High Functioning Depression

High Functioning Depression

High functioning depression is a subtype of depression that features less severe symptoms. Because the depression symptoms are less debilitating, someone with high functioning is usually able to manage their daily tasks. This type of depression, however, can persist for months or event years. Read on to learn about high functioning depression and your treatment options.

Learn About High Functioning Depression

Although most people are generally aware of what depression is, the sub-type called high functioning depression is less well known. While high functioning depression is not a clinical form of depression, it does share many major depressive disorder symptoms listed in the DSM-5.

The term “high functioning” refers to the individual who is experiencing depression symptoms while being able to perform basic tasks. This includes being able to accomplish daily tasks at work, in social situations, and at home. This type of depression contrasts with the more severe form of clinical depression that often disrupts all realms of daily life.

High functioning depression tends to be a longer lasting type of depression, as it can linger for many months before resolving. In this way, high-functioning depression is often equated with dysthymia, also called persistent depressive disorder.

Is Functioning Depression the Same as Smiling Depression?

Have you ever come across a photo of yourself smiling into the camera when you clearly remember being miserable at the time? Some people are good at hiding their true emotional state.

For example, someone may be able to function at work and in social settings while showing no outward signs of depression. They might smile and converse and laugh along with others in public. This same person then goes home and curls up in a ball in bed, crying themselves to sleep. This behavior has been coined “smiling depression.”

There is basically no difference between smiling depression and high functioning depression. These are two terms that refer to the same emotion state, which is mild to moderate depression that is being masked.

High Functioning Depression vs. Persistent Depressive Disorder

Let’s now look at another common comparison: high functioning depression versus persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). While high functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5, dysthymia is. Thus, the two terms are used interchangeably, because high functioning depression is not officially recognized where dysthymia is.

Dysthymia features mild to moderate depression that persists for two years or longer. This is the key difference between the two terms, as high functioning depression may last for a period of months versus years. Both, however, feature longer term bouts of a milder type of depression in which the individual is able to function at work and other areas of life.

What Are the Symptoms of High Functioning Depression?

The symptoms of high functioning depression are not as severe as other types of depression. However, the symptoms still have a negative impact on an individual’s daily life. The following are some of the ways that high functioning depression can make someone feel:

• Fatigue. The person feels tired and run down much of the time, even if they are getting enough sleep. They push themselves to find the energy to function.
• Low self-worth. The person feels inadequate and undeserving, and suffers from low self-esteem.
• Low mood. The person feels down much of the time, even if they are able to fake it when around others.
• Trouble concentrating. Even if the person is able to function at work, they struggle to focus and stay on task.
• Loss of interest. The person doesn’t have the energy or desire to engage in usual activities, so may become isolated and withdrawn.
• Changes in appetite. The person may lose their appetite or overeat, which results in weight loss or gain.

Why You Should be Treated for High Functioning Depression

It may be tempting to dismiss high functioning depression because it appears to be mild and low risk, but would be a mistake. This is especially true if the depression is not lifting and seems to be worsening. As the syndrome worsens, the risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation increases. This is especially true if the depression symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Even if the symptoms don’t worsen, the fact remains that no one should have to endure a persistent state of depression. By seeking out professional mental health support, you will be guided toward healthier thought patterns and provided new coping tools.

Treatment Options for High Functioning Depression

Fortunately, the prognosis for someone with high functioning or smiling depression is excellent. With treatment, the individual can better manage the depression symptoms and thus improve their quality of life.

The level of care needed for the depression is determined by various factors, such as the severity of symptoms and duration of this mood state. Levels of care include:

• Basic outpatient treatment. This level of care involves working with a private practice provider to manage the depression with medication and/or psychotherapy.
• Intensive outpatient. This level of care involves a weekly commitment to several hours of therapy and other therapeutic activities.
• Depression retreat. This level of care involves residing at a luxury mental health retreat center where the individual receives highly personalized care.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits that Help With High Functioning Depression

Self-care and healthy lifestyle habits can greatly improve someone’s quality of life as they recover from high functioning depression. Examples of these include:

• Holistic. Holistic self-care methods can help boost your mood by inducing a calm, relaxed mind state. These methods might include meditation, yoga, deep-breathing, grounding techniques or aromatherapy.
• Nutrition. A healthy diet is critical to overcoming depression. Reduce the intake of sweets and processed foods, and focus on lean proteins, avocados, turkey, walnuts, berries, fish, and whole grains.
• Exercise. Physical activity provides an array of physical and mental health benefits. Exercise releases of endorphins and also produces serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress.

If you are struggling with high functioning/smiling depression, isn’t it time to seek some help? Depression is a manageable mental health condition, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Mental Health Hope Answers Questions About High Functioning Depression

Mental Health Hope is a free online resource providing guidance toward holistic and evidence-based healing solutions for depression. For information about depression retreats, please reach out today at (424) 622-6369.