5 Signs of High-Functioning Depression
Published on June 17, 2024
Anyone who has experienced a depressive episode can attest that “high-functioning” is not how they felt. Most often, major depressive disorder (MDD) manifests in ways that hamper even the most basic daily tasks. People lose interest in what once excited them and can slide into a place of hopelessness. If this lasts for two consecutive weeks, it could be diagnosable.
Meanwhile, there are also folks with depression who give off very few obvious indications that they are struggling. In fact, they might be fully aware of what they’re feeling. Something is off, but it may never feel major enough to discuss. Let’s take a closer look.
What is High-Functioning Depression?
For starters, the term is shorthand for a diagnosable condition called persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Therefore, the terms high-functioning depression will be used interchangeably in this post. Here are a few important details to help explain PDD’s presentation and impact:
PDD is more common in females and can arise due to trauma, stress, and family history.
Quite often, people with high-functioning depression are those who tend to push through hardships in their lives. They rarely ask for help and may struggle with perfectionism. Being an introvert can also increase one’s risk. All this adds up to them potentially hiding or not recognizing PDD in their own life.
PDD presents fewer and less severe symptoms than MDD.
As touched on above, MDD can be diagnosed after two weeks of symptoms. As for high-functioning depression, that time period is two years.
As you might imagine, having fewer symptoms spread out over two years can make it a challenge to identify — even for a professional.
Clearly, it is vital that more people become aware of the red flags to watch for.
5 Signs of High-Functioning Depression
1. Unexplained Fatigue
It’s one thing to be active and feel tired afterward. When PDD is the culprit, what you’re likely to feel is a chronic lack of energy that sleep and rest don’t seem to help. Part of the reason for this is that you’re working all day to maintain normalcy despite struggling with a diagnosable mental health issue.
2. Not Bouncing Back
Following up on #1 above, ongoing fatigue can land you in a place of consistent sadness. Prior to the onset of high-functioning depression, you may have felt resilient. Now, energy is a rare commodity, but you just keep going.
3. You’re Going Through the Motions
Like everyone else, your plate is full. While someone with MDD might just shut down, you keep knocking things off your to-do list. These efforts aren’t bringing you joy or satisfaction, but you’ve gotten used to the very subtle and pervasive symptoms you feel. You know something is off, but you don’t feel comfortable talking about it.
4. Weight Gain or Loss
People with any form of depression can lose interest in eating — and all the related work (shopping, cooking, etc.). As detailed above, you lack energy, and the meal doesn’t seem worth it. If you choose easy, unhealthy food, you may gain weight. If you find eating to be too onerous, you may lose weight.
5. The Input of Trusted Friends and Family Members
Listen carefully to loved ones. Ask for their feedback. They might be the ones to tell you that you seem down or are just “not yourself” lately. This is hard to hear — especially for perfectionists — but it might be the motivation you need to ask for help.
Reach Out Soon
If left unaddressed, depression can become quite serious. If the information above had you nodding your head, I invite you to get in touch to learn more about depression therapy. Let’s get you scheduled for a free and confidential consultation.