-life balance, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and getting better quality and longer sleep.
  
  
• Support groups: These groups, in addition to offering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, can be especially helpful in reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation that are often associated with various forms of depression.

 

Conclusion

High-functioning depression is when a person appears normal in social situations yet is experiencing internal depression. Treating this illness is preferable to letting it worsen inside. Seek expert assistance. Usually, a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes is effective for coping with functional depression. You can also ask your primary care physician for a referral to a psychotherapist. Always remember that speaking with a therapist or getting in touch with a reliable friend or family member might significantly improve your feelings if you suspect that you may be experiencing high-functioning depression.

 

If you have any questions related to high-functioning depression, you can check with our therapist or psychiatrists at Ask a doctor, 24x7.