Here's What People With High-Functioning Depression Want You to Know
There are many misconceptions about what depression looks like. You might envision someone who is too distraught to get out of bed. Or you may imagine someone who isn’t able to work or do activities due to their low mood.
But, in reality, depression takes many forms and can range greatly in severeness. Sometimes, people have what’s called “functional depression.” Even if they look OK on the outside, and they seem to be functioning just fine, they may be battling issues you know nothing about.
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They might convince themselves their depression isn’t that bad:
- They minimize their issues. They could be less likely to gain emotional support from others if their depression goes undetected. Additionally, someone with high-functioning depression might feel guilty about getting help.
- They feel they shouldn't be depressed. They might tell themselves that since they can still function, they should be happier. These thoughts may prevent them from asking for help.
- All types of depression can lead to an increased risk of suicide.
Although “functional depression” isn’t a clinical diagnosis, for many people, it's a real problem.
This type of depression often goes undetected because when most people imagine a depressed individual, they think of someone who looks really sad or cries a lot. And while it's true that sadness and unexplained bouts of crying are common characteristics of depression, not everyone looks sad when they’re depressed.
Individuals who appear to be high-functioning may have persistent depressive disorder. Here are some of the common symptoms:
- Low self-esteem
- Changes in sleep habits (sleeping too much or too little)
- Changes in appetite (overeating or decreased appetite)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must be present for two or more years. Consequently, many individuals who have these symptoms have learned to function despite them.
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Depression is a serious mental illness and can be overlooked by friends and family because the depressed person expends precious energy just to camouflage the problem.
Depression is like a chameleon for therapists as it has different manifestations for different individuals based on their age, gender and a cocktail of other emotional issues that form a unique package.
When we think of nightmares, we often associate these bad dreams with kids who fear monsters under the bed or things that lurk in the dark. but adults often have nightmares too. And sometimes they are recurring
- A recurring nightmare is defined as an unpleasant dream that is repeated over and over again across a long period of time.
- Whatever type of recurring nightmare you might have, waking up terrified is an awful feeling.
- It can feel even scarier to fall asleep when you know you’re likely to have another nightmare.
Understanding your nightmares is the first step in addressing them
Working with a therapist or support group is the best way to help you cope with your symptoms, which in turn will help you better manage your professional life.