Is it possible to have depression without others noticing? “Functional depression” isn’t a medical term, but it describes a depressive disorder that doesn’t prevent a person from meeting their daily responsibilities. However, depression treatment can improve the life of anyone with depression, no matter how well they hide their symptoms.
The first step is to receive a clinical diagnosis. The signs of high-functioning depression could be mistaken for other medical issues, such as diabetes. Depression can also be a co-occurring disorder caused by trauma or chronic pain. A health evaluation and correct diagnosis will help ensure you receive the best possible care.
Note to reader: This blog contains references to trauma, including sexual assault.
Understanding High-Functioning Depression
Depression is often described as an invisible illness. Unless or until symptoms become severe, many people are able to hide their internal struggle. The pressure to function at a high level, no matter how they are feeling internally, adds to the stress and feelings of hopelessness associated with depression.
Some mental health experts feel the term “high-functioning depression” can be harmful. It perpetuates the idea that if people just try hard enough, they can overcome mental health concerns and function “normally.”
Describing a person’s depression as high-functioning insinuates that their symptoms aren’t important enough to worry about. However, when depression goes untreated, symptoms typically become more severe and may lead to other issues like substance use disorders.
Recognize the Signs of Depression
The signs of high-functioning depression are the same as the signs of other types of depression. They include but aren’t limited to:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Trouble focusing
- Memory problems
- Trouble making decisions
- Changes in appetite (eating more or less)
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less)
- Feeling guilty or ashamed
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Isolating from others
- Talking or moving slowly
- Physical symptoms, such as aches and pains, headaches, or digestive issues
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Many factors can affect how noticeable a person’s symptoms are to the others in their life. Perhaps a depressed person is naturally introverted, so friends and family members don’t notice a big change when the person isolates themselves.
Or perhaps the person with depression self-medicates with drugs or alcohol so that they appear less anxious and happier when they’re around others.
People labeled with high-functioning depression can become experts at hiding their symptoms from others. This doesn’t mean they don’t feel their symptoms very deeply. Instead, it simply means they manage to camouflage their depression. Hiding, or “masking” as it’s commonly called, can work temporarily, but it isn’t a solution.
What Are Some Causes of Depression?
All forms of depression can be caused by a combination of factors. Genetics can increase the risk of depression, but other factors are just as influential. They include:
- Imbalances with brain chemistry
- Trauma, such as childhood abuse, sexual assault, or combat trauma
- Life events like the loss of a loved one, divorce, or the loss of a job you love
- Medical conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or heart disease
- Substance use
- Medications
When possible, uncovering the cause of depression can assist in developing a treatment program. For example, healing from trauma or treating a brain chemistry imbalance may not “cure” depression, but it can help alleviate symptoms.
Get Treatment for High-Functioning Depression at Promises Behavioral Health
High-functioning depression isn’t a different form of depressive disorder. It is a term often used by laypeople to describe the experience of fulfilling daily responsibilities even while living with depression. The signs of depression are the same and can include feeling sad, fatigued, or a loss of interest in activities that once brought you joy.
Just because a person manages to complete daily tasks while experiencing depression doesn’t mean they don’t need treatment. Call Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 or connect with us via our online contact form to learn more about treatment options.