High-Functioning Depression: What Your Loved One Wants You to Know

“Depression is being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world is.” – Atticus

It happens to the coworker who seems to have it all – a nice car, a house in an affluent neighborhood, and the presidency of the company. It happens to the new mom, who is still bringing baked goods to the school bake sale and attending every sporting event for the other siblings. Depression lurks when no one is looking, even in those we know who seem to have it all together.

Franklin County is no stranger to depression. In 2021, over 23% of adult residents reported having depression. Chances are, someone you know is trying to manage the condition right now. It may even be yourself.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus understands how depression takes away from your mental well-being. Those living with high-functioning depression are especially at risk of negative consequences as they keep their feelings to themselves. Let’s talk about what high-functioning depression is, who it affects, and how to manage it moving forward.

Behind the Mask: Exploring High-Functioning Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects mood and makes it difficult to accomplish daily tasks. There are different forms of depression that vary in levels of severity. Some people experience seasonal depression, where their mood changes with the seasons. Women can develop depression while they are pregnant or postpartum. Those who experience depression all of the time may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder – the most severe form. All of these conditions cause drastic symptoms that interfere with everyday life.

However, some people experience mild to moderate symptoms of depression. This is commonly referred to as having high-functioning depression, though this is not a medical term. High-functioning depression is often compared to persistent depressive disorder (PDD). The depressive symptoms of PDD are not as interfering with daily tasks, allowing the person to seem as if they are not depressed at all. Despite this, the person is still experiencing feelings of emptiness and sadness.

Differences Between Major Depression and High-Functioning Depression

As we mentioned above, major depressive disorder is the most severe form of depression. Those with MDD find it difficult to do what many quantify as simple tasks. Cleaning the house, practicing self-care, and getting up for work are not feasible during a major depressive episode. This can last for weeks to months at a time, causing added financial and social stress and leading to worsening depression symptoms.

Those living with high-functioning depression are more likely to accomplish these tasks. However, they may learn to hide their emotions, known as putting on a mask. They may seem content or even outgoing at work, but at home, they feel the weight of depression come crashing down. Completing tasks such as doing the dishes will take most or all of their effort. Work projects can be especially taxing mentally, which worsens depression symptoms.

Risk Factors for High-Functioning Depression: Who Is Likely to Develop It?

There is no singular cause of high-functioning depression, but there are factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:

• Genetics: Having an immediate family member with depression or other mental health conditions increases the chance of developing depression yourself.
• Environment: Growing up in a chaotic environment raises the risk of poor mental health and depression. This includes experiencing poverty, hunger, abuse, and trauma.
• Self-esteem: Those with low self-esteem are likely to experience depression.
• Life changes: Stressful life events such as losing a job or the passing of a loved one can trigger depression. These events also affect sleep, worsening depression symptoms.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression

We talked about those living with high-functioning depression wearing a mask, meaning they hide their symptoms from others. This makes it harder to spot someone who is living with high-functioning depression. However, depression symptoms will appear over time. These include:

• Persistent feelings of emptiness, sadness, and worthlessness
• Difficulties making decisions and concentrating
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances such as sleeping too much or not enough
• Appetite changes including eating too much or not enough
• Feeling guilty or shameful
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

These symptoms are often mild to moderate in those with high-functioning depression. If they become severe and are interfering with your day-to-day life, talk with your doctor. Your depression could be shifting from high-functioning to major depressive disorder. Also, if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek medical attention immediately.

Tips to Manage High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression can have you feeling like you are stuck in a rut. Here are some tips to help with managing your depression:

• Practice self-care: You can’t feel your best mentally if you are not taking care of yourself physically. Add a self-care task to your daily routine. Taking a shower, writing in a journal, or going for a run are examples of activities to implement.
• Take all medications: Taking your medications as prescribed will help keep your depression symptoms in check. Make a note when you experience symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. They will be able to recommend different medications and adjust dosages if you are still having depression symptoms.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eating healthy foods helps keep your mental well-being strong. Nuts and seeds, whole grains, dark leafy greens, and fruits have been shown to improve mental health.
• Set attainable goals: Goal setting is a way to help you accomplish tasks. Write down what you hope to get done in the day. Start with a small task that is attainable and once complete, cross it off your list. The sense of accomplishment by marking the task as done is a great boost to your mental health. Even if your list only says one task such as “Do the dishes,” being able to check it as done is a victorious feeling.
• Utilize your support system: Establish a strong support system to turn to when times are tough. Having a trusted friend or family member to talk to and spend time with will help keep your high-functioning depression in check.
• Enroll in therapy: Therapy helps with challenging negative thoughts and implementing techniques to turn them positive. The main therapy utilized in treating depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Negative thoughts and behaviors are addressed and counteracted with realistic and productive ones.
• Exercise: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. Exercise causes dopamine and endorphins to be released in the brain, boosting mood and mental health.

Getting Treatment for High-Functioning Depression in Columbus, OH

If you are navigating life with a smile on the outside but trying to stay afloat on the inside, help is available today. High-functioning depression often goes unnoticed, but the toll it takes is real. The good news is that treatment for depression is a solution to stop the waves from coming, allowing you time to breathe.

The compassionate team of mental health experts at SUN Behavioral Health Columbus specializes in identifying and treating high-functioning depression, offering personalized care in a safe, supportive environment. We provide evidence-based therapies and practical coping strategies to help you regain your sense of purpose and joy.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or simply not yourself, SUN Behavioral Health Columbus is here to guide you toward healing and renewed vitality. We have been solving unmet needs in our communities and connecting Ohioans to quality, mental health care. Our facility not only offers depression care but also has a crisis care center for when mental health is at its worst. Take the first step today. Call us at 614-706-2786 to learn more about our high-functioning depression treatment options.