The No. 1 Sign Of High-Functioning Depression People Often Miss

High-functioning depression isn't an official medical diagnosis, but it's more common than many people think. That's because people with high-functioning depression, as the name suggests, don't fit the "typical" profile that comes to mind when you think of someone with depression.

Because high-functioning people aren't sleeping all day, their coworkers and family members might not suspect that there's anything wrong with them. Rather, "their problems are often hidden behind success or productivity," explains Natasha Trujillo, a psychologist by training.

The No. 1 Sign Of High-Functioning Depression People Often Miss

People with high-functioning depression are unlikely to have problems performing well at work or meeting responsibilities at home. They may even use these productive activities to cope. People with high-functioning depression are often unaware that they are depressed at all.

So if you suspect you have high-functioning depression, what signs should you look out for? And what can you do about it? We asked mental health experts, and here are their answers.

The most important sign of high-functioning depression that most people miss

Trujillo says the most important sign to watch for with high-functioning depression is the inability to feel sustained joy or enjoyment, even when good things are happening.

"A person with high-functioning depression can still be productive, successful, and productive," she says. "Yet that person may not be able to sustain feelings of pride, joy, or enjoyment for long. Or they may shred a compliment or a sense of accomplishment, portraying it as somehow 'inferior' or inadequate, perhaps emphasizing that they were. It didn't deserve it, or they were just lucky."

 

Therapist Becca Reid agrees. "People with high-functioning depression can feel isolated, like they're going through things without any real connection or joy," she says. "This distance can manifest as losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, feeling stuck in their daily routines, or feeling emotionally drained, even in situations that would normally evoke strong emotions."

Trujillo stressed that there are other signs you may have high-functioning depression. These include:

·      They try to be social and fulfill their obligations even when secludedness would be better.

·      They feel like they are doing everything they should be doing but it is taking more effort than necessary.

·      They have trouble concentrating.

·      They can't explain why, but they feel tired, hopeless, or worthless.

·      They feel sad most of the time, but rarely find relief.

·      Changes in sleeping and eating behaviors.

 

What to do if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from high-functioning depression?

High-functioning depression is a serious issue, and like more obvious forms of depression, if left untreated, it can lead to consequences like substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

In fact, people with high-functioning depression may be at higher risk for suicide attempts because they feel isolated in their situation, says licensed marriage and family therapist Saba Harouni Lurie. That's why it's important to reach out for help.

First, Trujillo recommends being more open with loved ones about your experiences.

"Being more vulnerable can help you find support and connection," she says. "You can also focus on what's going wrong in your life and find ways to change what's perpetuating your depression."

And of course, seeking help from a psychologist should be your top priority.

"The most important thing is to seek out (professional) support," Lurie says. "Many people with high-functioning depression don't seek help because they interpret their ability to still function relatively normally as evidence that they're not struggling as much as those with more obvious symptoms."

Reid noted that a therapist can provide someone to talk to about difficult feelings, providing valuable coping mechanisms that friends and family can't.

 

"A therapist can give you tools to help regulate your nervous system to improve your resilience and overall mood," she said. "It can also be helpful to incorporate activities that promote health, such as: B. Sports, hobbies, and leisure activities.

Medications like SSRIS, also known as antidepressants, are always an option and can be effective for many people. Talk to your psychiatrist or doctor about the possibility of prescribing one.

High-functioning depression is insidious, and it can be hard to know if you are suffering from it, and even harder to know if a loved one is. But by paying attention to certain signs, you can identify the problem and get the help you need as soon as possible.

Note:

If you or someone you know needs help, please call 988, text or chat to 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. If you're outside the U.S., visit the International Foundation for Suicide Prevention.