High functioning depression
The signs and symptoms of high functioning depression.
Also known as persistent depressive disorder, are comparable to those of major depression, however, they are less severe. Changes in sleeping and eating patterns, as well as weariness, despondency, difficulty concentrating, and low self-esteem, are all symptoms. A person with high functioning depression faces challenges practically every day and is constantly depressed. People with this persistent depressive condition, for the most part, function normally.
Five ways to tell what happens when you have it!
They will still go to work or school, do their jobs successfully, manage their duties, and participate in social events. Many times, those closest to them are unaware that they are battling on the inside. While the signs and symptoms of high functioning depression aren’t as severe as those of major depressive disorder, they can nonetheless be harmful. Persistent depressive illness has a negative impact on one’s quality of life if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms of high-functioning depression might help you choose a treatment plan that will help you feel better immediately.
High functioning depression signs include:
1. They have a high level of scrutiny.
It’s an indication of high functioning depression when someone is extremely critical of oneself and others. They may mask their criticism as a joke, but it still has an adverse effect on one’s well-being. This 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 critique. This conduct is frequently the outcome of a lack of self-confidence and a negative self-talk cycle.
How to resolve 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 to improve 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 invest their time 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 are able to disregard the problems in their lives. However, this unhealthy coping technique eventually leads to stress and burnout.
How to resolve 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 in order 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 circumstance. These approaches can take any form, including binge-watching movies or television episodes.
How to resolve 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 resolve 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 of 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 resolve 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.
Healthy habits to prevent high functioning depression
Important information to spot self-medication through alcohol and drug use.
The term self-medicating refers to attempts to deal with depression, pain (physical or emotional), or intense emotions with the help of drugs (prescription or otherwise), alcohol, and other substances, and 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 these 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 even some valium to help with the 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 legal drugs (prescription) can lead to addiction, mood disorders and health issues. It can also have a negative impact on your relationships at home, at work and at school.
Here are some causes and symptoms of self-medication using drugs and/or alcohol and how to get help. Firstly, what are the risk factors around self-medication?
Seven risk factors for self-medication include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Physical and emotional abuse
- Intense emotional experiences
- Schizophrenia
- Childhood trauma
- Other mental illnesses
Seven signs that you’re using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate include:
- Avoiding family, friends, social gatherings and activities
- Abrupt shift in interests and/or the people you used to hang out with.
- Overly secretive
- Forgetting about personal hygiene
- Work issues and other social dynamic problems
- Outbursts of anger
- Unusual or new financial difficulties as a result of alcohol and drug use.
If you have any further questions or issues we can help with around High Functioning Depression feel free to get hold of us and we can help you with these issues.
