Understanding High-Functioning Depression: Recognizing the Hidden Struggles
Have you ever encountered the term "high-functioning depression"? While some may be familiar with it, this condition is often overlooked. High-functioning depression is prevalent among high achievers and driven individuals, including entrepreneurs, leaders, and even stay-at-home parents. Unlike more recognizable forms of depression, high-functioning depression can be easily masked and go unnoticed.
What is High-Functioning Depression?
Clinical depression is typically associated with symptoms like a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, sleep disturbances, low energy, lack of motivation, procrastination, feelings of hopelessness, and a negative outlook on life. However, in high-functioning individuals, these symptoms can be less apparent.
In therapy, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is made based on specific criteria. For a diagnosis, the individual must experience a certain amount of the following symptoms for at least two weeks:
Persistent depressed mood, which can include irritability.
Significant loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities.
Noticeable weight loss or gain, or a significant change in appetite.
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or hypersomnia.
Observable psychomotor changes (e.g., restlessness or slowed movements).
Fatigue or low energy.
Decreased efficiency in performing routine tasks.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Difficulty making decisions or concentrating.
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.
While some of these symptoms may be overt in clinical depression, others can be more subtle. In high-functioning depression, the symptoms can go unnoticed because the individual continues to meet demands and perform their daily responsibilities. In the entrepreneur or business executive, depression may manifest as feelings of hopelessness beneath all of the daily demands and output by the individual. In high-functioning depression, appetite changes are common and can manifest as either a diminished enjoyment of food or, conversely, periods of binge eating. A reduced libido, irritability, anger outbursts, and increased use of alcohol or substances can also be signs of high-functioning depression. Isolation, although not a diagnostic criterion for MDD, is common among those with depression as well. This might manifest as retreating from social interactions or engaging excessively in activities like "doom scrolling" on social media. While some of these behaviors can fluctuate with life’s ups and downs, depression is diagnosed when these symptoms persist for two weeks or longer.
Treatment for High-Functioning Depression
The good news is that high achievers do not have to suffer in silence. Treatment for high-functioning depression can involve various therapeutic approaches to address and alleviate the symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used method that targets negative thought patterns common in depression. CBT aims to change these negative thoughts and beliefs, improving emotions and behaviors affected by depression.
For persistent depression where relief is hard to find, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can be beneficial. EMDR helps identify past events that have contributed to negative self-beliefs and works to reframe these beliefs into healthier, more hopeful narratives.
Sometimes, it’s essential to examine the external stressors contributing to depression. In therapy, I help individuals identify both external and internal factors influencing their mood. Using solution-focused therapy, we can explore practical solutions to overcome these barriers and provide some relief.
Therapy for High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression is a topic that needs more attention, especially among those in leadership roles, parenting, or those close to high achievers. While these individuals may appear to manage well, depression can still exist beneath the surface. Recognizing the signs of high-functioning depression and knowing when to seek help is crucial.
If you believe you may be experiencing high-functioning depression, consider reaching out for a 15-minute phone consultation. You don’t have to simply “push through” each day. There is a better way to live, and I would be honored to help you discover what that looks like for you.
