Written By: Lynne Cole – Therapist & Counsellor | Published: April 2024
High functioning depression, although not widely regarded as an official diagnosis, is becoming a highly recognisable term, and lived reality for many. Often mistaken as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), the signs and symptoms of high functioning depression can vary, and seeking therapy can help you discover what kind of depression you have and how to effectively manage it.
Understanding high functioning depression and various symptoms can help you start to manage your thoughts and behaviours, helping you free yourself of persistent negative thoughts and feelings. Navigating the different causes and its impact on your daily life can be intricately discussed with an experienced therapist, ensuring you get the diagnosis you need to start implementing effective coping strategies.
Understanding High Functioning Depression
When suffering with depression, many people have different ways of coping. Some may seek medicinal support, others may isolate and withdraw from society.
Someone with high functioning anxiety, however, may not seem to have depression at all.
High functioning depression is characterised as having the same persistent low mood as someone with major depression or persistent depression, but being able to seemingly function well in day-to-day life.
Someone with high functioning depression may be able to carry on going to work, socialise and take on daily errands without anyone knowing they are suffering from depression.
People with high functioning depression often don’t seek help and don’t show outwards signs of depression, making it harder for their loved ones and peers to spot.
Although someone doesn’t seem depressed, or doesn’t talk about it, high functioning depression should be taken extremely seriously, but it can be difficult when all the signs of depression aren’t quite so obvious.
Symptoms of High Functioning Depression
The signs of high functioning depression are the same as persistent depressive disorder, but may be much harder to spot. There are various symptoms of high functioning depression that you may be able to identify, including:
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- Persistent low mood: everyone experiences periods of sadness from time to time, especially after a difficult or emotionally challenging event. Low mood that persists for two weeks or more could be a more obvious cause for concern. If you notice someone has been in a low mood, or you notice these feelings within yourself, it is important to talk things through and perhaps seek professional advice.
- Sleep problems and fatigue: individuals with depression often report either sleeping too much or sleeping too little, which can in turn lead to feelings of tiredness and general fatigue. Fatigue, even if you’ve had enough sleep, can be a symptom of high-functioning depression
- Irritability: although someone with high functioning depression may be able to carry out their daily tasks with seemingly little issue, you may notice that they have become increasingly irritable or moody. A change in behaviour such as short-temperedness and getting upset easily could point towards a mood disorder.
- Withdrawal: someone with depression may be less likely to reach out or respond to messages and phone calls, and could be quieter in person.
- Self Criticism: this particular sign of depression may be more prevalent in settings such as a work environment. If a colleague of yours has started criticising their own work, or their life in general, maybe take ten minutes out of your day to have a chat.
- Low motivation and feelings of hopelessness: someone with high functioning depression may seem like they are living their life just fine, but they may lack to motivation to do certain tasks. A lack of ability to get things done, even seemingly simple tasks such as getting out of bed and showering, are key symptoms of depression, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness. In high functioning depression, however, this may be harder to spot. People with high functioning depression are often able to carry out these tasks, but it may feel like a huge effort.
The symptoms of high functioning depression are not dissimilar from regular depression. However, people suffering from high functioning depression are able to fulfil their daily responsibilities, but it often feels like it takes a lot of energy, and many report feeling like an “imposter” in their own lives.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of high functioning depression, it is important to discuss the benefits of professional help, such as therapy. People with high functioning depression may be reluctant to seek help, so it essential to weigh the pros and cons before seeking advice.
Prevalence and Causes
According to Champion Health, 1 in 6 people suffer from depression, making it one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the UK.
As those suffering from high functioning depression are less likely to seek treatment and carry on with their daily lives, it can be hard to gauge just how many people are suffering in silence. However, according to Bridges to Recovery, those with high functioning depression symptoms are more likely to be in the 45-59 age group, but this is not exclusive.
Due to the fact that people with high functioning depression aren’t as likely to seek help, and are better at masking their symptoms, it is difficult to understand just how prevalent it is. No matter how well someone seems to be handling their depression, it is still a serious issue that needs to to be handled with empathy and care. Seeking help from an experienced therapist can help you understand more about how you’re feeling, and acknowledge that no matter how well you seem to be handling life, you should be able to live it to the fullest too.
High functioning depression can be caused by an emotional or traumatic event, such as divorce, job loss, pregnancy and childbirth, or the death of a loved one. Even existing disorders such as anxiety and ADHD can cause feelings of depression. Sometimes, depression doesn’t need a cause, and can just develop over time. There is also some evidence to suggest that depression is genetic. No matter the cause, or lack of one, discussing how you’re feeling with a professional can help you manage your thoughts and feelings in a healthier manner.
Impact on Daily Life
High functioning depression can have a significant impact on someone’s life. People with high functioning depression may experience a constant feeling of low mood, chronic low energy and self doubt, which can build and become worse over time.
Managing these thoughts and feelings alongside maintaining personal relationships and jobs can be incredibly tiresome, and may eventually begin to affect personal habits and work.
Everyone should be able to experience pure joy, and no one should be expected to keep up appearances when they aren’t feeling quite themselves.
Just because you are able to maintain a functioning lifestyle does not diminish the impact that high functioning depression can have. If simple day-to-day tasks are taking a lot of your energy, and you persistently have a low mood that you cannot seem to overcome, you should attempt to discuss how you’re feeling with your loved ones to attempt to find a resolution and seek to thrive in life, rather than just simply “function.”
Diagnosis and Treatment
High functioning depression, like all mental health issues, must be diagnosed by a professional. If they believe you meet the necessary criteria for having high functioning depression, effective treatment can be offered to ensure you get the help you need and deserve.
If you have persistent low mood, low energy, are increasingly irritable, or meet any other high functioning depression symptoms mentioned previously, you should consider seeking professional support, either from a GP or a trained therapist. Sometimes, medication is offered to those suffering from depression, but it is not always the best course of action.
Recognised talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and counselling for depression can work to help you discuss how you’re feeling, and find ways to manage your negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Coping Strategies for High Functioning Depression
As well as seeking professional help, there are many ways in which someone showing signs of high functioning depression can help themselves.
Although motivation may be low, consider trying a new hobby or exercising to occupy your mind and help you develop new skills. Many people find that starting a new hobby gives them a sense of purpose, and can alleviate feelings of sadness.
Mindfulness is great technique to practice, especially to those experiencing high functioning anxiety and depression. It focuses on giving yourself to the present moment by paying attention to your breathing, as well as the different smells and sounds around you. You could also consider keeping a mood diary or writing a journal so you can identify any triggers you may have, as well as highlighting what makes you happy.
Talking to someone you trust can also help you refrain from bottling up emotions and feelings, giving you an outlet when things become too much. If you struggle to talk to your loved ones, consider seeking advice from an objective therapist who can not only help you lighten the load, but can assist you in developing helpful ways to overcome depression and manage your thought processes.
If you are considering therapy, there are many different ways in which you can manage your high functioning depression with professional support. No one should be made to feel like their mental health doesn’t matter simply because they present themselves well; mental illness has no face, and can present itself in different ways. In order to regain control of your life, you must first ask for a helping hand from those who can assist.