Millions of people in the United States and around the world live with depression. Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. There are many types of depression that may occur over a person’s lifetime.
High-functioning depression is another term for persistent depressive disorder, or PDD (also known as dysthymia). People with PDD may experience long-term depressive symptoms that interfere with their ability to function.
This article will explore high-functioning depression. You will learn:
- The symptoms of persistent depressive disorder
- Five signs of high-functioning depression
- How to treat high-functioning depression
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment
If you or someone you love experiences symptoms of depression and requires treatment, you are not alone. Find comprehensive mental health treatment and support at Palm City Wellness. Contact our treatment specialists to learn more about our services or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is High-Functioning Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that impacts mood, energy, thinking, and behaviors. People may develop depression after experiencing a significant life change, as part of a medical condition, or without a clear cause.
Certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing depression. However, most people will experience at least one period of depression in their lifetime.
People may experience several types of depression, including:
- Perinatal depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Some mental health professionals may refer to persistent depressive disorder (PDD) as dysthymia or “high-functioning depression.” This is because people with high-functioning depression may continue to function as usual. They may work, attend school, have relationships, and even engage in hobbies while experiencing symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression is not an acknowledged diagnosis found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, people may experience a long-lasting form of depression that affects daily functioning for months or years.
Some symptoms of clinical depression include:
- Feeling hopelessness
- Difficulty making decisions
- Experiencing low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Changes in sleep (experiencing insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
- Appetite changes
People with high-functioning depression may appear to function normally while experiencing these or other depressive symptoms. Friends and family members may not notice outward signs of depression.
People who live with high-functioning depression may experience milder depressive symptoms that last at least two years.
Mental illness experts believe many factors may contribute to depression and other mental health issues. Stressful life events, genetics, traumatic experiences, medical conditions, and other factors may increase a person’s risk of developing PDD.
Untreated PDD may increase the risk of serious complications, including:
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Physical pain and other symptoms
It is important to treat persistent depressive disorder as soon as you recognize the signs. Contact the Palm City Wellness specialists to learn about our mental health programs. You may also get in touch to ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake appointment.
5 Signs of High-Functioning Depression
Recognizing the signs of PDD can help you get the treatment you or a loved one needs to overcome it. Here are five signs of high-functioning depression.
1. Physical and behavioral changes
People with high-functioning depression may experience new or worsening physical and behavioral health challenges. Their appetite may change, causing unexpected weight gain or loss. People may not shower as often or keep up with laundry, resulting in noticeable hygiene changes. They may sleep much more than usual or have trouble falling asleep at night.
2. Low self-esteem
PDD can cause low self-esteem. People may be overly critical of themselves or struggle with excessive guilt and shame.
3. Hopelessness
Depression may cause feelings of hopelessness. They may feel as though what they do doesn’t matter or feel overly pessimistic about the future.
4. Substance use
People living with PDD may be at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). People may use drugs or alcohol to counteract the physical and emotional symptoms of depression. People may also use certain drugs to increase their energy levels or improve performance.
5. Working hard to appear “normal”
People with high-functioning depression may spend a lot of energy covering up their depressive symptoms. They may push themselves to work, socialize, or behave “normally” while experiencing significant depressive symptoms.
If you or someone in your life struggles with symptoms of persistent depressive disorder, seek treatment right away. Contact the Palm City Wellness specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
How to Treat High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression and other mental health conditions are treatable. Treatment for persistent depressive disorder includes:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Talk therapy and counseling
- Lifestyle changes, including exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques
People may attend inpatient mental health treatment or receive care on an outpatient basis, depending on their needs.
Don’t wait to get the mental health care you need. Contact the Palm City Wellness specialists to find comprehensive mental health treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Dysthymia
- Harvard Health Publishing: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)