Could You Have High-Function Depression?

Millions of people suffer from depression, a chronic mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. While these symptoms are certainly serious, they’re not always readily apparent.

In fact, many people with depression go about their daily lives while masking their feelings and emotions. This type of depression has become widely known as “high-functioning” depression, and while it’s not a diagnosis, many patients find the term helpful in explaining their own experiences with depression.

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, Dr. Alison Burton, DNP, PMHNP, offers compassionate, professional treatment for patients with depression, including high-functioning depression. Here’s how to tell if you might be suffering from high-functioning depression and how Dr. Burton can help.

Understanding high-function depression

Like many chronic illnesses and conditions, depression exists on a spectrum, with symptoms that can vary from relatively mild to severe. It’s important to note, though, that even the mildest symptoms on this spectrum can still cause considerable distress, including persistent feelings of failure and hopelessness.

Severe symptoms may be noticeable to other people, too, particularly friends, family members, and other loved ones. These symptoms can also interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, like working, going to school, or maintaining relationships.

On the other hand, people with high-functioning depression are able to cope and get through their day-to-day routines. They may be able to maintain normal relationships and keep up with the responsibilities of school or work. But they’re still suffering from symptoms of depression.

Because these individuals are able to maintain the normal functions of daily living, they’re sometimes referred to as “high-functioning” — but again, that’s a descriptive term and not a clinical diagnosis.

Managing high-function depression

People with high-functioning depression still have depression, even though they’re able to cope with their symptoms. They may be able to get through their daily routines, but doing so can take a significant amount of effort and energy, leaving them feeling drained and unhappy. 

To “outsiders,” people with high-functioning depression may not show any noticeable symptoms to coworkers, friends, and even family members. They struggle to deal with their symptoms internally, sometimes adding to a sense of guilt or shame.

Over time, the effects of high-functioning depression can be just as devastating as severe depression, resulting in pervasive malaise, a poor sense of self-worth, and a low quality of life. As with severe forms of depression, high-functioning depression benefits from prompt, ongoing care to help patients relieve their symptoms and learn healthy, positive behaviors that can improve their quality of life.

Find a solution for your depression symptoms

Depression may take different forms in different people, but one thing stays the same: Depression is a serious health problem that requires medical management to find a solution that provides long-lasting, meaningful relief. 

Dr. Burton uses an array of therapies to help patients with depression, including psychotherapy techniques and medication. To learn how Dr. Burton can help you find relief for your depression symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, today.