Understanding high-functioning depression

What is high-functioning depression?

Also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), the symptoms of high-functioning depression are comparable to those of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder are less severe.

For the most part, people with this persistent depressive condition function “normally” despite the challenges they face day-to-day. They will still go to work or school, do their jobs successfully, manage their duties, and participate in social events.

Some symptoms of high-functioning depression include:

• Persistent sadness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Loss of interest in activities (anhedonia)
• Undereating or overeating
• Lingering weariness or fatigue
• Despondency or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems

Often, the people closest to individuals suffering from high-functioning depression are completely unaware that they are battling on the inside. While the symptoms of high-functioning depression aren’t as severe as those of major depressive disorder (MDD), PDD can nonetheless be harmful to one’s quality of life if left untreated.

Signs of high-functioning depression

Recognising the signs of high-functioning depression can help you recognise whether you — or someone you care about — would benefit from treatment for depression and/or are at risk of using substances to self-medicate.

Signs of high-functioning depression include:

1. They’re highly critical

It’s often an indication of high-functioning depression when someone is extremely critical of themselves and others. They may mask their criticism as a joke, but it still has an adverse effect on one’s well-being. This pattern of negative thinking encourages people to judge and criticize everyone, even their boss, partner, and friends. Nothing will seem good enough for them, and the world will appear to be against them. Because they’re trying to suppress their emotions, the person usually doesn’t notice their self-criticism. This conduct is frequently the outcome of a lack of self-confidence and a negative self-talk cycle.

How to address it

If you struggle with being overly critical, you may make a positive change that will last a lifetime. Begin to pay attention to your own thoughts as well as how you critique others. Make a conscious decision to adjust your cognitive process as soon as you detect this behaviour in yourself. To assist you in improving your thinking, use positive affirmations and eliminate negative thoughts. Replace any negative thoughts with a few good ones every time you have one. It will become a habit after a while, and you will become less critical.

Whether you contend with addiction, anxiety, a temperament disorder, or another mental health concern, individual counselling covers an extensive range of beneficial processes.

2. They’re over-invested in their work

Someone with high-functioning depression may appear to be doing well at work, but this isn’t always the case. People suffering from depression frequently criticize themselves for their work attempts and workload. As they go through the motions and find comfort in the next activity, they tend to be overachievers. Work serves as a distraction for depressed people from their unpleasant thoughts and sensations. When they are preoccupied with work-related responsibilities, they can disregard the problems in their lives. However, this unhealthy coping technique eventually leads to stress and burnout.

How to address it

To begin, think about how much time you spend at work. Consider why you worked so much in the first place, if it was excessive. It may have been because you had too much on your plate, but if that wasn’t the case, it could have been due to high-functioning depression. You must examine and reflect to change this unhealthy coping mechanism. Before you can move forward, you must first recognize that you’re running away from your feelings. You can work to overcome your depression by dealing with the issues.

3. They rely on unhealthy survival techniques

People with high-functioning depression are more prone to use unhealthy coping techniques to survive. They may use medications or alcohol to help them cope with their depression. They may also become addicted to internet games, gambling, or other forms of pain relief. Depressed persons may gain or lose weight as a survival tactic, such as overeating or restricting meals. It is an unhealthy survival strategy when someone begins to use measures that do not enhance the circumstances. These approaches can take any form, including binge-watching movies or television episodes.

How to address it

It could be an unhealthy survival technique if you engage in any activity to dull negative emotions. Forgo the temptation when you feel it coming on. Instead, face your feelings full-on and try to figure out what’s causing them. You may make positive adjustments in your life while you address the cause of your depression. These modifications can help you better for the rest of your life and overcome your depression.

4. They are frequently angry and irritated

It could be an indication of sadness if someone becomes furious or snaps over a minor error. Minor annoyances, such as a change of plans, might also make a depressed person angry. They will appear irritable all of the time, with angry outbursts and excessive reactions to occurrences.

How to address it

If you’re having trouble with this, you can easily modify it. Take a deep breath and walk away whenever you feel like you’re about to burst. Give yourself some time before reacting, and you’ll probably come up with a more sensible response. When you respond appropriately, you won’t feel guilty or ruminate later, which will help you to feel less depressed.

5. They are always doing something

A sad person will feel as if they are squandering time even though they have completed everything they set out to do that day. They are unable to rest or cease their thoughts. A person suffering from high-functioning depression may feel compelled to keep occupied all the time. This behaviour indicates that they are attempting to avoid confronting the true problem and having uncomfortable thoughts. Because of the attitude that precedes depression, they are uncomfortable with sluggish periods.

How to address it

Force yourself to experience rest rather than spending every second of your day with activities. Allow your thoughts and feelings to flow freely while you do so, even if it hurts at first. You allow yourself to heal when you allow yourself to notice your emotions. Change up your mindset to a positive one with positive thoughts once you’ve allowed yourself to feel your emotions. Remind yourself that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, including conquering depression. Then devise a strategy for dealing with your triggers.

High-functioning depression and substance abuse

The term ‘self-medicating’ refers to attempts to deal with intense emotions with the help of drugs (prescription or otherwise), alcohol, and other substances — without the guidance of a doctor. You don’t have to be diagnosed with a medical condition to self-medicate. You might be self-medicating just as a response to the pressures of everyday life.

In times of great anxiety and distress, many people turn to substances to try to change the way that they feel — a joint to help relax, a drink to settle the nerves, or perhaps some valium to help with sleep.

While self-medicating may provide temporary respite, it only serves to exacerbate your difficulties over time.

Regular self-medication, be it through booze, drugs, or prescription medication, can lead to addiction, mood disorders, and serious health issues. It can also harm your relationships at home, at work, and at school.

What are the risk factors around self-medication?

Risk factors for self-medication with drugs and alcohol include:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Intense emotional experiences
• Schizophrenia or other schizoid disorders
• Childhood trauma
• Other mental illnesses

What are the signs that someone is self-medicating?

Signs that someone may be using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate include:

• Avoiding family, friends, social gatherings, and activities
• Abrupt shift in interests and/or social groups
• Secretive behaviour
• Neglecting personal hygiene (e.g., not brushing teeth, showering, or doing laundry)
• Problems at work (e.g., absenteeism, lateness, conflict, poor performance)
• Irritability and outbursts of anger
• New or unusual financial difficulties

Need help with depression? We can help

If you have questions about depression (high-functioning or otherwise), please get in touch. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or suspect you yourself may be depressed, the team at Houghton House is here to help.