The Face Behind The Mask: High-Functioning Depression And Mental Health Conditions
Many people grapple with high-functioning depression while maintaining a façade of unobstructed functionality to the outside world. On the exterior, someone with high-functioning depression might appear accomplished and sociable, engaging in work, social activities, and relationships. Beneath the surface, however, just getting through the day trying to keep everything together can leave them completely drained.
What is high-functioning depression?
High-functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis; it is a concept illustrating how some people experience depression or depressive episodes while continuing their everyday lives. Often diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), these individuals can experience periods of mild to moderate depression that can last for years.
People with high-functioning depression appear adept at managing life’s demands. This outward success can mislead both those close to them and even themselves, disguising the true depth of their circumstances. This phenomenon, known as masking, stems from the disparity between external appearance and internal experience.
What is it like to live with high-functioning depression?
Depression manifests variably based on individual factors like motivation levels and lifestyle. While some experience overt high-functioning depression symptoms such as insatiable exhaustion and difficulty getting out of bed, others may exhibit subtler signs such as frustration and difficulty making decisions. Feelings of hopelessness, diminished interest in things that used to bring joy, and negative self-perception are other characteristic symptoms of high-functioning depression, and these expressions can make it difficult for a person to find the motivation to complete daily tasks.
Understanding high-functioning depression’s hidden symptoms
Impairment of daily functioning is a common symptom of depression, but this particular symptom is often not outwardly noticeable in a person experiencing high-functioning depression. In fact, the perceived need to fulfill responsibilities, maintain routines, or complete tasks may be their sole driver for getting out of bed. Instead, those with high-functioning depression might exhibit more subtle shifts, such as changes in sleep quality, energy levels, eating patterns, and mood. Despite outward stability, inner despair, anxiety, and self-doubt might persist in those with high-functioning depression.
Even sources of praise, hobbies, and loving relationships may not offer the same pride and comfort to someone living with high-functioning depression. This disorder may lead to self-isolation, an attempt to mask internal pain, making it harder for friends, family, and colleagues to recognize an internal shift or a change in behavior. In this way, masking is a taxing coping mechanism in itself.
What are signs to look for?
If you are able to move through your life without major behavioral changes but experience consistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, consider the following questions to understand depression:
- Are you critical of yourself? Have you been more critical of yourself lately?
- Are activities that once brought you joy now less enjoyable?
- Do past mistakes occupy your thoughts?
- Is your view of yourself consistently negative?
- Do you find it hard to concentrate?
- Do you find it hard to make decisions?
- Do you feel more irritable than normal?
- Do relatively small mishaps upset you more than usual?
- Are you more tired than usual? Have you noticed changes in your sleep patterns? Do you have a hard time falling asleep?
- Do you find it harder to feel or express joy?
- Are you drawn toward drugs or alcohol more than usual?
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
If you answered “yes” to many or most of those questions, then you may be experiencing high-functioning depression. Please note that this short quiz is not an exhaustive diagnostic tool for high-functioning depression but a starting point as you try to understand what you are going through. Consider consulting a mental health professional for a proper medical diagnosis so you may start on the appropriate treatment path. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward seeking proper treatment.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, text “HOME” to 741741 or click here to message a Crisis Text Line counselor for 24/7 help.
Pursuing help for high-functioning depression and mental illness
Depressive disorders and high-functioning depression affect an estimated 5% of the global population. Regardless of outward appearances, your mental well-being matters, and you deserve to feel well internally, too. Even if you are progressing toward your external goals, high-functioning depression could be a significant obstacle to have to work around — and in most cases, it cannot be willed away by favorable external circumstances. In mental health treatment, addressing the internal struggle is just as important as outward success.
Speaking to a licensed mental health professional could be a healthy first step toward understanding your thoughts and feelings. You might be inclined to join a support group where you can connect with others experiencing similar difficulties, or you might feel safer in one-on-one therapy. Online therapy may be a particularly helpful tool. Studies show that for treating high-functioning depression, with nearly 38% of users showing clinically significant improvement in symptoms of depression within three months.
High-functioning depression's path to healing through online therapy
Many people with depression are apprehensive about seeing a counselor in person, and in cases of high-functioning depression, people often have a hard time gathering the energy to leave their homes to engage in activities they deem “nonessential.” Online therapy provides a convenient and flexible way to utilize professional support from the comfort of one’s own space. For those managing the demands of daily life while concealing their internal struggles, online therapy offers a discreet avenue to open up about their emotions and receive guidance.
Online therapy treatment for depression and other mental health conditions
The licensed online therapists at BetterHelp can offer you the care you seek from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can communicate with a therapist about your depression symptoms via phone call, video chat, voice chat (recordings sent back and forth), or in-app messaging—whatever works best for you. This personalized treatment can be beneficial for managing depression and mental health conditions. Also, you don’t have to have a diagnosed depressive disorder or depression to speak with a therapist. You can discuss your depression symptoms with an online therapist and obtain guidance on the best path forward.
Takeaway
What are high-functioning in mental health conditions?
Having a high-functioning mental health condition is not a clinical diagnosis, but a term used to refer to individuals who may appear to thrive in certain areas of their life while internally dealing with a mental health condition.
What is the most common symptom of major depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder is a severe form of depression that can significantly affect a person’s life and relationships. Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, insomnia or hypersomnia, changes in appetite, and a lack of energy or motivation.
What are the causes of high-functioning depression?
High-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis. Instead, individuals who can maintain a high level of functionality while dealing with depressive symptoms may have persistent depressive disorder, a long-term form of depression that lasts for at least two years. Possible causes of persistent depressive disorder can include the following:
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in the neurotransmitters that regulate emotions and mood may play a role in causing depression.
- Life events: Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship, can be a factor in developing depression.
- Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
What does it mean to be high-functioning?
Being high-functioning means being able to maintain a higher level of mental or physical functionality than the average person with the same disability, chronic illness, or mental health condition. For instance, someone with high-functioning substance use disorder may be able to keep up with the demands of their job and day-to-day responsibilities while dealing with addiction, essentially keeping their addiction symptoms hidden from others.
What is the most reliable symptom of depression?
Major depression looks different from person to person. Given the diversity of manifestations, there is not a single definitive symptom to watch for. Depression affects a relatively large percentage of the population, and high-functioning individuals may consciously or subconsciously mask their symptoms from others.
However, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness regarding one’s life are commonly observed in those living with depression. This pervasive symptom can lead to consequences like addiction or substance use disorder, decreased energy and physical activity, and an inability to experience joy. In severe cases, it may also lead to suicidal thoughts. A mental health professional can help individuals on their journey toward recovery by providing therapy or medication for symptom relief.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available to talk or chat 24/7.
What are the four major causes of depression?
Clinical depression can arise from various factors, including genetics, substance use disorder, early childhood experiences, and significant life events. A family history of depression can heighten the likelihood of developing depressive disorders or mental illness. Substance use disorder can both manifest as a symptom of depression and contribute to its onset. Traumatic early childhood experiences often lead to persistent depressive episodes. Additionally, major life events or traumatic occurrences are widely recognized as significant contributors to depression.
How can you be a high-functioning person with a mental illness like major depressive disorder?
You can be a high-functioning person with major depressive disorder by setting small and manageable goals, establishing a routine, and seeking mental health treatment through medication or therapy. However, being a high-functioning individual with a mental health condition may have potential risks. For instance, high-functioning individuals may put off seeking treatment, potentially delaying recovery. They may also start to believe that they do not need professional help to recover from their condition. They might downplay their suffering and try to conceal their symptoms.
Can you be depressed and still enjoy things?
It is possible to be depressed and still enjoy things. Although these things may not be that obvious or intense, the fulfillment of enjoying simple things is already a big part of managing depression symptoms..
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