What Is High-Functioning Depression?

When you think of depression, usually the first thoughts that come to mind are sadness and that loss of interest that interrupts daily life.

With depression, however, that is only the tip of the iceberg. It’s a mood disorder with an array of symptoms and presentations.

High-functioning depression is one variation that tends to look a bit different. In fact, it’s one that isn’t that noticeable at all. In terms of severity, it’s just as serious, but it doesn’t have the same impact on your ability to function. 

Symptom Presentation

First and worth noting, high-functioning depression is still depression. The symptoms you experience are typical of a general depression, but often have a lesser intensity. 

Common symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, emptiness, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. In some instances, you might have physical symptoms including tension, stomach aches, and headaches while other times you might deal with sleep disturbances, fatigue, and appetite changes. What you experience is individualized, but won’t be as intrusive or severe. 

Over time, dealing with these symptoms becomes almost second nature and you learn how to function just as effectively with them as you did without them.

Daily Function Continues

Since high-functioning depression comes with less intense and invasive symptoms, you’re more likely to be able to complete daily tasks with minimal interruption. You are able to go to school or work. You can attend social events and mingle with family and friends. Chores, workouts, hobbies, or most any other activity are able to be completed. 

Those around you will not be as inclined to notice your depression due to your ability to carry on business as usual. Typically, high-functioning depression doesn’t impact your ability to be successful or meet your goals. 

Regardless of how much it does or doesn’t impact your daily outcomes, it can still cause you a certain level of stress and emotional strain. You are able achieve success, but for some reason it won’t feel like enough. When you do meet your goals or find that success, you’re still not happy or fulfilled. 

More Effort Is Required

As mentioned, you’re able to fulfill your daily responsibilities. You can manage a decently active social calendar and your relationships continue to progress. 

At the end of the day, whether you realize why or not, you may find yourself feeling exceptionally exhausted. The tradeoff might be that you’re able to keep functioning, but your mind and body are using an increased amount of energy from your bank to compensate. 

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

The symptoms that come with high-functioning depression aren’t necessarily severe, but rather feel like an inconvenience or annoyance some days. To alleviate some of your symptoms, you may turn to self-medicating options. 

While it feels like it is enough and not harming anything, self-medicating isn’t a sustainable option over the long term. Alcohol, drugs, or any type of substance can spiral into a full-blown addiction and possible medical conditions. 

What Causes High-Functioning Depression

Genetic factors can be an underlying cause of high-functioning depression. If you have a family history or are living in a household where someone actively manages it, you become at a higher risk for developing your own depression. 

Chronic stress and trauma triggers can also cause depression symptoms to worsen. Those who struggle with perfectionism or emotional regulation and rigidity issues may also have more of a tendency to develop this type. Workaholic behaviors have also shown some linkage. 

While high-functioning depression allows you to continue living and doing, it’s important that it gets addressed properly to prevent onset of greater issues. For some, symptoms may resolve other own, but for many, more help is needed. 

If you believe you may be dealing with high-functioning depression, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.