It seems “everyone” has their down times in life yet go through life just fine. However, things aren’t how they seem to appear for those with high-functioning depression. Most people going through life don’t necessarily recognize they have depression until it impacts their work or home life. According to the CDC, depression was indicated in 16%-20%+ of the population with females more than males showing signs of depression. However, percentages are not clear for those with high-functioning depression as it is not distinguished as a mental health disorder.  Also, it is much more than likely very under reported.

High-functioning in this context is a general term used to quantify functionality over symptoms. Further, it describes one’s ability to function in a work environment long enough to complete assigned tasks. Sometimes the term is used with alcohol or drug use, or others with a debilitating illness or medical condition with a high tolerance level of maintaining one’s functioning (at least in the short-term). At some point in time, the malady or condition may increase the risk of the person experiencing utter exhaustion and breakdown.

When it comes to high-functioning depression, here it refers to one who experiences low grade depression while still meeting work or home obligations. They will usually appear “normal” to most others around them. However, they mask internal feelings of fear, anger, shame, guilt along with emotional exhaustion.

Characteristics of People with High-Functioning Depression

They are generally intelligent, structured, sensitive, intuitive, kind, loveable, essential, reliable, and loyal people. However, it’s the internal dialogue with themselves that no one else hears that plagues their soul. It’s the fatigue, the feelings of being overwhelmed or completely exhausted after pouring themselves in their duties. They generally don’t admit or want to admit that they are depressed. They certainly don’t want to burden others with their sadness, low mood or over-stressed being.

At first, high-functioning depression is a form of depression that starts to stay with you without you ever realizing it. You may dismiss it as fatigue, low energy, “stress of the job”, or some common sickness. You may find yourself turning down promotions, engaging in few or no social events, or denying yourself kudos from others. You live a low key life of self-sacrifice so others may not notice. You may put in overtime so others can leave early for their needs or wants. Also, you may tend to stay silent about troubling people or situations or don’t standup for yourself. This cycle continues over and over again to near complete shutdown unless you get the help you need. There are many people who experience depression while functioning in life. You are not alone. Prioritize your care now.

 

Causes of High-Functioning Depression

There’s a number of causes that appear to be a part of those with depression (whether it’s high-functioning or not).  These may include the following:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Medical condition
  • Traumatic life event or events
  •      Physical, sexual abuse or neglect
  •      Rape, assault
  •      Near death experience (or witnessing one)
  •      War
  •      Violence
  •      Other traumatic event/s
  • A very susceptible or stressful life that may trigger depression
  •     Growing up in a volatile home environment
  •     Poor, low socioeconomic conditions
  •     Schooling
  • Dating in dysfunctional relationships
  • Conflictual, dysfunctional marriage
  • Birth of a child
  • Losses such as friendship, death of a loved one
  • Job changes (promotion, change of departments, change in pay, more responsibilities, “reduction in force”), burnout (in helping profession, “Compassion fatigue”)
  • Ever changes in economy, world events, information, technology, etc.
  • Change in satisfaction, purpose leading to burnout (my “Why” I’m here is in question, “am I making a difference”?)
  • Alcohol and/or drug misuse

Distorted beliefs

  • What I tell myself or believe from others about me (“I’m not good enough”, “I’m a loser”)
  •  Believe like you don’t truly “belong”
  •  Imposter syndrome (self-doubt, feeling insecure like others will “know the truth about   who I really am”)
  • You have an internal dialogue of self-worth and self-sabotage. In other words, you pursue work or relationships that are fulfilling until you realize you aren’t worthy of them. So you either end the relationship, start pulling away from the other, don’t grow or promote in your career or job.
  • Battle with criticism. Constructive or destructive criticism may be interpreted the same way. You put yourself out there expecting “everyone” to like you or what you did or are doing. When some don’t respond or respond negatively, you are devastated.

 

Signs (or Symptoms) of Those with High-Functioning Depression

  • Physical symptoms (may include: headaches, joint pain, low energy, common cold, upset stomach)
  • Emotional fatigue
  • Low mood
  • Isolating from others
  • When not in “work mode”, you lack personal motivation or “space out”
  • Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness
  • Erratic sleep and/or appetite
  • Working long or excessive hours (with or without due compensation)
  • Bouts of irritability
  • Angry outbursts (with or without reason)
  • Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities (or relationship/s)
  • Wishing at times you wouldn’t wake up the next day (including suicidal thoughts)
  • A slow yet digressive difficulty in making decisions
  • Poor, minimal or unpredictable decision making outside of work
  • Develop Poor coping strategies for the depression include use of stimulants, “sleep vacations”, binge TV watching, yoyo dieting, being involved in “rescuing” relationships, live alone or in a “roommate” living arrangement.

Overcoming It

Take an inside look…take time for self-reflection

Slow down, journal your activities and your interactions with others and your responses with each one

Tell yourself the truth about how you feel. On a scale of 1-10 (1=low, 10=high), how intense are each of the feelings?

Talk with a trusted friend or mentor about what you are going through

Recognize the need, the longing to be noticed by others as “you” without judgment, condemnation or great expectation as to how you “should” be

Seek professional counseling help.

Here at Pathways Counseling Services, we are ready to walk with you together overcoming your depression towards a fulfilling, hopeful life.

Call us at 520-292-9750 or email us at jo**@************on.com.