Signs of High-Functioning Depression and How It Impacts People
Even if you or a loved one have never experienced depression first or secondhand, you probably have a good idea of some of the most common signs and symptoms.
Sadness, trouble with school or work, isolation. Changes in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawal from loved ones or activities, and not being able to control their emotions. These are all common and well-known signs of depression.
While you may be somewhat familiar with depression, do you have any idea of what high-functioning depression is? Let’s learn more about the signs of high-functioning depression and how it impacts people.
You’re Successful in Your Career
While depression usually can have a negative impact on your daily life and routine, including your career, you can still be really successful and have high-functioning depression. Individuals who have high-functioning depression may do really well in their careers, hold multiple jobs or side hustles, and still maintain or excel in other areas of their lives like school, home life, and their relationships. While this may seem like something that is realistic, achievable and even something you may want in your own life, high-functioning depression can bring on feelings of perfectionism, being too hard on yourself, and not feeling good enough.
You Have a Hard Time Relaxing
Work hard, play hard, right? When it comes to high-functioning anxiety, most people will have an easy time working but a harder time playing or relaxing. High-functioning anxiety can make it difficult to rest, relax, unwind, and slow down. When someone with high-functioning depression tries to slow down, it may bring on uncomfortable and almost anxious feelings that they want to avoid with more work, movement, or activities.
You’re Exhausted
Constantly being on the go and working all day can be extremely draining. It’s no wonder that individuals with high-functioning depression experience exhaustion. Work or to-do lists are often prioritized more than sleeping, which means that sleeping patterns and routines are often dismissed or ignored completely. If you’re not actually taking the time to rest, relax, and recharge, it can make it difficult to complete tasks in your day-to-day life.
You Have Low Self-Esteem
On the outside looking in, someone may think that you’re extremely hardworking, charismatic, charming, and extremely successful. While you want people to think those things of you, they wouldn’t feel the same if they could hear the internal battle you have with yourself each and every day. The thoughts that you have, especially about yourself, can be extremely negative, belittling, and nitpicky. You have a tendency to focus on what went wrong over what went right. You even fixate on any mistakes or errors you make. You’re extremely self-critical and even tend to doubt yourself more often than not, which can impact your self-esteem immensely.
You’re Not Truly Happy
Similar to other forms of depression, high-functioning anxiety can also bring on feelings of hopelessness or sadness. The things that used to bring you joy may no longer provide that same level of satisfaction to you. You also may feel like you’re alone and that no one understands what you’re going to do, which can leave you feeling like you need to isolate or withdraw from friends and family members. You may even turn towards unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs, alcohol, or taking risks as a way to self-medicate or provide short-term relief.
Next Steps
No matter what form of depression you may be experiencing, you’re not alone. The moment you suspect that you’re struggling with depression is the moment that you should be reaching out for help. Depression doesn’t just go away on its own. We’re here to help you when you’re ready to receive help. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for depression treatment.
