Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression

Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression

When most people think of depression, they imagine common symptoms like listlessness, a loss of interest in day-to-day activities, sleeping a lot or being unable to rise from bed, and a general sad demeanor or outlook. But it’s important to know that not all cases of depression present in this way. High-functioning depression—which is not a term that’s officially recognized in the DSM and is not clinically diagnosable—is sometimes considered to be an invisible illness. Here’s what you should know about “high-functioning depression” and its symptoms.

What Is High-Functioning Depression?

As mentioned above, high-functioning depression is not a diagnosable condition, although sometimes those who have “high-functioning” symptoms are diagnosed with another condition: persistent depressive disorder. A person who is suffering from high-functioning depression may not present as obviously depressed; instead, this type of depression causes depressive, distressing symptoms without being outwardly visible to others.

Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression 

It’s important to note that even if a person isn’t displaying their emotions outwardly and is still performing well in work, school, or other areas of life, they could still have depression. Symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Feeling guilty, pessimistic, or worthless
• Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities
• Having trouble focusing
• Feeling tired and fatigued
• Thinking about self-harm
• Experiencing sleep changes
• Experiencing physical symptoms, such as headaches, cramps, or digestive issues

Why People Hide Depression 

There are many reasons why a person experiencing the above symptoms may choose to hide their depression and continue through life as though everything is fine, even though this could be more detrimental in the long term. Reasons that people hide depression include family or societal culture and stigma around depression, fear of disrupting relationships, or thoughts that one will feel better if they can “power through” on their own without acknowledging their depression.

While trying to remain positive and maintain a routine schedule is healthy, it’s also important to recognize when help is needed. If you are having persistent symptoms of depression, such as those listed above, getting help can improve your life and your happiness. Types of help available to treat depression can include lifestyle changes, medication, therapy, and support groups. Talking about your depression is one of the best ways to get started.

Reach Out to JCA Mental Health for Depression Therapy Today 

Even if you’re still able to do your job and maintain your productivity, if you are suffering from symptoms of depression, you deserve help. At JCA Mental Health, we provide depression counseling that is patient-centered. We understand that depression can have many causes, both internal and external, and we will help you explore ways to cope with a variety of stressors. Our therapists include BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ individuals with advanced training in addressing issues around ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. We also offer innovative techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

To learn more about our therapy services and how to get started with one of our counselors, call us today or send us a message online. We offer both in-person and online sessions. We are here to help you.