Why High-Functioning Depression Can Be Hard to Recognize

Depression looks different from person to person. While some depressed people struggle to get out of bed, perform daily activities, and function normally, others seem completely fine on the surface and go about their day as usual. 

However, the ability to appear normal and accomplish tasks does not mean someone is not struggling on the inside. High-functioning depression is a serious condition that should not be overlooked, no matter how well a person can mask it.

What is High-Functioning Depression?

High-functioning depression is a condition where someone can experience symptoms of depression- such as restlessness, fatigue, sleep problems, and more- without changes in their ability to function.

Those who struggle with high-functioning depression can go to work, have coffee with friends, or perform daily household chores while silently battling intense depressive symptoms

This differs from major depression, which is the official clinical diagnosis of depression. It includes all of the symptoms mentioned above, combined with majorly impaired daily functioning abilities. Those who have major depression often find it hard to leave their bed on some days or do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or showering. 

High-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis and is used as more of an unofficial term, making it even harder to recognize. Further, high-functioning abilities can also make it more difficult to receive any depression-related diagnosis.

Causes

Several factors can cause general depression. It usually comes about through genetic susceptibility, hormone imbalances, or reactions to external stressors and traumatic events. 

When it comes to high-functioning depression, it is often the result of a person trying to mask or hide their depression from others. This can be a subconscious response or the response of being surrounded by a good support network. Some people are able to compensate for their negative state of mind by clinging to things like daily tasks or a routine. 

The result is that the individual looks fine from the outside but continues to suffer from countless depressive symptoms on the inside. This is particularly worrying because many people are less likely to get help when nobody else realizes that they are suffering. If a person’s friends and family believe them to be okay, then they may be unlikely to reach out and ask if their loved one needs help. 

Signs You May Have High-Functioning Depression

Several signs can be indicative of high-functioning depression. Because of a person’s ability to function normally with this condition, it is important to pay close attention to other mental and physical signs:

• Low energy: Fatigue is associated with depression due to disruptions in brain activity. It stems from a hormone imbalance that inhibits your brain’s ability to regulate energy levels. As such, you often feel incredibly tired or have a complete lack of energy. 
• Insomnia: An imbalance of hormones in your body often can mess up your natural sleep-wake cycle, as you don’t produce enough melatonin to fall asleep. Additionally, there is a link between insomnia and fatigue. Fatigue can make it harder to accomplish tasks and can lead to a dependence on energy drinks and caffeine. Caffeine stays in your system for longer than anticipated and keeps you up at night, leading to insomnia. 
• Sleeping too much: On the other hand, depression can interrupt your sleep-wake cycle in the opposite way and make you sleep too much. 
• Hopelessness: One of the key characteristics of depression is a feeling of hopelessness. If you often feel despair or like things will never get better, it could be a sign of this mental health condition. 
• Low self-esteem: Similarly, feelings of hopelessness often lead to low self-esteem. You may not feel confident in yourself and often feel the urge to retreat into your shell. 
• Difficulty making decisions: People with depression are known to have a hard time making decisions as everything can feel overwhelming. 

If you experience these symptoms while still being able to go about your daily life normally, you may be suffering from high-functioning depression.

Treatment Options

Although it can be hard to recognize at first, your high-functioning depression can be treated. Treatment options can include:

• Positive lifestyle changes: You can regulate your energy levels and mood through methods like regular exercise. Exercise is linked to the release of endorphins and other hormones that effectively raise your mood and improve your overall hormonal balance. 
• Therapy: Attending professional therapy sessions gives you the chance to speak about your feelings and work through deeper issues.
• Medication: In some cases, medication can help combat symptoms of depression. This should be prescribed by a professional and used as one of many tools in your treatment arsenal. 
• Stress management: This can also help ease many symptoms of depression by encouraging your body to relax. When you relax, you release certain hormones that help with mood regulation and counteract your depressive feelings. 
• Residential Treatment: In serious cases, you may require more intensive treatment. At Jackson House, we offer residential treatment where you can receive personalized support at a facility. 

Professional Help for High-Functioning Depression

No matter how your symptoms may manifest in your life, depression should always be taken seriously and treated. There is help and support available for those suffering from high-functioning depression. 

At Jackson House, we want you to know that you are not alone. Learn more about our personalized treatment options for depression, or contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can support you on your mental wellness journey.