16 Truths People With High-Functioning Depression Wish Everyone Knew

Dec 21, 2018

The idea of depression usually brings about a similar image for most people who have not gone through it. They picture someone incredibly sad, lonely and hopeless. The idea of depression may bring to mind images like a person who simply can’t get out of bed or off of the couch. These ideas have been common since depression first became a known medical condition many decades ago.

However, this type of depression often isn’t the case at all. Many people suffer from what is known as high-functioning depression. People suffering from this type of depression may show little to known symptoms. People with depression often tend to try to hide their symptoms due to the stigma that can come with depression.

People may not know what to do or how to deal with their depression. Depression affects 20 million people in the U.S. alone. It is recognized as a serious medical illness and is considered a worldwide epidemic. People react to depression in a variety of ways. There is no cookie-cutter manner to treat depression.

High-functioning depression affects millions of people in the United States. People that suffer with high-functioning depression often have little to no visible symptoms. They may simply seem a little off. You may interact with someone on a daily basis that seems to be in good spirits. However, you may not know that it took everything they had to simply get out of bed in the morning.

They may have sat in bed staring at the ceiling for hours, unable to sleep due to emotional struggles. They may feel that they don’t even have the effort to shower or to drive to work. They may chat politely with you at the coffee shop, yet feel that they are absolutely alone in this world. This negativity can be masked by people suffering from high-functioning depression. Let’s take a look at the realities that people suffering from high-functioning depression face in everyday life.

1. Those with high-functioning depression can often leave people unable to understand why they feel different than everyone else around them.

People can often struggle very deeply to understand why they aren’t processing negative feelings like everyone else. They may not fully comprehend why they seem unable to move on and feel happy again.

2. Even though you may not be able to clearly see the symptoms, this type of depression runs incredibly deep. People may have a great job, wonderful family and a great deal of good in their life, yet still feel incredibly sad.

3. Just because someone seems successful and pleasant doesn’t mean that they aren’t one negative experience away from completely breaking down. Some people with this type of depression may be triggered very easily by the most minor setback.

4. Taking time to do something small for someone struggling with depression means more to them than you may ever know.

5. People with high-functioning depression often deeply struggle with doing the most minor activity. Getting up the motivation to take a simple shower can often feel impossible.

6. People can’t simply make themselves feel better. Just because someone stays in bed or doesn’t want to go out and about doesn’t mean they are lazy.

7. A simple text or call goes a long way. People struggle to simply get from sunup to sundown. These little gestures help make their day a lot brighter.

8. People with high-functioning depression feel exhausted simply from performing minor daily tasks. It can take everything they have to simply eat a meal.

9. Social gatherings can often feel exhausting and intimidating for people suffering from this type of depression. Although they know it is good for them to get out of the house, they likely want to spend a lot of time alone.

10. Being incredibly busy can be helpful to keep away the negative thoughts associated with depression. Depressing thoughts can tend to creep in at night. Mental exhaustion through tasks can help people fall asleep faster and sleep better.

11. There isn’t anyone to blame for depression. It is no one’s fault. It is a medical condition.

12. People with high-functioning depression need to really work hard to shake off the depression and start the day. Sometimes they may need extra time to get out of bed or for simple morning activities.

13. Many people that suffer from depression feel like they did something wrong that brought on the issues. It isn’t anyone’s fault and people with depression didn’t do anything wrong.

14. The condition can make you feel absolutely, completely isolated. People struggling from depression often find it difficult to express love. However, this isn’t intentional and they don’t mean to shut out loved ones.

15. High-functioning depression can feel like a constant battle between your brain and your desire to feel normal. There is a chemical disconnect that can lead to meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere.

16. Treatment for high-functioning depressed people can be especially hard to initiate. Many people believe that they don’t need treatment because they are still functioning. However, treatment can be absolutely life-changing. Experienced counselors can help you navigate the road to a more positive life.

If you or someone you love suffers from high-functioning depression, treatment can completely turn things around. The first step can be to start with your primary care physician.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by feelings of depression for more than two weeks? It is important to remember that it isn’t your fault and that help is out there! Help get the word out about these 16 facts about people suffering from high-functioning depression. You never know whose life you could touch!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!