What Is Highly Functional Depression?

“Hey, you don’t look like you have depression.”

“But if you were happy all the time on social media, what happened to you?”

“I would never have believed you were going through that, you are doing very well at work!”

These are the types of comments that people with high-functioning depression often hear.

And, yes, they may “not notice it”, that most of the time they seem to have enough energy for the day to day and that there is not even an obvious reason to feel so sad and unmotivated… But this type of depression It exists and also takes lives if it is not treated in time.

So, What is highly functional depression and how is it different from the idea of ​​depression that most people have as a reference? We will talk about this below.

What does it mean to have highly functioning depression?

High-functioning depression is also known as dysthymia. This is a form of depression that often goes unnoticed, as people who suffer from it often lead a life that, from the outside, seems completely normal. They fulfill their responsibilities, go to work, interact with others, but inside they wage a constant emotional struggle.

Unlike what we usually imagine when we talk about depression, those who have this type of disorder do not always show clear signs such as deep sadness or isolation. Instead, They face a constant feeling of emotional exhaustion, low self-esteem and lack of enthusiasm that, many times, they cannot even fully identify.

Highly functional depression is not yet part of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but it is important to know how it manifests and what we can do about it.

How to recognize it?

If we talk about symptoms of highly functional depression, the picture can get a little complex here. Detecting this condition can be complicated, but there are signs that can help you identify it:

Emotional and mental changes

You may feel dissatisfaction or sadness that doesn’t go away, no matter how much you try to ignore it. Also It can be difficult to experience joy or excitement, even in times you would normally consider happy. Additionally, you may notice that you have trouble concentrating or making decisions, which leads to more frustration.

In your social life and behavior

Even though you may maintain an active social life, you may find that the interactions don’t have the same meaning for you. You may hide your negative emotions to avoid worrying others, and this can make you feel more isolated. Also It is common for you to postpone tasks or have problems finishing themwhich can increase the feeling of dissatisfaction.

In the physical

On a physical level, you are likely to feel constant fatigue, even if you have slept well. There may also be changes in your appetite or sleep patterns, whether you are sleeping too much or too little, which affects your energy and overall well-being.

Causes of highly functional depression

Dysthymia usually does not have a clear reason, but it is related to several factors. On the one hand, emotional traumas in childhood, such as abandonment, abuse or lack of emotional support, can leave a mark that manifests itself in this way. There is also a biological predisposition, especially if there is a family history of depression.

Another important point is the accumulation of feelings of failure. Disappointments or difficulties that you do not manage well can form a basis of constant discomfort. And, of course, the environment also plays its part: living under continuous stress or having complicated personal relationships can perpetuate this emotional state.

How does it affect daily life?

Having high-functioning depression is like leading two lives: on the outside, everything seems to be in order, but on the inside you feel constant dissatisfaction. This can be very draining because keeping up appearances requires energy that you don’t always have.

At work, for example, you can complete your tasks, but feel that none of it fulfills you. Relationships are also affected; You may continue to participate in social plans and activities, but feel an emotional disconnection. All of this creates a cycle in which you become more and more isolated, even though your outside life seems active.

Highly functional depression VS. major depression

Although both are forms of depression, they have clear differences. Major depression is much more evident because its symptoms are intense and can be disabling.

People with major depression often have severe episodes of sadness, trouble enjoying things, and difficulty doing basic activities. Usually, there is a clear event that triggers it, such as a loss or a major life change.

Instead, High-functioning depression is much more subtle and constant. You continue working, fulfilling your commitments and socializing, but you feel that something is not right.

There is no specific moment that marks the beginning of discomfort, and unlike major depression, it does not have episodes; It’s just there, all the time.

Both types greatly affect the quality of life, but the silent nature of dysthymia can make it take longer to realize that you need help.

I think I have high-functioning depression: what do I do?

If you identify with what we have talked about, the first thing is not to minimize how you feel. It’s easy to think that since you’re still functioning “smoothly” it’s not that important, but remember that your emotional well-being counts and deserves attention.

Start by talking to someone you trust. This can help you organize your thoughts and give you the push to seek professional help. Psychologists can evaluate what is happening and offer you tools that really help you.

You can also make small changes to your routine that make a difference. For example, trying exercise, journaling, or practicing meditation are good first steps. But if you feel that this is not enough, it may be necessary to explore more specific therapies or even medications, but that will be decided by your psychologist or psychiatrist.

The most important thing is that you take action on the matter. Living with depression, even if it’s “functional,” doesn’t have to be something you just accept. There are ways to feel better and enjoy your life and the people around you.