One of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the world today is depression. In the United States alone, 21 million people are believed to have experienced at least one depressive episode in their lifetime. It’s very likely that you know someone who has experienced depression, or you may be experiencing it yourself.
There are many misconceptions about what depression looks like, in spite of the fact that it is very common. Some cases of depression can become so severe that a person cannot function normally in daily life, at work, or in school. However, it is also possible for someone to go through a depressive episode without displaying many overt symptoms or even realizing there is a deeper reason for their struggles. This is known as “high-functioning depression.”
This type of depression may be affecting you or someone you love, but it can be difficult to spot. Regardless, treating and recovering from high-functioning depression is very possible. Here are some things you should know about recognizing and addressing this mental illness!
Defining High Functioning-Depression
High-functioning depression is not an official medical term or classification. Rather, it’s a colloquial term used to characterize depression that is well concealed or doesn’t seem to affect a person’s capacity to function normally in daily life. People suffering from severe depression can find themselves bedridden, unable to eat or bathe, tired, miserable, and unable to engage in regular social activities. On the other hand, someone with high-functioning depression will often carry on with their daily activities as usual, but on the inside, they are in severe emotional pain.
Some people may not even recognize that they are depressed; instead, they may believe that they simply need to work harder and put in more effort to feel the same on the inside as they appear on the outside. Some people may be aware that they are depressed but attempt to hide the issue for personal reasons. This rarely works. Instead, it only makes them feel more worn out, sad, and unhappy with themselves. Even though the symptoms of depression can be difficult to recognize, treating it is the best method to overcome it.
Symptoms of High Functioning Depression
Sleep Changes
Even though they are sometimes disregarded, sleep problems are a common indication of depression. Unusual sleep patterns, such as sleeping more or less than normal, going to bed and waking up much sooner or later than usual, or insomnia are warning signs of a depressive episode.
Appetite Changes
Similar to sleep, abrupt shifts in appetite and hunger are nearly always an indication that something is wrong. This symptom can be a sign of numerous problems, both mental and physical, and depression is no exception. Depression can sometimes cause someone to resort to food as a comfort and regularly overeat, and other times it might cause someone to eat very little due to a lack of appetite or motivation to eat. A shift in a person’s eating habits is a very common sign of high-functioning depression.
Fatigue and Energy Changes
Though most people who have experienced depression will tell you that fatigue, not sorrow, is frequently the dominant emotion, depression is most commonly associated with feelings of melancholy and being down. One of the most common signs of depression, whether a person is high functioning or not, is fatigue and low energy. It’s also one of the simplest to ignore. You can always blame a lack of energy on a challenging workday or a restless night, but when the drowsy days become more frequent, it may be an obvious indication that something is amiss.
Treatment for High-Functioning Depression
Counseling
Some of the most cutting-edge and effective therapy approaches yet are available in the mental health world today. Anyone suffering from depression can find great relief from their symptoms by attending therapy, which provides a safe, judgment-free environment in which to learn useful coping mechanisms and unpack deeper issues.
Lifestyle Changes
Even people who are happy and satisfied in their lives can suffer from depression, but this condition is not isolated. Stressors in a person’s life can contribute to depression, even if they can’t create it on their own. They can also make recovery more challenging. Combating high-functioning depression can be made much easier with management and reduction strategies and other lifestyle changes as needed.
Medication and Alternative Treatments
Not only are most individuals nowadays able to easily obtain mental health medications, but they can also be extremely beneficial in managing and recovering from depression. For those who don’t see the results that they’d like to from traditional treatments, there are also transformative options like transcranial magnetic stimulation that can provide relief.
High-functioning depression can sneak up on someone and hide from view, making a person feel lonely and miserable, but help is within reach! You can learn more about depression and ways to address it here.