When we imagine a depressed person, we might picture a stereotype. The depressed person is someone who struggles to get out of bed, who has a hard time keeping a daily routine, and who has withdrawn from their friends and family. However, there’s a lesser-known version of depression that doesn’t fit this conventional idea: high-functioning depression. It often disguises itself in outward success and productivity, but in reality, it can be just as debilitating and harmful as its more visible counterpart.

However, there’s a lesser-known version of depression that doesn’t fit this conventional idea: high-functioning depression. It often disguises itself in outward success and productivity, but in reality, it can be just as debilitating and harmful as its more visible counterpart.

What is high-functioning depression?

High-functioning depression is characterized by the ability to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities while still grappling with symptoms of depression. On the surface, those with high-functioning depression may seem accomplished and driven. Those who know them might even believe they don’t struggle with mental health issues. They might be career-driven, have active social lives, and take care of their families and households, all while battling an internal struggle with depression.

Know the signs

Identifying high-functioning depression can be difficult because a person might go to great lengths to conceal their symptoms. However, there are subtle signs that may indicate someone is silently struggling with depression. These can include:

persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, despite high achievements.
difficulty experiencing pleasure or enjoyment in things they once loved.
frequent crying spells
insomnia or excessive sleeping
fatigue, despite being outwardly productive
feeling irritable, angry, or agitated
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or frequent illnesses.
feeling burnt out from work or caregiving responsibilities.

How functionality masks depression

One of the main features of high-functioning depression is how well a person can mask their inner suffering. Behind their facade of competence lies a constant battle with their symptoms of depression. These can include feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, and despair. They might also struggle with depression’s physical symptoms, including sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and fatigue. A person may go to great lengths to maintain the illusion of normalcy. This is usually due to a deep fear of the stigma of suffering from a mental illness.

The role of perfectionism

Perfectionism often can also play a big part in high-functioning depression. As a person is driven toward achieving excellence at work, school, or volunteer projects, they might use this internal pressure as a coping mechanism to avoid their feelings associated with depression. However, it can also make these symptoms worse. Perfectionists and those with high-functioning depression are often harshly self-critical and deeply afraid of failing. As they overwork themselves in pursuit of their own (sometimes impossible) goals, they neglect their own mental health.

Feeling isolated

One of the biggest challenges for those with high-functioning depression is how profoundly isolated they feel. Despite keeping an active social life and being involved in their families, they may feel utterly alone in their struggle. They might be unable to confide in other people due to a fear of being misunderstood, dismissed, rejected, or even belittled. One way to combat depression is to have a solid support system of loved ones, but those with high-functioning depression can feel alone in a crowded room. Without an outlet for their feelings, this loneliness can create a vicious cycle and worsen their depressive symptoms.

Getting help

If believe you or someone you love might be living with high-functioning depression, it’s time to reach out. A mental health professional can determine the best treatment plan for you, whether it involves therapy, prescribed anti-depressants, or a combination of the two. In therapy, you’ll learn how to challenge your negative thought patterns, be open with your feelings, cope with stress, and take care of your mental health.

To find out more about how depression therapy can help those with high-functioning depression, please reach out to us.

High-Functioning Depression Explained