What Is High Functioning Depression

When most people hear the word depression, they automatically think of a few key symptoms. Overwhelming sadness, irritability, and lack of interest in hobbies, just to name a few. Depression is a mental health disorder that affects many people worldwide. In a study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, it showed that depression rates rose in 2021 to 32.8%.

In order to be diagnosed with a depression disorder, a certain amount of symptoms must be present for longer than 2 weeks. What may be surprising to hear is that there is a certain type of depression that usually does not get diagnosed easily. It is called High-Functioning Depression.

What Is High-Functioning Depression?

High-Functioning Depression is also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).

PDD has many symptoms that are similar to depression.

• Changes in appetite

• Sadness

• Feeling hopeless

• Low self-esteem

• Loss of interest in activities

• Changes in sleep patterns - sleeping too much or not enough

Even though they both share common symptoms, there is one main characteristic that sets them apart. For those who deal with PDD, they are able to get past the pain and keep moving forward. Those who have the "normal" depression find it harder to get through everyday without feeling overwhelmed.

What Starts High-Functioning Depression?

There are a number of factors that can cause high-functioning depression. Some of these can include environmental or genetic factors. Additionally, trauma, high stress levels, and grief can also cause someone to develop high-functioning depression.

A need for perfectionism can also trigger these symptoms in someone. A perfectionist will go to any length to avoid being seen as weak or not worthy, despite not feeling their best. Because of this, they will push themselves as hard as they can.

Someone may be at a greater risk of developing PDD if:

• They constantly feel guilty for complaining

• Those who believe they don't have really have enough to feel depressed over

• People who keep things mostly private

PDD Is Not Any "Better" Than Normal Depression

Just because someone has high functioning depression does not mean that they should take it any less seriously. Being able to get through the day should not be the only marker for depression.

Someone with PDD is just better at hiding it from their loved ones. Feeding into this, because it goes unnoticed, it can worsen depression symptoms - because the person does not feel the need to talk about it. Without the support of a social system that notices, this can also worsen the symptoms.

There Is Hope For Healing

No matter what form of depression you have, you may feel as if there is no way out of it. Even though, as a high-functioning person, you put the façade on that everything is fine - deep down, you know it is not. It cannot be stressed enough that "It's okay not to be okay."

How To Ask For Support

This is probably something you may feel uncomfortable with. After all, you have gone so long without reaching out for help or speaking out about the emotions you are feeling. However, this does not mean that it is too late.

Anyone, at any age, can show the classic signs of depression and PDD. For any reason at all. While there are certain criteria that must be met in order to be formally diagnosed, it does not mean that what you are facing is not real.

We live in a time where it's really common to feel the crushing weight of the world on us at all times. As a licensed therapist, I want to help you overcome what is weighing you down in a meaningful way for your life. Reach out to me to begin healing with depression treatment.