High Functioning Depression manifests differently from clinical depression. We typically associate someone who is depressed with being lethargic. This person tends to isolate from their friends and family and has no motivation to go to work or keep up with their schoolwork. Depression tends to be an obvious illness and the presentation is distinct. Someone who is depressed physically appears different than their normal self. They may not have showered in days, their expression probably appears stoic or blank.
High Functioning Depression is a completely different story. The person who has High Functioning Depression is an overachiever or a perfectionist. They are constantly busy with work or school and barely have time to talk to you. They are hyper-critical of themselves and have an over-active inner-critic. You would never suspect that this person is depressed because they are functioning on the surface. They don’t show any signs of typical depression. Maybe you don’t see them as much because unlike the typical depressed person, a person with High Functioning Depression is too busy to pick up the phone to call you or even send you a quick text. They want to distract themselves from their feelings of hopelessness. Learn the symptoms of High Functioning Depression so you can learn what to look out for. Whether you think you might be experiencing this condition or notice a loved one or co-worker dealing with it or the winter blues, knowing the signs will help you.
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About the author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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