9 Signs You May Be Unknowingly Living With High-Functioning Depression

9 Signs You May Be Unknowingly Living With High-Functioning Depression

The shadow of stigma that surrounds depression and other mental illnesses is subtle but widespread and often goes unnoticed. It persists even when depression is openly discussed, limiting our understanding and perception of people living with depression and the various forms it can take. Therefore, certain signs of high-functioning depression can be missed even by people who are knowledgeable about mental health issues.

Depression is often portrayed as affecting predominantly white, cisgender, heterosexual women and is portrayed as an overwhelming, debilitating grief that leaves sufferers bedridden. This perception fails to acknowledge the existence of high-functioning depression, depriving people of the opportunity to recognize their condition and seek necessary help.

High-functioning depression, also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression, as the Mayo Clinic explains. Although the symptoms of high-functioning depression may be less severe than those of major depressive disorder, WebMD notes that "symptoms of depression can last a long time, often two years or longer." High-functioning depression allows people to maintain daily routines despite persistent feelings of sadness or fatigue. However, it remains a serious condition that requires attention and treatment. Your value goes beyond your productivity and you deserve more than just going through the motions. If any of the following signs apply to you, you should consult your GP to explore possible treatment options.

1 Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness

According to the Mayo Clinic, persistent feelings of "sadness, emptiness, or depression" are a major symptom of persistent depressive disorder. It's normal not to feel joy every moment of the day. However, if you notice that your usual state is one of sadness or numbness, it may be time to make an appointment with your doctor.

2 disrupted sleep patterns

WebMD identifies “insomnia or excessive sleep almost every day” as another sign of high-functioning depression. If you regularly have trouble falling asleep or consistently sleep 10 hours but still feel tired at work, this may indicate a deeper problem that requires professional advice.

3 Unexplained physical pain

If you suffer from persistent headaches that no painkillers can relieve, or constant back pain with no apparent cause, this could be a sign of high-functioning depression. Talkspace notes that “pain, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems with no clear physical cause” could indicate this condition.

4 Lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities

Psychologist Suzanne Leckie noted in an interview with Women's Health Australia that "less enjoyment of normal activities" is a diagnostic sign of high-functioning depression. If you no longer enjoy previous activities, it may be time to see a doctor.

5 persistent feelings of guilt or worry

If you constantly feel overly responsible, can't let go of your worries, and frequently ruminate about past actions, you could be dealing with high-functioning depression. The Mayo Clinic includes “feelings of guilt and worry about the past” in its list of symptoms. If these feelings dominate your thoughts, it may be worth discussing this with your GP.

6 Increased irritability and anger

As psychotherapist Annie Wright wrote for The Mighty: If you're overly reactive or struggling with irritability and excessive anger, it could be a sign of high-functioning depression. If minor annoyances often cause you to react violently, consider seeking help instead of blaming yourself.

7 Persistent fatigue

“Decreased energy or fatigue” is another symptom of high-functioning depression, as Talkspace notes. It's important to acknowledge the physical and mental toll of your tasks, regardless of your ability to handle them. If you always feel exhausted despite completing your tasks, it's time to make an appointment with the doctor.

8 Low self-esteem

Psychology Today identifies “low self-esteem” as a symptom of high-functioning depression. Discussing your self-image, although it may be difficult, can be the first step to understanding that your self-esteem is not defined by your depression.

9 Perception gap between you and your loved ones

You may feel like something is wrong, but your friends and family may perceive everything as normal. Suzanne Leckie explained in Women's Health, "People with PDD experience many of the same symptoms, but to a lesser extent, allowing them to still get up in the morning and do many of the things they need to do." She added: "This means the depression may not be visible to others and may come as a surprise to wider family and colleagues." It's important to trust your feelings, even if your depression isn't immediately visible to others.

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High-functioning depression can be difficult to recognize compared to major depressive disorder and is therefore often not treated despite the associated symptoms. To make matters worse, high-functioning depression, or PDD, typically lasts for several years and causes people to adjust their baseline and assume that constant dissatisfaction is their norm. However, if you recognize the symptoms listed above, question this assumption and make an appointment with a doctor. It is possible to be happy and you deserve it.

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