5 Clear Clues You’re Dealing with High-Functioning Depression

Depression is an illness that affects many people everywhere. There is an estimate that 280 million people in the world have some form of depression. When someone is struggling with depression, they may experience a variety of symptoms that can include: poor concentration, loss of interest in activities, sadness, and irritability. For someone to be diagnosed with depression, these and many other symptoms will have to be present every day for at least two weeks.

When a depressive episode occurs, someone may experience extreme difficulty with personal, social, work, and other important areas of functioning. It can include loss of sleep, sleeping too much, lack of appetite, or overeating. Depression, at its core, is a complicated beast that is hard to cope with. The rate of the severity of depression can be anywhere from mild to severe.

What Is High Functioning Depression?

For many people, their mental illness is so severe that it is enough to prevent them from functioning in key areas of life. Typically, this inability to function is a prerequisite for being diagnosed with any mental illness.

However, in some cases, a problematic mental health condition is less severe. In most cases, someone is still able to function normally most of the time. In cases like this, they are referred to as a high-functioning person.

What Are Signs Of High Functioning Depression?

There are many signs and symptoms of high-functioning depression. However, these five are the most common ones that you may be dealing with.

1. Low Self-Esteem

No matter how many compliments you receive, is it hard for you to feel good about yourself? Do you constantly find reasons to still criticize yourself, either internally or out loud?

Low self-esteem and confidence are markers for depression, especially for those who are high-functioning. Even though you may be able to function normally, you still lack the confidence in yourself that you need at times.

2. Emotions Run High Or Low

Do you feel everything deeply... or not at all? Do feelings of sadness just hit you and waves? Or feelings of hopelessness or emptiness for no reason? Are all of these frequently happening?

If any of those are familiar to you, it can be a clear sign that you have high functioning depression. It may not be debilitating for you, but these low emotional states are definitely signs of depression.

3. Fine On The Outside, Torn Up On The Inside

Are you a pro at pretending that everything is fine in your life? Do you find it easy to portray a person who has it all together? But on the inside, it feels anything but all together?

Masking one's true feelings to the world when you feel nothing but turmoil internally is another classic sign of high functioning depression.

4. Fluctuating Weight?

Does your weight seem to yo-yo persistently, regardless of your diet or exercise plan? For those with high functioning depression, this is a completely normal experience.

Depending on your mood, you may notice that your appetite either increases or decreases. Which can cause differences in weight gain or loss.

5. Performance Related Struggles

Do you perform well in school or at work? To the outside world, it may seem as if you can do it all and succeed. Yet inside, you may struggle to keep up or maintain the status quo. It can feel as though you are not doing enough, despite others' perceptions of your success.

When you are struggling with depression as a high-functioning person, it can be really frustrating. You may feel out of control, powerless, or prone to a declining self-image. It's important to recognize that depression can take on many forms and it can truly affect anyone.

If you need support, don't hesitate to seek help for your depression. We are here for you when you are ready. Please reach out to us for a free consultation or through our contact form.