5 Tips for Controlling High Functioning Depression
We imagine that depression looks like this: tearful, depressed, drab, emotional, and incapable of functioning. This is the case for major depressive disorders, however depression doesn't always appear like this. Even feeling worn out, acting almost normally, and even smiling might be external indicators of melancholy. Yet how? There are many different types of depression, and for people who have high-functioning depression, life may not always reflect what's going on inside
It is precisely this reason that makes it challenging to identify and even more challenging to treat. If you suffer from high functioning depression, it could be difficult for you to accept that anything is wrong. You might be able to finish your work, and your personal life isn't in full disarray, but something doesn't feel right.
Businessmen, educators, journalists, office employees, medical professionals, nurses, plumbers, and electricians are just a few of the many faces of the disorder; it affects people from all walks of life and happens in many professions.
According to the definition of high functioning depression, it is categorised as persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia; this is a chronic (long-term) type of depression that persists for years. Over 300 million people experience depression globally, whereas 4.90 million Americans (or 1.5% of the population) experience persistent depressive illness over the course of their lives.
The high-functioning depressive person
You are not alone if you suffer from this form of mood disorder, but it can be difficult to spot the symptoms in ourselves. Instead of admitting what's actually going on, we give ourselves and others the benefit of the doubt by saying things like "it's just a bad day" or "it's always been like this."
Even though the signs of high-functioning depression may not be immediately obvious, a person with this condition may:
- Put on a pleasant, effective exterior
- Always do well and meet deadlines
- possess a stable family, job, and life in general.
- appear natural and receptive
- Be a friend, coworker, or relative.
- Eating too little or too much. After a long day, you might want to indulge in some comfort food or, on the contrary, you might feel completely full.
- Difficulties sleeping. Having trouble falling asleep and getting some shut-eye, tossing and turning all night, or perhaps sleeping excessively? Something isn't quite right, and this shows it.
- Absolutely no energy. Even after a full night of sleep, you may still feel exhausted and drowsy and lack interest in activities you ought to find enjoyable.
- Self-esteem issues. You can have imposter syndrome or the constant feeling that you're not quite good enough.
- Having trouble focusing and making decisions. You struggle to make decisions, not because they are difficult but rather because it takes work. It's also possible that you struggle to distinguish between different options.
- Loss of optimism. You no longer hold out hope that things will improve; this is now "how it's going to be."
Many of these symptoms are also present in major depressive disorder, and it's not uncommon for someone to experience both at one point or another. However, what distinguishes high-functioning depression from major depressive disorder is the disorder's protracted duration, its lasting effects, and the fact that those who experience it are less likely to seek help.
Someone who has the disease might think that because there isn't anything seriously wrong and they will manage just fine without assistance. Read through the indicative phrases that are listed below. Do they ring a bell with you?
- I don't need aid; asking for it would be weak.
- I don't want to be anyone's burden. I'll move past it.
- I don't need aid; I'm OK."
- My life is fine. Why should I voice an objection?
- I have no interest in my typical pastimes.
- I don't enjoy my employment in the least."
- I don't feel overly depressed; I simply feel empty."
Even if you don't think you have depression, if this describes you, it's likely that you have, and it's time to take action (No. The solution is not to lie in bed.
Chronic depression that lasts longer than two years is known as high functioning depression. Because their symptoms are less severe than those of major depression and they can typically carry on with their daily lives in a more or less normal manner, sufferers are less likely to seek therapy.
What causes it?
High functioning depression has a number of probable reasons, each of which may have an impact on your treatment, like many mental conditions. They consist of:
- Events and conditions in life. People who experience extended stress, challenging circumstances, sadness, or a traumatic event may be more likely to acquire the illness.
- You may be more susceptible to developing depression if a family member, usually a close relative, has the disease.
- Brain chemistry and biology. Because of physical variations in their brains or in the way their neurotransmitters function and create chemicals, some people may just be predisposed to depression.
Five tips for handling high depression
No, you can't just "get over it," sadness isn't a cold, and you can't just stay in bed and wish it would go away. Here are some things you can do to combat it since if you don't address it, it could affect you for the rest of your life:
Accept it
Being depressed is nothing to be embarrassed of; it's just a disease. Saying you had a cold wouldn't bother you all that much, would it? It's time to acknowledge that something is off and that there is something you can do to fix it since neither you nor anyone else is a superhuman.
Ask for help
There is help available, so you are not alone. While we do advise you to speak with your doctor as soon as possible, we also recognise how unsettling that might be—what if they don't believe me? What if they claim it isn't really that serious? It is, and you deserve to be taken seriously. Talk to a friend or a family member you can trust if this seems like a large step to take right away, and bring them with you to your appointment so they can be your support and, if necessary, your advocate. Do not endure in silence.
Healthy behaviors
Yes, we are referring to the tried-and-true diet and exercise regimen. There is more to treating depression than just swallowing a pill and hoping for the best (although medication does prove helpful in many cases). Healthy food, regular exercise, and a routine have all been shown to improve mood, health, and the likelihood of developing depression. You will frequently need to focus on your nutrition and lifestyle and make some changes.
Avoid unhealthy ones
If you suffer from high functioning depression, you might have developed certain harmful habits, such as comfort eating, drinking after work, or developing a workaholic tendencies (or something else). Everything in moderation is acceptable, but it's time to break the habit. Return to good habits and make an effort to keep the bad out of your system. They are only covering up your agony, not alleviating it.
Keep/get in touch with society
Despite how appealing it might be, resist isolating yourself. Maintaining relationships with others for a quick conversation or a gossip session might improve your mood and prevent you from feeling as alone. Although getting ready for a night on the town can be challenging, it is occasionally necessary. However, at the same time, avoid burnout. You don't need to go out every night of the week (see the point above); instead, if you feel like having a duvet night is necessary, have one without feeling bad about it.
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