Depression with Functioning Capabilities: The Unnoticed Struggle That Lies Beneath the Surface
In the realm of mental health, high-functioning depression, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder or dysthymia, is a less recognized yet significant condition. This chronic form of depression, while allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines and responsibilities, can have a profound impact on one's internal wellbeing.
High-functioning depression is characterized by symptoms such as constant low mood or heaviness, difficulty experiencing joy, emotional disconnection, a harsh inner critic, difficulty relaxing or sleeping, fatigue not relieved by rest, and a feeling of going through the motions. Despite these symptoms, those experiencing high-functioning depression can still perform well in their roles at work and in society, making the condition often invisible to others.
Unlike high-functioning depression, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more severe and officially recognized. MDD is characterized by symptoms such as sadness or loss of interest in activities, irritability, restlessness, hopelessness or pessimism, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of suicide, and more. A diagnosis of MDD requires at least five of these symptoms to be present for two weeks, with at least one being either a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities.
The key differences between high-functioning depression and MDD lie in their severity, impact on functioning, recognition, and symptom duration and intensity. While both involve chronic feelings of sadness or hopelessness, MDD typically involves more pronounced and longer periods of intense symptoms, significantly impairing daily functioning.
Managing high-functioning depression requires a combination of self-care and professional support. Self-compassion, challenging negative self-talk, and being kind to oneself can help manage the condition. However, unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, sex, and gambling can make things harder and potentially lead to dependency.
Seeking the support of a professional, such as a therapist or taking antidepressants, is a good idea for managing high-functioning depression. Understanding and accepting that one has high-functioning depression is the first step to managing it. Making changes to one's lifestyle, such as establishing a consistent sleep routine, reviewing one's diet, incorporating hobbies, and engaging in physical activity, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, can also help manage high-functioning depression.
It's important not to let high-functioning depression isolate the person with high-functioning depression, and talking and hanging out with the people in their lives or going to support groups can help prevent this. However, high-functioning depression can make it hard for the person with high-functioning depression to know that they would benefit from seeking help, and for any potential help to recognize that the person needs support.
In conclusion, high-functioning depression is a complex condition that requires understanding, recognition, and effective management strategies. It's crucial to remember that depression, regardless of its severity or the individual's ability to function, is still a serious mental health issue that deserves attention and support.
References: [1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. [2] Roberts, A. L., & Gotlib, I. H. (2008). Dysthymic disorder: a review of the literature. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 64(3), 313-322. [3] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. [4] Keller, M. B., & Trivedi, H. S. (2000). Major depressive disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(18), 1339-1349.
Science and mental health should collaborate to raise awareness about high-functioning depression, a less recognized yet significant condition often overlooked due to the individual's ability to maintain their daily routines. Health-and-wellness practices, such as self-compassion, establishing a consistent sleep routine, and engaging in physical activity, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, can help manage this condition and improve one's internal wellbeing.
