Describing depression to someone who hasn’t experienced it can be challenging. It’s a condition that’s truly understood only by those who have gone through it firsthand. Depression is often thought of as a storm cloud of sadness, yet there exists a quieter, lesser-understood variation known as high-functioning depression. Unlike its overt counterpart, high-functioning depression is no storm, but more like a steady drizzle, subtle yet persistent. It lurks beneath the surface and hides itself beneath a mask of normalcy.
For some, high-functioning depression may be seen as experiencing depressive symptoms without meeting the full diagnostic criteria, while for others it is a totally separate disorder. Additionally, since individuals maintain a relatively “normal” life, it is sometimes viewed as a milder form of depression. However, the challenges of coping with high functioning depression should not be underestimated.
Have you ever noticed someone slowly slipping away from social gatherings or not getting excited about things they used to love. These could be high functioning depression symptoms. Individuals coping with high functioning depression are very good at concealing their inner struggles and usually maintain an outward appearance of a normal and successful life; however, there are a few warning signs. The following are some of the high functioning depression symptoms:
ISOLATING FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Even though they may seem like the life of the party, people dealing with high functioning depression gradually pull away from their loved ones. They might show up to social events but keep conversations light and surface-level, avoiding any real connection or sharing how they truly feel. This isolation can leave them feeling even lonelier, even when surrounded by people.
NO LONGER FINDING JOY IN LOVED ACTIVITIES
Think about the things you used to love doing, whether it’s playing an instrument, painting or just chilling with friends. For someone with high functioning depression, those activities don’t bring the same spark anymore. It’s like the joy has been sucked out of them, leaving behind a sense of emptiness and apathy.
PERSISTENT SELF-CRITICISM
Ever had those moments where you just can’t stop beating yourself up over every little mistake. Well, for someone with high functioning depression, those moments are a daily struggle. They might be doing extremely well at work or have a great relationship, but in their own mind, they’re constantly picking themselves apart, convinced they’re not good enough.
ENGAGING IN MINDLESS HABITS
You know those times when you just want to binge a TV show or mindlessly scroll through social media for hours. For someone with high functioning depression, those moments of distraction are a way to escape from the constant noise in their head. But instead of feeling refreshed afterwards they just end up feeling even more disconnected from reality.
DAILY TASKS REQUIRE IMMENSE EFFORT
Picture trying to climb a mountain every time you need to do something as simple as choosing what to wear or charging your phone. That’s what it’s like for someone with high functioning depression. Even though they might look like they’ve got it all together on the outside, every task feels like an uphill battle. Physical ailments like chronic pain, headaches, or other unexplained physical symptoms can accompany high-functioning depression. Recognizing these high functioning depression symptoms is the first step towards seeking support.