Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, and changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.
There are several types of depression, including:
- Clinical depression (major depressive disorder)
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including:
- Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression)
- Prenatal depression and postpartum depression
- Atypical depression
People with depression often can’t always keep up with the demands of day-to-day life, whether it is keeping a steady job, having significant relationships and friendships, or keeping the house tidy. Their depression can make every task feel daunting.
However, that isn’t always the case. Some people can experience depression in a way that doesn’t appear disruptive from the outside, but it still causes a major disruption inside. This is called high-functioning depression.
Although it isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, high-functioning depression is a helpful way to describe how some people who are living with the symptoms of depression manage to keep up a moderately stable life.
A person with high-functioning depression may have the same symptoms as a person with clinical or major depressive disorder. These symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, helpless, or hopeless
- Becoming disinterested in things that used to bring them joy
- Changes in eating habits, like eating too much or too little
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating
- Negative thoughts about themselves and others
Unfortunately, some people may feel that they need to hide these depressive symptoms from others because:
- They might have come from a family or culture that teaches people not to talk about mental illness
- They think they will feel better by powering through on their own
- They’re trying to avoid any impact on their job and relationships, hoping the depression lifts
- They are someone who isn’t comfortable showing vulnerability or perceived weakness
- They think having depression is something to be ashamed of
- They feel that their life will fall apart and people will abandon them if they find out about their depression
More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but this may be because women are more likely to seek treatment.
A healthcare provider may determine a diagnosis of depression based on:
- A physical exam
- Lab tests
- A psychiatric evaluation
- DSM-5
Unfortunately, high-functioning depression can be difficult to recognize. Even though a person may appear to be high functioning, they still should get treatment for their depression. Treatments for depression may include:
- Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques
- Medications
- Support groups
To learn more about the mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.