When you think of depression, you may picture someone who struggles to get out of bed, doesn’t have an interest in doing anything and is unable to manage their daily life. For many people with depression, that is what it looks like.
But what if someone seems to be handling everything? They go to work, they’re raising a family, they stay active, yet they’re secretly battling a deep sadness and sense of hopelessness. This can be the reality for people with what’s commonly known as high-functioning depression.
It isn’t an official medical term, but high-functioning depression is a way to describe a type of persistent depression, known as persistent depressive disorder, or dysthymia. This condition involves milder, long-term depressive symptoms that are not as severe as major depression, but can still have a significant impact on a person’s happiness and well-being. Because the person can function, the tricky part lies in their struggles that often go unnoticed by others, and sometimes even by themselves.
Missing the signs of high-functioning depression can be easy, both in ourselves and in the people we care about. Putting on a brave face and pushing through has become a common coping strategy of people who experience it. However, it can be incredibly draining to live with these underlying feelings. It’s worth taking a closer look if you or someone you know seems to be fine on the surface, but something just feels a little off.
Why is high-functioning depression easy to miss?
High-functioning depression is tricky because people with it don’t always show the classic symptoms of severe depression. Instead of being obvious, it’s hidden, quiet and easy to miss, especially by those who are used to pushing through their feelings.
Someone dealing with high-functioning depression may look to the world like they’re thriving, but on the inside they feel like they’re barely holding it together.
That’s why it’s so important to recognize the less obvious signs.
7 easy-to-miss signs of high-functioning depression
It can be challenging to spot high-functioning depression; however, here are seven signs that can fly under the radar:
Feeling constantly tired, even after rest
Life can get busy, but if you feel drained no matter how much sleep you get, it may be more than just being busy. One of the most common symptoms of depression is fatigue, even when someone is still meeting all of their responsibilities. You may feel physically and mentally exhausted all the time, but you still push through your day.
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
You used to be quick to read that newly released book or happy to go out for dinner with your friends after work, but now your favorite activities feel more like chores. You may still do your favorite things, but they just aren’t as enjoyable as they used to be. Anhedonia, the loss of joy, is a sign of depression.
- Overworking or staying busy to avoid emotions
You may throw yourself into your work, school or caregiving to avoid how you’re feeling. Always staying busy can become a coping mechanism that hides the deeper emotional pain you’re experiencing.
- Using negative self-talk or being a harsh inner critic
You may feel like you’re not doing enough, even if you’re successful or accomplished. People who have high-functioning depression hold themselves to impossibly high standards and can frequently, silently criticize themselves for every little mistake.
You may beat yourself up for feeling down and think, “I should be happy,” or “I have no reason to feel this way.” This kind of inner dialogue can quietly chip away at your self-esteem and well-being, often hiding beneath the surface as a sign of depression.
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
Changes in your eating or sleeping habits can be subtle. You may skip some meals because you’re not hungry, or you may overeat for comfort. You may find yourself tossing and turning, struggling to fall asleep at night, or you may find yourself needing to nap throughout the day. These small changes in your normal routine can be signs of underlying emotional or mental health challenges.
- Being irritable or having a short temper
Depression doesn’t always show up as sadness. For many people, depression can show up as restlessness, irritability or a short fuse. These mood shifts can be easy to overlook, but they may be a sign of an underlying struggle.
- Feeling numb or disconnected
Numbness is one of the more painful symptoms of high-functioning depression. Nothing really seems to touch you emotionally. You find yourself going through the motions, but feel disconnected from your own life. You feel more like you’re just existing instead of truly living.
The importance of noticing and getting help
Living with high-functioning depression can feel like you’re constantly swimming against a strong current, even if you look calm on the surface. Over time, the constant effort can be incredibly exhausting and keep you from truly living a fulfilling life.
If you recognize these signs in yourself or in someone you care about, it’s a good idea to reach out for help. Just because someone appears to be functioning, it doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. Depression in any form deserves to be treated with compassionate and professional care.
You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to ask for help. Guidelight Health is here
At Guidelight, we understand that depression isn’t always visible and that people internally struggling sometimes need the most support. Our compassionate team understands the nuances of mental health and can provide the support and tools you need to work toward improved well-being. You don’t have to face this burden alone. We can help you on your path toward a brighter, more joyful life.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial evaluation.