Signs of High Functioning Depression

 

Have you ever wonder what are the signs of high functioning depression? Recently, we’ve noticed it has become a buzzword in the media and wanted to offer a closer look into high functioning depression and signs that reveal it. 

It can be hard to explain depression to someone who has never had it. Only those who have experienced depression can genuinely understand the illness.

Different people deal with their depression in different ways. Some people self-medicate with drugs, others eat, and others isolate. While every case of high-functioning depression is different, some traits are common.

 

What Is High Functioning Depression?

This type of depression may appear milder when you are witnessing it. This suggests that people can usually continue their daily lives despite their despair. They work or study well, interact normally, and manage their responsibilities.

High functioning depression, however, can be a persistent and chronic condition. Even if its symptoms are less severe than those of other forms of depression, people who experience it do not find it unimportant.

High functioning depression is less ‘visible’ than other forms of depression. As a result, both medical professionals and people who are suffering from this type of depression might overlook or ignore it. It may, however, negatively affect quality of life, so it’s crucial that those suffering from high-functioning depression can access the assistance they require.

 

Signs of High-Functioning Depression

Your constant melancholy and mild symptoms may lead to the normalization of your high functioning depression and the assumption that it is only due to your personality. Rather than seeing you as having a persistent mental health illness that requires treatment, other people can think of you as being unhappy, depressed, sluggish, unable to have fun or just “loosening up.” Because of this, high-functioning depression might be challenging to identify.

The symptoms of high functioning depression can also develop gradually, with few or no triggers, as opposed to arriving suddenly or after a specific trigger or stressful event.

Many of the recognizable symptoms of clinical depression are still present in someone who struggles with high-functioning depression. However, this type of chronic depression has several distinctive characteristics, such as:

• Eschewing social interactions
• Appetite changes (increase or decrease)
• Having trouble focusing or making judgments
• Excessive irritation or anger
• Low energy and weary
• Losing hope
• Feeling empty, depressed, or down
• Remorse or concern about the past
• A low sense of self
• Decreased activity, effectiveness, or productivity
• Self-doubt or a sense of being unable to do certain things
• Sleep issues

 

Living with depression of any kind, including high-functioning depression, is challenging. Antidepressants, psychotherapy, regular exercise, and mindfulness practice are all recommended as part of a treatment plan that may provide some help.

Coping with High Functioning Depression

It may be quite taxing to have high functioning depression. To help you cope a little better each day, you may do a few things.

 

• Exercise

It’s easy to disregard your physical health and wellness while you’re depressed. However, taking care of your bodily needs can also improve your mental state.

Try to get some exercise every day, even if it’s only a short stroll in the open air for ten minutes. Exercise increases the “happy chemicals” in our brain, which can make us feel better. 

 

• Question Your Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness are among the signs of high functioning depression. It’s crucial to try to dispel these pessimistic ideas whenever they pop up.

You may perceive things as more balanced, optimistic, and healthy by challenging your cognitive processes, which can lift your mood.

 

• Connect with Your Family and Friends

While you might want to keep your feelings to yourself and isolate yourself from others, it’s crucial to attempt to keep up a support system with people you can rely on. It may be really beneficial and soothing to simply have someone there for you during difficult times who can listen to how you’re feeling without passing judgment.

You can also think about attending a support group for depression, where you can speak with others who are experiencing similar problems. 

 

• Do Little Things That Make You Happy

Happiness may only last a brief period for someone with high functioning depression. Because of this, it’s crucial to make an effort to include things that make you joyful in your everyday life.

Try to do the activities you like as frequently as possible after you’ve found them. These may include the following:

• Playing your preferred music
• Interacting with a pet
• Watching a favorite movie
• Reading a book 
• Preparing your favorite dishes

 

Seeking Help

People with high-functioning depression could believe they aren’t unwell enough to want assistance and opt not to ask for it. Nothing could be farther from the truth since depression still reduces quality of life even when it is highly functioning.

It’s crucial to remember that ‘high functioning’ does not equate to optimal functioning. Even if they can complete the majority of duties on most days, people with dysthymia nevertheless have some level of impairment.

Even if you associate your sadness with severe situations or stereotyped symptoms that don’t apply to your situation, you may still receive professional assistance and benefit from it.

Early intervention is crucial, just like with physical disorders. Any signs of depression that go untreated might limit functioning or develop consequences, including substance abuse, chronic pain, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

No one should have to suffer from chronic depression when there are excellent medications readily available. First, consult your primary care doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms. Depression treatment often includes talk therapy and medication.

Learn to witness your emotions without judgement and come see a professional if needed. 

 

 

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