High Functioning Depression
When someone says the word “depression,” what usually comes to mind?
Melancholy, lying in bed all day, neglecting your responsibilities, not wanting to do things you would typically enjoy, tossing and turning at night such that you are tired for most of the day? That is all true.
However, depression can also look like this: going through the motions of your day in numbness, smiling while you are hurting inside; going to work struggling to be fine and crying in the shower once you get home; pushing through and pretending as though nothing is wrong.
High-Functioning Depression is a term that is not discussed often because it seems counterintuitive to think that we can be both productive and depressed. Smile and still be depressed. Take care of ourselves and still be depressed. But it is entirely possible.
People who fit this category often function normally for the most part, going to work or school, performing well, keeping up with life responsibilities, and being social all the while struggling with depressed mood most days, which is what makes it so difficult to detect. Other aspects of High-Functioning Depression include feeling tired most of the time, crying often without any concrete reason for it, doing everything you are supposed to do but feeling as though that took enormous effort, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, difficulty concentrating, and feeling hopeless and/or worthless.
While these symptoms separately are not completely indicative of functional depression, taken together they can have a negative impact on a person’s overall well-being.
Here are some ways that you can manage High-Functioning Depression:
Coping Strategies – these are things we do to soothe ourselves in times of distress and can include journaling, music, and exercise amongst other things.
Write Out 10 Ways to Relax – this incorporates strategies that are quick and easy to implement such as deep breathing and/or a 2-minute meditation.
Phone a Friend – most people have someone whom they like to vent to. Knowing you have someone in your corner can be all the help you need.
Seek Professional Help – come to counseling and create a space that is beneficial in helping you overcome your difficulties without judgement.
If you need help navigating these challenges, contact us for a free consultation and discuss options for help.