Depression is a serious mental concern that covers a broad spectrum. In a recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health, it was found that 21 million Americans have had a depressive episode at least once in their life. That’s about 8.4% of the U.S. adult population. While others show obvious signs of depression that their family and friends can easily detect, some people don’t. What is high functioning depression? A person having high-functioning depression can still function normally, so depression in them is harder to detect. This type of depression can happen to anyone, and they may not even notice.
5 Warning Signs of a High-Functioning Depression
If you’re experiencing some symptoms of depression but in a less-severe form. Then, you may be at risk of experiencing high-functioning depression symptoms. Here are some signs you should look out for:
- Experiencing depressed moods over a prolonged period. Depressive moods that are associated with high-functioning depression include loss of appetite, insomnia, fatigue, lowered self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, and a deep feeling of hopelessness. These depressive moods would last for many days and over a prolonged period (at least two years).
- Having a less intense and more manageable depressive feeling. One distinct characteristic of high-functioning depression is that it’s less intense and more manageable than the other types. Because of this, a person with high-functioning depression may not even be aware they have it. Some people think that the occasional switch of mood and feelings is just part of their personality when it’s a more serious case.
- Doing normal activities and maintaining healthy relationships in spite of mental health challenges. Those with high-functioning depression can perform tasks that they usually do like working and socializing. Additionally, people with this type of depression can still maintain a healthy and happy relationship with their loved ones. As a result, it’s harder to detect and distinguish because these people show little to almost no signs of depressive behaviors.
- Recurring conditions like headache and stomach distress. Even though depression is mostly associated with feelings of sadness and changing moods, it can also bring physical effects to the body. Many people with high-functioning depression suffer from recurring health conditions such as headaches and stomach distress. Other physically-felt symptoms that are linked to depression are joint pains, back pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
- Taking a tremendous amount of effort to get things done. Depression is a crippling mental illness. With that said, people with high-functioning depression have a hard time getting tasks done because they easily lose focus and are unmotivated to work. As an effect, every task they undertake will take much more effort to get done and some even lose interest halfway.
It’s a common misconception that depression is only for those who are alone and isolated, the truth is that everyone is vulnerable. Depression can happen to anyone at any time. We hope this article gave you a better understanding of the definition of what is high functioning depression and the five warning signs of depression.
If you experience one or all these signs, be one step ahead in your mental health and have yourself evaluated by the experts. Reach out to us at Uncover Mental Health Counseling. We have compassionate depression specialists who can help you gain a new perspective before it’s too late.
