Beyond the mask: navigating high functioning depression is LIKE wearing a mask with a smile on it, but you’re dying inside.
Altogether, high-functioning depression is a term used to describe people who are experiencing mental health issues while still being able to perform their daily tasks and meet their responsibilities.
Therefore, people with high-functioning depression may experience similar feelings to those with major depression, but they are able to keep up with their lives.
In fact, they may appear to be doing well, but in reality, they may feel like they are barely holding on.
Depression can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, hormone imbalances, and stressful or traumatic life experiences.
All in all, some people may be genetically susceptible to depression, while others may experience it as a result of chemical changes in the brain.
Depression can also be triggered by certain situations and factors, such as: financial problems, high levels of stress, the death of a loved one, loneliness, and major life changes.
Beyond the mask: navigating high functioning depression, also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), is a low-grade depression that can cause symptoms that last for at least two years. Hence, people with PDD may be able to complete daily tasks and responsibilities while still experiencing symptoms. Some symptoms of high-functioning depression include:
Firstly, Mood: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
Interest: Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Appetite: Changes in eating habits, such as overeating or lack of appetite
Additionally, Sleep: Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Concentration: Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
Self-esteem: Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Lastly, Decision making: Difficulty making decisions or a slowed thought process
What is high-functioning depression?
- Firstly, feeling sad, helpless or hopeless.
- Becoming disinterested in things that used to bring them joy.
- Changes in eating habits, like eating too much or too little.
- Fourthly, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Lastly, negative thoughts about yourself and others.
Beyond the mask: navigating high functioning depression and anxiety treatment can be treated with medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
- firstly, antidepressants
- anti-anxiety medications
- mood stabilizers
- beta-blockers
- lastly, antipsychotics
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is an effective treatment approach for high-functioning depression.
Specifically, it involves working with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and explore healthier ways of managing emotions and stress.
Chew gum. I know, this one sounds unbelievable. but psychologists say that chewing gum is calming because it basically convinces the body that you’re eating. So, that primal part of humans knows that you wouldn’t be eating if you were in danger. Weird but cool, right?
Meditate Even for a few seconds. At length, do the 4-7-8 breathing exercise (in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, out for 8 seconds). I swear, it helps.
Talk to someone you trust. Contrarily, it doesn’t have to be someone who completely understands. Just has to be someone who’s willing to listen without judgment. Personally, I love therapy for this very reason.
Exercise. This one’s pretty elementary, right? Endorphins. Exercise high. Increased serotonin. And don’t wait until you feel shitty. Exercise regularly.
Go home. Look, if you’re in a situation that you can’t handle, just leave. No shame in taking care of yourself.
Journal. Sometimes, just getting it all out of your brain into a different medium can help you reset.
Stay off of social media. Hey, I need social media as much as the next guy, but sometimes, looking at what other people want you to think their life is like makes you feel bad. So don’t.
Go outside. Breathe fresh air. Get some sunshine. Clear your head.
Stay hydrated. Furthermore, dehydration can trigger panic attacks. Seriously. So stay hydrated and if you’re hungover, drink more water 😉
Take up a new hobby. For example, I started learning how to make friendship bracelets. Very relaxing. Keeps my hands busy from the movements.
Listen to some music. Something upbeat. No Sarah McLachlan. Something that always makes you smile. For me, ‘Watch the World Burn’ by Falling In Reverse. Hey, I didn’t say what type of music!.
Be kind to yourself. You’re smart. You’re beautiful. You have a great ass. Tell yourself these things. They’re true and you need to hear it.
Take a bath. Or a shower. But, like I’ve said before, baths aren’t really my thing. Or float around in a pool, if you have access. Just give yourself some time to breathe and chill for a bit.
Focus on the positive. Generally, gratitude journaling is huge now for a very good reason. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on what you’re grateful for when it feels like everything is terrible, but even writing down a few simple things that make you happy can turn your whole day around. That flower you saw. The fact that you have shelter and food and your needs are met. Whatever it is for you, focus on it for just a bit.
Beyond the mask: navigating high functioning depression is manageable. Another treatment suitable for those struggling with high functioning depression is TMS. TMS is a treatment technique that involves using a magnetic field to influence the electrical activity of your brain.
TMS does offer hope to people who haven’t seen improvements from other more-common treatments. In the case of severe or treatment-resistant depression, TMS is a treatment with life-saving potential.
Successfully taking on responsibilities is the calling card of high functioning depression and anxiety, but meeting life’s demands does not mean the internal distress from these conditions is less severe.
When people talk about living with depression and anxiety, they’re usually referring to experiences beyond natural low moods or feelings of anxiousness.
Therefore, Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders occur when mood symptoms persist beyond what’s practical, often impairing function and causing major distress.
Not everyone living with anxiety and depression exhibits the same level of external impairment, however.
When you’re able to meet the demands of everyday life while also living with a mental health disorder, you may be experiencing high functioning depression or anxiety.
According to Bach, your individual coping mechanisms, level of personal motivation, and present support systems can all be factors.
How well you’re adhering to treatment plans and how accessible those resources are to you also matter.
“Their internal landscape might be a complete mess — overanalyzing, worrying,
sleep-deprived — but they are generally able to present themselves to the world as being fairly together,” explains Dr. Roberta Ballard, a clinical psychologist from Atlanta, Georgia.
High Functioning Depression Test
By comparison, use the following high functioning depression test to assess your symptoms and determine if you should talk to a doctor. You simply answer yes or no to each statement.
DISCLAIMER: This test is not intended as a diagnostic tool, but rather an indication that you may need help. Therefore, if the following quiz prompts any vulnerabilities or concerns, please contact a trained professional.
So, are you depressed but still functioning? Are you barely getting by with work and family? There are millions of people who are in the same boat as you.
“It’s important to note that while some individuals may appear high functioning, it does not mean they do not need support or treatment,” Dr. Nick Bach, a psychologist from Louisville, Kentucky says.
“Being that, everyone’s experience with mental health conditions is unique, and seeking professional help and engaging in self-care practices are crucial steps toward overall well-being.”
Beyond the mask: navigating high functioning depression is doable. In any event, living with high functioning depression and anxiety means you’re able to meet enough of your responsibilities to maintain external function.
Being high function is not an indication of depression severity, however. You can still be experiencing extreme psychological distress even if you don’t externalize it. So, get help if you need it. Stay safe. Until next time…
-Can You Have ‘High-Functioning’ Depression?
https://www.verywellmind.com/high-functioning-depression-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-5324550
-What is high-functioning depression?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/high-functioning-depression
-Behind the mask: Managing high-functioning anxiety
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions
“Your house and head are a mess but everyone thinks you’re fine because you can mostly get out and do stuff.”
“It’s like you’re an avatar of yourself and someone pushes the buttons of the game to make sure you do all the chores the character has to do, but deep inside you feel dead and empty and that you have no control over your destiny.”
“The worst part is, no-one f***ing believes you because you’re ‘so successful’ and ‘doing so well in life!’”
Unveiling High Functioning Anxiety Disorder: Hidden Struggles(Opens in a new browser tab)
Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety(Opens in a new browser tab)
In The Depths Of Depression and Anxiety(Opens in a new browser tab)
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