Millions of adults in America have depression symptoms, this makes depression the most common mental illness in the US. “Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year” according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

All depression cannot be so easily classified and sometimes signs of depression can go unnoticed for a long time. People who live with high functioning depression appear to have everything held together, but internally they have deep unhappiness.

Similar to a “major” depression, high functioning depression might cause a change in sleep and appetite along with emotion changes. However, unlike a “major” or “chronic” depression, high functioning depression is much harder to notice in a person.

“If we keep allowing our perception of what mental illness looks like to dictate how we go about recognizing and treating it, we will continue to overlook people who don’t fit the mold.

To help you learn more about high functioning depression, here are a few things that people who suffer from high-functioning depression want you to know.

1. Their exterior attitude doesn’t always match what they are feeling on the inside.
2. Every day, normal activities can sometimes feel unbearable. Even though to the naked eye it may seem like someone is on track, they may be fighting something internally.
3. “Feeling better” isn’t as easy as changing their attitude. When a person is fighting high functioning depression, changing their internal happiness might feel impossible.
4. It isn’t uncommon when people have a hard time accepting their symptoms.
5. They appreciate the little gestures that you make. The support from other people can help a loved one know that they are not alone as they go through tough times.

About Choices Psychotherapy

Choice is the foundation for a change. Choice speaks to the reality that there is not one right answer for all.  At Choices Psychotherapy, we are committed to empowering clients and their families to identify options while assisting in creating a personal roadmap toward health and recovery.

Related: Depression