Find a TherapistReady to get started?Ready toget started?Add your email to continueEmailGet startedBy submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Ready to get started?Ready toget started?Add your email to continueEmailGet startedBy submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Ready to get started?
Ready toget started?
Add your email to continue
Get started
By submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryHigh-Functioning Depression: The Invisible Mental Health Condition
Table of Contents:OverviewWhat Is High-Functioning Depression?Signs & Symptoms of High-Functioning DepressionWhat Causes High-Functioning Depression?The Challenges of Living with High-Functioning DepressionHow to Deal with High-Functioning DepressionTreat High-Functioning Depression with Talkspace
DepressionRead Time: 5 Minutes
Published On: November 29, 2022
Reviewed On: November 29, 2022
Updated On: November 2, 2023
OverviewUpdated on 2/1/2023Depressiontakes many forms and can affect people in various ways. High-functioning depression is a term used to describe someone who doesn’t show many outward symptoms of depression. When you’re living with high-functioning depression, you may appear fine on the outside, but on the inside you’re struggling with symptoms like low mood, hopelessness, lack of energy and motivation, and more.If you suspect you or a loved one might be dealing with this common yet treatable form of depression, help is available. Read on to learn more. We’ll look at what high-functioning depression symptoms — emotional and physical — can look like, what causes might contribute to someone developing it, and most importantly, how to deal with it.
Overview
Updated on 2/1/2023
Depressiontakes many forms and can affect people in various ways. High-functioning depression is a term used to describe someone who doesn’t show many outward symptoms of depression. When you’re living with high-functioning depression, you may appear fine on the outside, but on the inside you’re struggling with symptoms like low mood, hopelessness, lack of energy and motivation, and more.
If you suspect you or a loved one might be dealing with this common yet treatable form of depression, help is available. Read on to learn more. We’ll look at what high-functioning depression symptoms — emotional and physical — can look like, what causes might contribute to someone developing it, and most importantly, how to deal with it.
What Is High-Functioning Depression?While depression can cause significant impairment, it doesn’t always inhibit a person’s ability to function daily. Depression existson a broad spectrum, and the intensity of symptoms can vary.High-functioning depression isn’t a clinical term or a diagnosis. Instead, it’s a descriptor for a type of depression with particular symptoms. While sometypes of depressioncause people to lose their ability to function in their daily life, high-functioning depression is different. People with this type of depression often keep a job, maintain relationships, and meet other obligations. High-functioning depression means it’s easier for someone to mask their mild or severe symptoms, but this form of depression still makes life (and relationships!) complex.Many people with high-functioning depression are diagnosed with a condition referred to aspersistent depressive disorder(PDD) (also known as dysthymic disorder). This chronic form of depression hasmild to moderate symptoms. People with PPD can experience major depressive episodes during which symptoms are more severe.
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
While depression can cause significant impairment, it doesn’t always inhibit a person’s ability to function daily. Depression existson a broad spectrum, and the intensity of symptoms can vary.
High-functioning depression isn’t a clinical term or a diagnosis. Instead, it’s a descriptor for a type of depression with particular symptoms. While sometypes of depressioncause people to lose their ability to function in their daily life, high-functioning depression is different. People with this type of depression often keep a job, maintain relationships, and meet other obligations. High-functioning depression means it’s easier for someone to mask their mild or severe symptoms, but this form of depression still makes life (and relationships!) complex.
Many people with high-functioning depression are diagnosed with a condition referred to aspersistent depressive disorder(PDD) (also known as dysthymic disorder). This chronic form of depression hasmild to moderate symptoms. People with PPD can experience major depressive episodes during which symptoms are more severe.
Signs & Symptoms of High-Functioning DepressionSome high-functioning depression symptoms are similar to what people with other types of depression experience.Symptoms of depressioncan be emotional and/or physical and may vary in intensity.Emotional symptomsEmotional symptoms of high-functioning depression can include:Persistent low moodFeeling sad, worthless, or hopelessFeelings of guilt or shameIrritabilityLow self-esteemAnxietySuicide ideation or thoughts of self-harmFrequent cryingDifficulty enjoying activitiesPhysical symptomsThere are multiple common physical high-functioning depression symptoms. They may include things such as:Lack of energyChanges in appetiteSleep disturbancesAches and painsChronic fatigueDigestive issuesMoving more slowly than usualHeadaches
Signs & Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression
Some high-functioning depression symptoms are similar to what people with other types of depression experience.Symptoms of depressioncan be emotional and/or physical and may vary in intensity.
Emotional symptoms
Emotional symptoms of high-functioning depression can include:
Physical symptoms
There are multiple common physical high-functioning depression symptoms. They may include things such as:
Expert Insight
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD.), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)Meaghan Rice
How to diagnose high-functioning depressionConsidering that high-functioning depression isn’t an official diagnosis, a high-functioning person with depressive symptoms might have PDD or another type of depressive disorder.Often, when a person shows signs of depression, healthcare providers will run exams and tests to rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to these symptoms.From there, a doctor or mental health professional will ask questions to learn more about the symptoms someone’s been experiencing. They may also ask about any family history of depression or other mental health conditions. Professionals use this information to provide patients with an accuratedepression diagnosisand a depression treatment plan.
How to diagnose high-functioning depression
Considering that high-functioning depression isn’t an official diagnosis, a high-functioning person with depressive symptoms might have PDD or another type of depressive disorder.
Often, when a person shows signs of depression, healthcare providers will run exams and tests to rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to these symptoms.
From there, a doctor or mental health professional will ask questions to learn more about the symptoms someone’s been experiencing. They may also ask about any family history of depression or other mental health conditions. Professionals use this information to provide patients with an accuratedepression diagnosisand a depression treatment plan.
What Causes High-Functioning Depression?Experts don’t know exactlywhat causes depression. They also don’t understand why depression affects people in different ways. Depression can occur for many reasons, and several factors can put some people at increased risk of developing this mental health condition.Stress: Prolonged stress and challenging life events, such as an abusive relationship or the death of a loved one, can betriggers for depression.Trauma: Trauma thatcreates stressful environmentscan cause a host of mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and, yes, depression.Genetics:Studiesalso suggest that there may be a genetic component to depression. Depression often runs in families, and someone with a family history of depression is more likely to be diagnosed with depression later in life.Health: Chronic or sudden health conditions can lead to high-functioning depression, as people might go into survival mode just trying to cope with their issues.Brain chemistry: Brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters regulate mood. When there’s an imbalance, depression might be the result.Substance use and abuse: Research shows that almost20% of alcoholicsare high-functioning and able to keep a job and maintain relationships. The link between addiction and depression iswell-established, so it should be no surprise that addicts can live with high-functioning depression.Why are some people with depression able to function so well? First, there are different types of depression, and symptom severity can vary from person to person. Don’t forget, many people with depression feel tremendous pressure to hide symptoms of depression from others. This can be true even if depressive symptoms are causing distress.
What Causes High-Functioning Depression?
Experts don’t know exactlywhat causes depression. They also don’t understand why depression affects people in different ways. Depression can occur for many reasons, and several factors can put some people at increased risk of developing this mental health condition.
Why are some people with depression able to function so well? First, there are different types of depression, and symptom severity can vary from person to person. Don’t forget, many people with depression feel tremendous pressure to hide symptoms of depression from others. This can be true even if depressive symptoms are causing distress.
The Challenges of Living with High-Functioning DepressionAlthough high-functioning depression doesn’t always seem to impact a person’s ability to function, it can still be intensely challenging. Even if someone can handle their day-to-day obligations, depression often makes even mundane, simple tasks harder.Some people with high-functioning depression say they feel as if they must mask and conceal their symptoms. This can leave them feeling isolated, potentially making symptoms worse. Others may be afraid to talk about their struggles because their symptoms aren’t “that bad.”
The Challenges of Living with High-Functioning Depression
Although high-functioning depression doesn’t always seem to impact a person’s ability to function, it can still be intensely challenging. Even if someone can handle their day-to-day obligations, depression often makes even mundane, simple tasks harder.
Some people with high-functioning depression say they feel as if they must mask and conceal their symptoms. This can leave them feeling isolated, potentially making symptoms worse. Others may be afraid to talk about their struggles because their symptoms aren’t “that bad.”
Many people with functional depression also feel that they’re not sick enough to seek treatment. This ultimately prevents them from getting support for their issues. Since the symptoms of high-functioning depression aren’t as obvious, many people suffer in silence. Hiding symptoms can take a toll, though. Without help, many people find that their symptoms worsen over time.
How to Deal with High-Functioning Depression
For someone with high-functioning depression to get help, the first step is getting a diagnosis from a mental health professional. From there, they can explore different forms of treatment, including therapy,medication for depression, and lifestyle changes. Treating high-functioning depression can boost mood, enhance relationships, and make it easier to function and improve overall quality of life.
Treat High-Functioning Depression with TalkspaceDepression affects millions of people across the globe. While not everyone with depression has the same level of impairment, anyone with a depressive disorder can benefit from treatment. Talkspace makes it easy to find an online therapist who can give you the support you need.If you or a loved one is living with high-functioning depression, reach out to Talkspace today. You can get help, andonline therapyfrom Talkspace can be exactly where you find it. Online therapy offers a convenient, affordable approach to mental health care. Talkspace therapists are trained, qualified, and ready to help you manage your depression. Reach out today to get started withtherapy for depression.
Treat High-Functioning Depression with Talkspace
Depression affects millions of people across the globe. While not everyone with depression has the same level of impairment, anyone with a depressive disorder can benefit from treatment. Talkspace makes it easy to find an online therapist who can give you the support you need.
If you or a loved one is living with high-functioning depression, reach out to Talkspace today. You can get help, andonline therapyfrom Talkspace can be exactly where you find it. Online therapy offers a convenient, affordable approach to mental health care. Talkspace therapists are trained, qualified, and ready to help you manage your depression. Reach out today to get started withtherapy for depression.
See ReferencesThe depressive spectrum: diagnostic classification and courseAngst, J, and K Merikangas. Journal of affective disorders vol. 45,1-2 (1997): 31-9; discussion 39-40. doi:10.1016/s0165-0327(97)00057-8. Accessed November 13, 2022.Persistent Depressive DisorderStatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. 130.14.29.110. Accessed November 13, 2022.The effects of stressful life events on depressionKessler, R C. Annual review of psychology vol. 48 (1997): 191-214. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.48.1.191. Accessed November 13, 2022.Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among youth in low and middle income countries: A review of prevalence and treatment interventionsYatham, Swetha et al. Asian journal of psychiatry vol. 38 (2018): 78-91. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2017.10.029. Accessed November 13, 2022.Genetic determinants of depression: recent findings and future directionsDunn, Erin C et al. Harvard review of psychiatry vol. 23,1 (2015): 1-18. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000054. Accessed November 13, 2022.Researchers Identify Alcoholism SubtypesNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Accessed November 13, 2022.Mood disorders and substance use disorder: a complex comorbidityQuello, Susan B et al. Science & practice perspectives vol. 3,1 (2005): 13-21. doi:10.1151/spp053113.
See References
Angst, J, and K Merikangas. Journal of affective disorders vol. 45,1-2 (1997): 31-9; discussion 39-40. doi:10.1016/s0165-0327(97)00057-8. Accessed November 13, 2022.
StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. 130.14.29.110. Accessed November 13, 2022.
Kessler, R C. Annual review of psychology vol. 48 (1997): 191-214. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.48.1.191. Accessed November 13, 2022.
Yatham, Swetha et al. Asian journal of psychiatry vol. 38 (2018): 78-91. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2017.10.029. Accessed November 13, 2022.
Dunn, Erin C et al. Harvard review of psychiatry vol. 23,1 (2015): 1-18. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000054. Accessed November 13, 2022.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Accessed November 13, 2022.
Quello, Susan B et al. Science & practice perspectives vol. 3,1 (2005): 13-21. doi:10.1151/spp053113.
Meaghan RiceMeaghan Rice is a mental health consultant specializing in professionals who are looking to close the gap between where they are and where they envision themselves being. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, working in a variety of different capacities, Dr. Rice has found her niche amidst the therapist, consultant, and trainer roles.
Meaghan Rice is a mental health consultant specializing in professionals who are looking to close the gap between where they are and where they envision themselves being. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, working in a variety of different capacities, Dr. Rice has found her niche amidst the therapist, consultant, and trainer roles.
Share
Effective and affordable mental health treatmentGet Started
Effective and affordable mental health treatment
Related Articles About DepressionView all articlesDepressionOctober 23, 2024Depression in Nurses: A Mental Health Crisis in HealthcareDepressionOctober 23, 2024Fatherhood Depression: Breaking the Silence on Depressed DadsDepression, ParentingSeptember 18, 2024What to Do if Your Teenager is Making You Feel DepressedDepressionSeptember 18, 2024Post-Weaning Depression: Recognize the Signs & Find SupportDepressionSeptember 18, 2024How to Think Positive When Depressed: Techniques for a Brighter OutlookDepressionSeptember 18, 2024Have You Fallen Out of Love, or Are You Depressed?DepressionJuly 24, 2024How to Prevent Postpartum DepressionDepressionJuly 24, 2024How to Explain Depression to SomeoneDepressionJuly 24, 2024Are There Stages of Depression?DepressionJune 21, 2024Can Adderall Cause Depression?
Related Articles About DepressionView all articles
Related Articles About Depression
DepressionOctober 23, 2024Depression in Nurses: A Mental Health Crisis in HealthcareDepressionOctober 23, 2024Fatherhood Depression: Breaking the Silence on Depressed DadsDepression, ParentingSeptember 18, 2024What to Do if Your Teenager is Making You Feel DepressedDepressionSeptember 18, 2024Post-Weaning Depression: Recognize the Signs & Find SupportDepressionSeptember 18, 2024How to Think Positive When Depressed: Techniques for a Brighter OutlookDepressionSeptember 18, 2024Have You Fallen Out of Love, or Are You Depressed?DepressionJuly 24, 2024How to Prevent Postpartum DepressionDepressionJuly 24, 2024How to Explain Depression to SomeoneDepressionJuly 24, 2024Are There Stages of Depression?DepressionJune 21, 2024Can Adderall Cause Depression?
DepressionOctober 23, 2024Depression in Nurses: A Mental Health Crisis in Healthcare
DepressionOctober 23, 2024Fatherhood Depression: Breaking the Silence on Depressed Dads
Depression, ParentingSeptember 18, 2024What to Do if Your Teenager is Making You Feel Depressed
DepressionSeptember 18, 2024Post-Weaning Depression: Recognize the Signs & Find Support
DepressionSeptember 18, 2024How to Think Positive When Depressed: Techniques for a Brighter Outlook
DepressionSeptember 18, 2024Have You Fallen Out of Love, or Are You Depressed?
DepressionJuly 24, 2024How to Prevent Postpartum Depression
DepressionJuly 24, 2024How to Explain Depression to Someone
DepressionJuly 24, 2024Are There Stages of Depression?
DepressionJune 21, 2024Can Adderall Cause Depression?
If you are in a life threatening situation – don’t use this site. Call 988 or useto get immediate help.
Therapy may be free for you
