5 Common High-Functioning Depression Symptoms

High-functioning depression can be tough to diagnose due to it being easily hidden behind a smile. People with depression tend to succumb to its symptoms. Still, those with what is known as high-functioning depression continue with their daily activities and responsibilities while hiding their sadness and pain. It becomes second nature for them to push through.

However, not acknowledging your mental state and seeking appropriate treatment can lead to physical ailments due to the dysregulation of neurotransmitters that manage sleep, appetite, and pain. Managing high-functioning depression symptoms with the help of a mental health professional will alleviate the symptoms.

What to Expect from High-Functioning Depression Symptoms

What does someone with high-functioning depression symptoms look like? They may appear happy, smiling, and laughing. They might continue to show up for work, school, and church, blending in with their peers. For some, they are the life of the party. Yet, they struggle with the dark cloud of depression, pushing through because they feel they have no choice.

Seek help if you struggle with high-functioning depression symptoms. You can get back to experiencing true joy in your daily life.

Persistent Sadness

Persistent sadness marks depression, and those with high-functioning depression symptoms are not immune. However, they may be able to hide it better than others and resume their daily activities. This sadness, however, can lead to negative thoughts, self-harm, and even suicidal ideations.

Loss of Interest in Activities

Someone with depression can lose all motivation and lack the energy to pursue activities they once enjoyed. They lose interest in hobbies. Someone with high-functioning depression may still engage in the activity as that is what is expected of them, but they lack the love for it.

They may dread going out with friends, meeting for golf, or reading for the book club. If they participate, they do it for others, not for themselves.

Changes in Mood

Irritability, emotional outbursts, and mood swings are common in depression. Those with high-functioning depression may have trouble managing their emotions but work hard to hide these reactions from others.

Showing Up, But Only Halfway

If you work or live with someone with high-functioning depression, you may notice that although they show up, they seem only to be halfway there. Their focus seems elsewhere. They attend the day trip, but their eyes glaze over contemplatively when they think no one is looking. They show up for work but may only do the bare minimum.

Changes in Appetite, Sleep, and Weight

Although we can mask our emotions for a time, the body will present deep-seated issues in the form of physical manifestations. Changes in appearance, appetite, sleep, and weight can be noticeable. Without enough good-quality sleep, we cannot regulate emotions.

Rapid weight loss or gain is common with depression, as the hormones leptin and ghrelin are affected. We can experience physical ailments such as headaches, unexplained body aches, and digestive issues that worsen over time.

Finding Help in McKinney, Texas

Texas Christian Counseling in McKinney, Texas can help with your high-functioning depression symptoms. You do not have to suffer through, masking the pain. Contact us today to schedule a session with a Christian counselor in McKinney, texas.

The therapists at Texas Christian Counseling in McKinney are knowledgeable in evidence-based psychology methods and faith-based principles, drawing clients closer to God while helping them to improve their mental health.

Call us today to get started managing your high-functioning depression symptoms.