High-functioning depression has indications and symptoms that are similar to major depression but are less severe. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, low self-esteem, weariness, despondency, and difficulties concentrating are possible symptoms. Symptoms are present on most days, resulting in an almost constant poor mood that can last up to two years. Most people function relatively correctly on the outside but struggle on the inside. Medication and therapy are effective treatments for high-functioning depression.
What is High-Functioning Depression?
Many mental diseases are severe enough to make it difficult for a person to function. Significant impairment is a diagnostic criterion for several mental health problems. An impaired person cannot fully operate in one or more aspects of life. This can include not being able to keep down a job, not performing well academically, avoiding social events, or being unable to maintain good relationships.
In some circumstances, a mental illness is less severe, and despite experiencing symptoms, a person can function normally or almost correctly for the majority of the time. This is known as a high-functioning individual or mental disorder. It’s vital to realize that high-functioning does not imply complete functionality. There is still some impairment with this sort of depression. Persistent depressive disorder occurs when a person can function yet still has intense depressive symptoms. Dysthymia was the previous name for this mental disorder, and it is still used occasionally.
Signs and symptoms of high functioning depression
There are no objective clinical symptoms because doctors do not identify high-functioning depression as an illness.
Many people, however, mix up high-functioning depression and PDD. PDD is characterized by low-grade depression that lasts at least two years.
PDD causes a person’s depressed mood to remain for most of the day, and depression is more common than not.
People with PDD may experience at least two of the following symptoms in addition to low mood:
- appetite changes
- insomnia or oversleeping
- extreme weariness
- low self-esteem
- difficulties concentrating and making decisions
- emotions of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
PDD patients may have periods of everyday mood that last shorter than two months.
7 best ways to Manage High-Functioning Depression
Lifestyle changes are frequently beneficial for people who are suffering from depression. Changes in nutrition, exercise, sleep habit, substance usage, and social support network participation are all examples of lifestyle changes.
Because it is normal for persons with depression to have trouble starting new behaviors, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a mental health professional who is supportive and assist you in making the most beneficial adjustments.
Here are seven lifestyle adjustments that have been demonstrated to help most persons with depression symptoms:
- Contact a psychotherapist as soon as possible to set up an initial consultation.
- Include any exercise in your daily regimen (as directed by your doctor). For people of all ages, physical activity has been linked to enhanced mental health and mood. This is especially true for people who suffer from persistent moderate depression, such as PDD, and depression caused by chronic anxiety.
- To build self-confidence and sense of accomplishment, set daily goals straightforward to achieve.
- Begin to make dietary changes that increase energy, decrease sluggishness, and enhance attention.
- Establish a sleep and waking schedule.
- Depending on your unique health risks, you should limit or avoid using alcohol and other substances. If necessary, seek help for substance abuse recovery.
- Seek emotional support from family, friends, or people from the local and online community.