2023-11-16 22:34:00
High-Functioning Depression: When Suffering is Silent
By Anne Tessin, Judith Braun
Published: November 16, 2023, 9:34 p.m
People with high-functioning depression suffer in silence. They are productive, organized, shaken inside. Key symptoms often go unnoticed and prolong the distress.
At first glance, everything is fine: people suffering from what is known as high-functioning depression continue to do their work and “function” even though there is a mess inside them. Those affected still seem to be able to cope with their everyday lives. However, despite their productivity, they suffer from depressive symptoms. How this type of depression differs from conventional depression with early symptoms and what triggers there are.
According to the AOK health magazine, women are more often affected by high-functioning depression. Despite the illness, those affected manage to successfully manage their professional tasks, leisure activities, and family obligations. Nevertheless, they feel burned out, depressed and hopeless inside. “Sometimes I had the feeling that I was living two different lives,” said a 36-year-old patient to the AOK health magazine.
Compared to conventional depression (major depression), high-functioning depression is classified as a milder variant. However, it can last for a long time and the extent of the symptoms and the suffering of those affected can be just as intense as with the traditional form. The type of symptoms varies little. The Association of Oberberg Clinics for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy indicates the following signs that could indicate high-functioning depression:
– often self-doubt
– Striving for perfection
– Feeling of stress and overload
– Critical attitude towards yourself and/or others
– Low energy level
– Limited ability to feel joy or sadness
– Refuge in coping strategies
– Difficulty relaxing and calming down
The causes and triggers for high-functioning depression can be diverse. However, stress, in particular, can cause people to develop this particular type of depression. This can arise, for example, from high pressure to perform, financial difficulties, or interpersonal conflicts. It is also possible that the roots of the disease lie in childhood. Stressful experiences or trauma can promote the disease. As with traditional depression, a genetic predisposition can also contribute to the development of the disease. However, researchers have also found that a certain diet and intestinal diseases can lead to depression.
It can often take a while for high-functioning depression to be diagnosed. Compared to traditional depression, this has some differences:
– Characteristic of high-functioning depression is its gradual development, which often remains undetected over a long period of time. In contrast to conventional depression, it does not occur in episodes but rather manifests itself in a continuously existing state.
– Despite an increasing internal deterioration in their well-being, those affected continue to suffer their lives seemingly continue normally.
– In contrast to people with classic depression, individuals with high-functioning depression are able to feel joy at least temporarily.
Often those affected do not realize that they need support because their illness does not match their self-image as a successful person. You often feel drained and lacking in energy and feel an inner emptiness. However, there is still an opportunity to improve your condition, for example by making lifestyle adjustments with professional support. In addition, medication or psychotherapy can contribute to recovery.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with high-functioning depression, consider reaching out for support. With telephone pastoral care, you can get help around the clock – every day of the year: call 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The call is free of charge, and your phone number will not be transmitted, and you do not have to say your name. The conversation lasts as long as necessary.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.]
#symptoms #highfunctioning #depression