Signs of High Functioning Depression
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- High-functioning depression is a colloquial term referring to depression in which individuals manage daily life and responsibilities despite feeling underlying fatigue, loss of interest or irritability.
- Signs of high-functioning depression can include masking emotions and hidden dysfunction, such as taking more energy to complete tasks or sleeping in late on weekends.
- Depression is treatable with counseling, lifestyle changes and medication.
You may go to work or school, make dinner, exercise and spend time with friends and family, but feel an underlying sense of fatigue or a loss of interest in things you enjoy. You may feel hollow inside or irritable because you believe everything should be fine, but something feels off.
These could be signs of a depression colloquially known as “high functioning depression,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. This isn’t a formal diagnosis, but rather a way to refer to the condition when you’re still managing your day-to-day life and responsibilities.
What is depression?
Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest that last for two weeks or more, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can be disabling in severe cases. Common symptoms of depression present for four to eight weeks 90% of the time include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling sad, irritable, fidgety or hopeless
- Loss of interest in hobbies and work
- Increased or decreased appetite, including significant weight gain or loss (5% to 10 % in a few weeks), craving for high calorie foods or finding nothing tastes normal
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, including difficulty falling, staying asleepor waking up early
- Difficulty concentrating, frequent missing appointments or not paying attention
- Negative thoughts about yourself and others, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Guilt and nervousness
The mood disorder comes in different forms, including:
- Major depressive disorder: also known as clinical depression, this is a common and more severe form of the condition.
- Persistent depressive disorder: a long-term, sometimes more mild form of the condition that involves a low mood or sadness on most days.
- Seasonal affective disorder: a type of depression triggered by changes in the season. It’s most common in the winter, but some may experience symptoms in the summer.
Ongoing stress and anxiety can also contribute to feelings of depression that may not be at the level of a clinical diagnosis but are still difficult to manage. Nearly 15 million Americans will experience depressive feelings every year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
How to identify high-functioning depression
Whatever the cause, being able to function but also feeling like you’re barely hanging on by a thread can be a sign of depression. Busyness can make it difficult to know what is really going on. The brain fog, negative mood and irritability that go along with depression can also make it difficult to understand the cause of your symptoms.
Here are a few signs of depression that can persist even when you’re functioning:
Fatigue and exhaustion
Fatigue, low energy or exhaustion regardless of how much you rest are common symptoms of depression that may not be obvious. It can be a frustrating experience as fatigue is connected to many health conditions, including insomnia, iron-deficiency anemia, heart disease or a common virus.
Poor sleep and suppressed appetite can also contribute to fatigue related to depression.
Masking
If you go to work and put on a smile but feel hollow inside, that could indicate depression. Wearing an emotional “mask” when you’re spending time with others can leave you feeling exhausted afterward.
Hidden dysfunction
You stay busy and manage to get through your to-do list but find it takes a lot more energy than normal. You may also get up for work on time but sleep late on weekends. These are signs of depression.
Treating depression
Awareness is often the first step to recovering. Continuing to push through without seeking treatment can lead to burnout. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or a mental health professional. Depression is treatable with counseling, lifestyle changes and medication.
Living a healthy lifestyle can’t often prevent depression, but it is part of overall physical and mental well-being, according to the National Library of Medicine. These habits can help with long-term health:
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, biking or swimming30 to 45 minutes a day five to seven days a week. Talk to your PCP before starting a new exercise routine.
- Getting enough sleep and practicing healthy sleep hygiene.
- Managing stress.
If you need immediate help, contact a crisis provider or seek mental health services from your PCP.
Image: Getty Images
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