What Is High-Functioning Depression?

Depression can severely affect a person’s day-to-day life. It can be a painful experience that seeps into every aspect of a person’s existence, from work to relationships. However, not all cases of depression are alike. Some people experience what is known as “high-functioning depression.” This type of depression is often characterized by a person’s ability to maintain day-to-day responsibilities despite feeling overwhelmingly sad and hopeless.

Alter Health Group can help. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of high-functioning depression, call today to go over our mental health treatment programs in California.

Types of Depression Disorders

There are different types of depression disorders that a person can experience. Major depressive disorder is the most well-known type of depression. This type of depression can cause a person to have difficulty functioning in everyday life. They may have trouble getting out of bed, maintaining personal hygiene, or going to work or school.

Other types of depression disorders include:

• Persistent depressive disorder – This type of depression is characterized by a low, dark, or sad mood that lasts for at least two years.
• Postpartum depression – This type of depression occurs after a person gives birth.
• Bipolar disorder – This type of depression is characterized by extreme mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder may experience periods of mania (extreme happiness) followed by periods of intense sadness (depression).
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – This type of depression is related to seasonal changes and typically begins in the fall or winter.
• Psychotic depression: This type of depression is characterized by losing touch with reality. A person with psychotic depression may experience delusions or hallucinations.

High-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis. However, the term is often used to describe people who experience symptoms of major depression but are still able to function in their day-to-day.

Different types of depression may also need different therapeutic approaches, and it’s essential to get information about the types of therapy and medication that can help you. Check this article about What are the 7 types of Mental Disorders, if you want to dive deeper in this topic.

What Is High-Functioning Depression and How Does It Manifest?

While not an official diagnosis, high-functioning depression is a term used to describe a type of depression characterized by a person’s ability to maintain their day-to-day responsibilities despite feeling overwhelmingly sad and hopeless. People who experience high-functioning depression may seem like they have their life together on the outside, but they struggle with immense pain on the inside.

Solution-focused therapy can offer a proactive approach to managing this kind of depression. Because this type of depression often goes undiagnosed or unnoticed due to the individual’s ability to function normally, solution-focused therapy can be particularly effective. The approach emphasizes building solutions in the present and exploring one’s hope for the future, rather than focusing on the problems and their genesis.

People with high-functioning depression often feel like they are living a double life, appearing composed to the world but internally grappling with intense sadness. With solution-focused therapy, they can begin to bridge the gap between these two realities, leveraging their inherent strengths to find resolution and peace.

High-functioning depression can manifest in several ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Loss of interest
• Trouble concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Isolation

These are just some of the ways high-functioning depression can manifest. If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, it is crucial to reach out for help. Depression is a severe condition that one should not ignore.

Treatment for High-Functioning Depression in CA at Alter Health Group

If you are struggling with high-functioning depression or schizophrenia treatment, the team at Alter Health Group can help. We offer a variety of treatment options that are tailored to meet your unique needs. We understand how difficult it can be to manage high-functioning depression, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Call us for more information on our programs.