High-Functioning Depression Is 'Less Obvious'. But What Exactly Is it?

“I don’t even remember the last time I was truly happy. Yet I go to work, pay my bills, see my friends. But I’m constantly, severely depressed.”This is just one of over a thousand comments on a TikTok post from a psychologist raising awareness of high-functioning depression.While not a clinical diagnosis, high-functioning depression (HFD) describes people living with symptoms of depression, who don’t cease to function as a result.They can still get up and go to work, college or school each day, and even perform well – but they are often silently struggling with depression symptoms.In a video shared on TikTok with over 2 million views, psychologist Dr Julie Smith said: “Depression doesn’t start the day you can’t get out of bed. In reality, very few people suddenly become debilitated by depression.“Mostly, that builds up over years of struggling to keep your head above the water while meeting all of life’s expectations at the same time. So, you can be deeply suffering with the symptoms of depression, even though you’re still getting by doing everything you’re supposed to do.”Many people could relate to this state of being. In response to the post, one TikTok user said: “This is me to a T. Nobody believes that I’m struggling because I laugh, I go to work, I do everything I’m supposed to do. But they don’t really know.”Another said: “My dad had high functioning depression all his life and then once he retired he had time to himself to sit in it, he was sucked in deeply and he was suffering so much.”What are the signs of high-functioning depression?Experts previously told HuffPost a red flag that could indicate high-functioning depression is that you don’t experience any sustained sense of joy or pleasure, despite good things happening – also known as anhedonia.Therapist Becca Reed said: “Someone with high-functioning depression might feel disconnected, as if they are going through the motions without genuine engagement or joy.“This detachment can manifest as a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, a sense of being stuck in a routine or feeling emotionally flat even in situations that would typically bring about strong emotions.”Other signs include: fatigue, poor concentration, guilt, restlessness, sleep disturbances and appetite changes.You might also find yourself becoming emotional and crying a lot for no clear reason, or being very self-critical. Some people might turn to alcohol or drugs to cope.When to seek helpDr Smith said the term high-functioning depression is “useful” as “many people have a pre-conceived idea that good mental health is all about whether you can still get to work or not”.If you can go to work, the assumption is you’re OK, things aren’t so bad. But the psychologist suggested we need to shift this thinking. People with this type of depression might feel “undeserving of any support”, added the expert, “because they are not outwardly at rock bottom”.But Dr Smith concluded that “high functioning is not the same as happy and healthy” and added that “the fact that you can make it to work or school every day does not mean that your mental health couldn’t benefit from some work and some support”.Experts at The Priory, which supports people with addiction recovery, acknowledge that high-functioning depression “can be a chronic and enduring illness”.And while symptoms might be less severe, it doesn’t mean it’s insignificant to those that struggle – nor does it mean you are undeserving of help. “Because high functioning depression is less ‘obvious’ than other types of depression, it might be overlooked or dismissed by both healthcare professionals and even the individuals themselves,” said Rachael Heades, from The Priory.“However, it can have a negative impact on quality of life, which is why it’s so important that people with high functioning depression are able to get the help they need.”The NHS urges people to see a GP if they experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks. The waiting time for talking therapy on the NHS can range from six to 18 weeks after referral. If you’re struggling and can afford to do so, paying for private therapy might help you get support quicker. Help and support:Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email [email protected] Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.Related...This Longevity-Boosting Diet May Disrupt The Depression-Dementia Link5 Work Habits That Are Secretly Depression In DisguiseThe No. 1 Sign Of High-Functioning Depression People Often Miss

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