Depression can take on many different faces. Typically, when depression comes to mind, you think of a mood disorder that interrupts daily life. It’s characterized by sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, bouts of crying, and even changes in physical appearance.
High-functioning depression is one of those versions, but one that operates a bit differently. Symptom presentation isn’t as noticeable, but it’s still just as serious and can impact quality of life and well-being.
Here’s an overview to understand more about what high-functioning depression is.
Symptoms are Less Intense
With high-functioning depression, you can experience normal symptoms, but they may not be as intense or as intrusive. Certain symptoms may be more manageable, or you may have learned to function around them more effectively. There are still feelings of sadness and emptiness that you may battle with.
You might have difficulty focusing during certain periods of the day or concentrating on certain tasks. Managing your emotions could get tricky. You may experience fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, or sleep disturbances. Physical symptoms, like headaches, tension pain, or stomach aches, are still possible.
You Can Perform Work Duties
When you have this type of depression, it’s often less noticeable because you’re still generally able to go about your day as usual. At least to the naked eye, you are.
You can attend school or work with little interruption, complete duties, and meet deadlines. It’s entirely possible, if not normal, to achieve high success.
Despite all of this, there’s a level of emotional strain that can affect your happiness and fulfillment in life. No matter what you accomplish, you may still feel drained and lacking.
Self-medication is More Likely
With high-functioning depression, you may find yourself more inclined to self-medicate to alleviate your symptoms. This way of coping might seem enough to manage what you’re experiencing, but it’s not a sustainable mechanism.
Temporary means of self-medication include alcohol, over-the-counter drug use, or any other types of drugs. Unfortunately, these substances can lead to long-term addiction, additional mental health issues, or medical conditions.
Daily Activity Requires Great Effort
You’re still able to perform at school or work, engage in social activities, and manage a full schedule. You can maintain relationships in some manner.
When you are juggling all of these things business as usual, all while battling the symptoms you do have, you may find that you’re exhausted by the end of the day. All the energy in your bank is spent trying to maintain your status quo and hide your true feelings from others.
You Develop Physiological Symptoms
Keeping your feelings and emotions bottled up isn’t healthy or productive. As you try to hide your symptoms, your body may start to work against you.
You may find yourself dealing with chronic headaches from stress. You may develop digestive issues causing irregular bowel movements or stomach aches. There’s a possibility that you may have elevated blood pressure, heart rate, or breathing rate.
Causes of High-Functioning Depression
Genetics can play a role in the development of depression. Having a family history of depression can make it more likely that you’ll develop the high-functioning type. A history of trauma can make symptoms worse. If you live with chronic stress or are exposed to a high-stress job, it could be an influencing factor.
There’s also a link between perfectionism and emotional rigidity with high-functioning depression. Excessive work may also be a factor.
When it comes to high-functioning depression, it’s important to find appropriate ways to cope and seek professional treatment when needed. Symptoms may not resolve independently and can, in fact, turn into other issues. If you believe you’re struggling with high-functioning depression, contact us for help getting on the path to healing with depression treatment.
