High-functioning depression (also referred to as dysthymia) can be hard to recognize, even for those suffering from it. This type of depression involves a persistently low mood, with the possibility for short periods of relief in between. As individuals gradually become accustomed to feeling this constant low level of depression, it can become second nature to mask their emotional state, perhaps even from themselves. It may come to the point that the person suffering from high-functioning depression doesn’t realize there was ever a problem. However, this type of depression can derail every aspect of a person’s life.
Fortunately, help for people with high-functioning depression is available at Baltimore Detox Center. If you or someone you care about is dealing with depression as well as an addiction, reach out to our team today by calling [Direct] or completing our online form for more information about how our depression treatment program can improve quality of life.
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
High-functioning depression is a familiar term used to refer to the condition dysthymia. High-functioning depression isn’t a clinical diagnosis itself. Despite this, these terms continue to be used interchangeably. Dysthymia or high-functioning depression is depression characterized by a chronic, sustained low mood without the exaggerated clinical symptoms of a full-blown depressive episode. Without these extreme indicators, people are less likely to be driven to seek help. Over time, people suffering from high-functioning depression become expert-level maskers. There are many combinations of symptoms that can be seen in a person with high-functioning depression.
Common symptoms of high-functioning depression include:
- Overeating or not eating
- Oversleeping or sleeping too much
- A constant state of exhaustion or fatigue
- Executive functioning difficulties, like inability to concentrate or make decisions
- General feelings of hopelessness and despair
- Workaholic tendencies
- Demanding perfection of themselves
- Go-along to get along attitude, often have resigned themselves to their low self-image and a negative mood, and have no problem with hiding it daily
- A general tendency toward addictive behaviors
- Often hermits or introverts
- Pessimists but may see themselves as being realists
- Excessive worry and feelings of guilt and shame
- Irritability and agitation
Are You Suffering from High-Functioning Depression?
The negativity, hopelessness, and gloom indicative of this form of depression put a person at a greater risk for many mental and physical health issues, such as major depressive episodes, addiction disorder, obesity, chronic physical pain, and even suicide. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential as this may prevent a person from veering into an acute episode of severe depression and possibly even learning to use addiction and other self-destructive behaviors as a way to cope.
To the person with high-functioning depression, seeking help may seem like self-indulgence or a waste of someone else’s time. This type of person is often seen burning the candle at both ends. When you think of the high-functioning depressed person, think of the opposite of self-care. Though they may be great at hiding it, they are self-critical, pessimistic, gloomy, and cynical at almost all times of the day. They fall into self-hating spirals, feel guilty for enjoying themselves, and can’t relax. This constant negative state often manifests itself with symptoms that relate to their lack of self-care.
Get Help For Depression and Addiction at Baltimore Detox Center Today
People with this brand of depression often need someone to listen to them without judging or trying to “fix” them. They don’t want to feel like a burden to you, but it may make them feel better to discuss their feelings with someone finally. If you or someone you know is silently suffering from this insidious form of depression, please seek help in Baltimore Detox Center’s depression recovery. Call [Direct] or complete our online form today to find out more information on how we help our patients with high-functioning depression and what we can do for you.
