Whether we like it or not, life will sometimes get us down. It’s normal, inevitable, and usually nothing to worry about. The disorder of depression involves more than this—a lot. It’s persistent, overwhelming, and ongoing. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) diagnosis requires at least two consecutive weeks of signs and symptoms. So then, what is high-functioning depression?
Technically, it’s called dysthymia or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). High-functioning depression typically presents with fewer symptoms than MDD. But the main difference lies in its duration. To be diagnosed with high-functioning depression, those symptoms must last for at least two years.
What is High-Functioning Depression Like?
One of the first things you can say about PDD is that it’s tricky to identify. Think about it; we’re talking fewer symptoms occurring over the course of two years. The problem, of course, is that by the time it is recognized, dysthymia may have developed into a serious problem.
People with high-functioning depression might be the kind of folks who push through tough times and have difficulty asking for help. A perfectionist mindset is indeed a risk factor. Also, either MDD or PDD is more common if you’re female. Other risk factors include family history and stress or trauma in your life.
What it comes down to is identifying the issue before too much time has passed.
5 Signs of High-Functioning Depression
1) Going Through the Motions
You get things done—from chores to social gatherings—but you feel numb or detached. You don’t necessarily feel “depressed,” though. This is partly because those symptoms arrive slowly and subtly. But you can tune into the fact that you’re not enjoying activities that once brought you joy. People ask how you are doing, and you mean it when you reply, “fine.” Yet, you know something is off, and the distress is definitely increasing.
2) Unexplained Fatigue
This isn’t about wearing yourself out. The fatigue associated with high-functioning depression is pervasive. It’s a palpable lack of energy that sticks around for weeks at a time.
3) Unexplained Weight Fluctuations
If you’ve changed your diet and/or taken up exercise, you may expect some changes when you weigh yourself. With PDD, your weight could yo-yo, and you can’t understand why. Commonly, someone with depression may lose interest in eating. It’s too much work—the prep, the clean-up, the shopping, and the planning. The fatigue (see #2) makes everything sound daunting. And, after all that, you don’t even enjoy the meals as you once did (see #1).
4) Lack of Resiliency
As mentioned up top, everyone has ups and downs. Typically, they bounce back. With dysthymia, you do not bounce back. You can’t regulate between the good vibes and blue periods. PDD keeps you stuck in a stew of sadness, low energy, and self-judgment.
5) What Other People Notice About You
Of course, you should not live your life based on the input of others. But there can be value in heeding certain types of feedback when it becomes frequent. Do your friends call you a “Debbie Downer?” Are you often characterized as lazy or unmotivated? Have friends and family members stopped inviting you to join them at social events? They can’t see your pain and fatigue, but their comments may help you see them more clearly yourself.
Do Not Ignore the Signs
It can be tempting to diagnose yourself, but depression is nothing to leave to chance. Left unchecked, it has the potential to become very serious. You might be at risk for self-harm or worse. Thus, if any of the above information resonated with you, let’s have a conversation. We invite you to reach out and connect with our office so we can match you with an experienced therapist.
