High Functioning Depression: Unlocking The Facts And Empowering Resolutions
Depression is a common, mental illness and health condition that affects millions of people of all ages worldwide. While many are familiar with the symptoms of major depressive disorder or even chronic depression or clinical depression, there is another type of depression that is less well-known: high-functioning depression. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and complexities of high-functioning depression (or HFD), including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and finally, how to help yourself. It is treatable, so push on as we uncover the keys to your recovery. Wonder no more. Let’s get some clarity.
Introduction
Definition and Significance of High-Functioning Depression
High functioning depression, sometimes referred to as “smiling depression,” is a term used to describe individuals of any age who experience depression symptoms but are still able to function in their daily lives. This form of depression includes individuals who are able to maintain their job and social life despite feeling sad, anxious, sick, or hopeless. This marks the difference between this mental illness and any other severe form of major depression.
It is important for patients to note that the term “high functioning depression” is not a clinical diagnosis and is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Rather than an official diagnosis of psychiatry, it is a colloquial term used to describe a specific subset of individuals who experience symptoms associated with depression. Again, colloquially, it is seen as a chronic mild depression, but it is as serious as any other mental health condition.
Understanding High-Functioning Depression
HFD is characterized by several factors that include persistent feelings of low mood, experiencing depression, shame, anxiety, or a sensation of having lost hope that do not necessarily interfere with an individual’s ability to function or perform in their normal daily life. These individuals may seem to be doing well on the surface, but it is hard to realize they happen to be struggling internally.
HFD is distinct from other forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder, which are characterized by more severe symptoms that interfere with an individual’s ability to function.
Common Symptoms and Their Impact on Daily Function
Some common symptoms of high-functioning depression include:
- Persistent low mood, worthlessness
- Anxiety or irritability, which affects behaviors
- Insomnia: low-quality sleep (causing further health problems)
- Fatigue or lack of energy (a constant sensation of low energy, feeling tired and other mild physical symptoms)
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or weight (doesn’t want to have to deal with food)
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (depressed mood persists)
While these may not necessarily interfere with an individual person’s physical activity or ability to function, they can still have a significant impact on their daily life. Despite the impairment, they are fully functioning and they might be considered a high functioning person. Even a loved one or families can miss the signs of depression and low self esteem. Of course, this depends on the severity of the condition, but most of the signs we normally expect to see when a person is depressed may very well be easy to ignore and very hard to notice.
Looks can be misleading when a person experiences symptoms such as terrible feelings of hopelessness and yet wears a smile. They may be suffering from a combination of severe fatigue, guilt, constant low mood (or even a more severe form), and yet they will carry that burden quite alone. It is a significant impairment that hides behind a lack of all the common signs.
Diagnostic Criteria According to the DSM
HFD is not a clinical diagnosis and is not recognized in the DSM-5. However, individuals who experience depressive symptoms that vary and do not necessarily interfere with their ability to function, may be diagnosed with other less severe instances of depression, such as persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia. It’s important to get diagnosed correctly.
Recognizing High Functioning Depression
Understand this can be challenging, as individuals with this mental illness often act as though they are just fine. However, there are signs that may suggest an individual is experiencing HFD, including:
- Persistent feelings of depression, nerves, or hopelessness (sometimes in bouts or episodes that may involve crying)
- Tend to have trouble experiencing pleasure or enjoyment (often claiming there is “No point”)
- Avoiding social activities or isolation (repercussions on self esteem and popularity will drop as a side effect – cannot connect with people) although they may seem content.
- Decrease in motivation (as with every other form of depression)
- Fluctuations in appetite or weight (can contribute to self esteem complications)
- Difficulty sleeping or may include sleeping too much (or at inappropriate periods)
- Substance use or addiction
Challenges in Identifying the Condition Due to External Appearances
One of the challenges that occur in identifying the condition is that individuals with this condition often appear to be doing well on the surface. People with high functioning depression may even be productive at tasks and find success, but it is a productivity that costs them tremendous effort. This explains why it is difficult for others to recognize that they are struggling internally and so make no effort at solutions.
How Culture and Society can add to the Stigma Surrounding Mental disorder
Cultural and societal factors can make it more difficult for individuals to get help for their mental health condition. This can be particularly pronounced for individuals suffering with high functioning depression, who may feel that their own particular struggle is not “serious enough” to warrant treatment. Many people will recognise this attitude that results in being afraid to speak to or contact friends, family, teacher or loved ones about the first step in dealing with this debilitating condition.
Factors and Potential Risk Factors
The development of high functioning depression is likely influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, life events, and personality. Peer reviewed research suggests that individuals with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the condition themselves.
A person dealing with chronic pain or other medical conditions may experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness as a result of their pain, which can add to the development of depression.
Stress, trauma, and substance abuse can also be a part of the development of high functioning depression. Individuals who experience significant trauma may be more likely to develop depression, for example, while substance abuse can make existing symptoms worse. Alcohol and recreational drugs can form a high level of addiction and may interfere with medications, and thus with your recovery. Addiction must be treated.
Seeking Treatment and Help
If you are experiencing high functioning depression, it is important to get help from a professional or trained counselor to help you recover. A mental health professional can help you identify your symptoms, develop a treatment plan, and provide support as you work to manage your symptoms, mitigate the effects and speed your recovery.
Available Options For Treating High Functioning Depression
There are a variety of treatment options available for a person with high functioning depression, including talk therapy, medication from your doctor, and habit changes. Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, can help individuals become aware of and change negative thought patterns and behaviour. Psychotherapy can be very helpful. Medication, such as antidepressants (frequently selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) , can also be effective in managing depression. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, a healthy diet, and fine techniques like meditation, can also be effective and essential for your recovery when combined with other treatments.
Role of Support Groups and Building Healthy Relationships
These can also be important components of managing symptoms of high functioning depression. These can provide most people with relief, a sense of community and understanding, while healthy relationships can provide encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Navigating High Functioning Depression with Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness is a term that describes a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment with nonjudgmental awareness, plays a crucial role in managing high functioning depression. By focusing on mindfulness, individuals can develop a fine sense of self-awareness and learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them or worried about them.
Practicing mindfulness upon waking… even for just a short period can help a person with high functioning depression become more attuned to their inner experiences, allowing them to recognize early signs of depressive symptoms and take proactive steps to address them. It encourages individuals to approach their thoughts and feelings in different ways, fostering a sense of self-acceptance. It gives a person a chance to let go of fear and feel the benefit if you persist in this practice.
Furthermore, peer reviewed studies indicate that mindfulness techniques can help individuals reduce mood fluctuations, and improve overall mental well-being. These practices have been shown to positively affect people and impact brain chemistry, promoting the release of neurotransmitters associated with positive emotions.
Incorporating mindfulness into a daily routine can also enhance the effectiveness of other treatment approaches, such as therapy and medication. A great way to do this is with the MindFit App. You might also take the physical mindfulness route. You have an example of that below.
It’s important to note that mindfulness is not a quick fix for addiction or a standalone solution for high functioning depression, for instance, but rather a valuable tool that can be integrated into a comprehensive plan and practiced most days. Walk before you run, though, it takes hours of practice before getting any sign of benefit. Stick with it because after a while, that first ray of sunlight breaks through the darkness. Consulting with someone who specializes in mindfulness-based interventions teaches people the skills needed to develop and sustain a mindfulness practice. Again, make sure to seek treatment. Listen to your healthcare provider.
More mindfulness HERE
Suicide Prevention, Recognizing Suicidal Thoughts, and Self-Harm Awareness
If, more than depression symptoms, you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or tend to think about engaging in any form of self-harm, it is important to find help immediately. You can reach out and start talking to a mental health specialist, a crisis hotline, or emergency services. Even when suffering from the worst symptoms of depression, any thoughts of suicide should be taken up with the right therapist or maybe even a family member. Don’t withdraw into yourself but reach out for help. Certain things go without saying but are worth saying: No matter how gloomy the outlook on the major depression, the solution is never death.
Addressing Misconceptions and Promoting Awareness
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding high functioning depression, including the idea that individuals with this condition are simply “lazy” or “not trying hard enough.” If you suffer from major depression, post traumatic stress disorder, seasonal affective disorder, severe depression, or any of a host of other mental illnesses, you are less likely to hear this unfortunate judgement. Indeed, among the depressive disorders it is the most misunderstood.
The Need for Accurate Information and Increasing Awareness
Accurate helpful information and increasing awareness about the signs of high functioning depression can also help individuals recognize their symptoms and seek help earlier. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can improve outcomes and reduce the impact of the condition on an individual’s life.
Promoting Empathy and Understanding Within Communities
Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental wellness and health, creates a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals with this and other mental health conditions.
Conclusion – A Treatable Mental Illness
This is a complex and often overlooked condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. By understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the different types of help available for this condition, we can help individuals manage and treat their symptoms. If you are experiencing depression, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. With the right treatment, individuals with high functioning depression can lead fulfilling, normal lives.
