Depression can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. High functioning depression, officially known as persistent depressive disorder, can cause you to feel and experience many of the symptoms of depression, but less severely. Below, we will explain why this kind of depression is harder to diagnose, as well as the symptoms to look out for in order to seek professional help.
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What Is High Functioning Depression?
High functioning depression is a serious mental illness that can have a major impact on your life if not properly diagnosed and treated. Although it may be harder to diagnose, a person struggling with high functioning depression can still face significant struggles in their everyday lives. What sets high functioning depression apart is that the impacts it can have on your life are a lot more subtle and less noticeable to the people around you. This does not make the symptoms less influential on your life but simply makes it harder to diagnose and get the treatment you need to live your life to the fullest.
Here are some of the reasons why this kind of depression is particularly difficult:
- Due to high functioning depression being primarily behavioral, it can be difficult to diagnose. This means that your family, friends, or coworkers may not be able to easily spot that you are suffering from depression as easily as a physical injury.
- It can be difficult to diagnose depression because you may not fully understand the extent of your own struggle. You may find it difficult to diagnose your own symptoms as you may have just become accustomed to the symptoms as part of your daily life.
- A person struggling with high functioning depression can easily feel alone and isolated. This means that there is no direct support structure to help notice and guide them toward the help that they need.
- A person struggling with depression may downplay their own need for help. This can be attributed to many reasons including the social stigma around needing help. This is why mental health awareness is so important to allow people who need help, to get it.
- Many people that suffer from depression do not get the treatment they need for years or even decades, this can make the issues they face worse over time.
Does This Sound Familiar to You?
Mental health comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Even if you do not fit the exact mold, this does not mean that you are suffering any less. Depression can have a huge impact on your entire life. From your work to your social and family life, depression can take a massive toll on the quality of life for you and your loved ones.
Although high functioning depression can be hard to notice and diagnose, a mental health professional is the best person to help you through the process. Mental health professionals can help diagnose depression as well as work with you to equip you with all the tools you need to live a happy and healthy life.
High functioning depression is a mental health condition that should always be diagnosed by an experienced and qualified psychiatrist or mental health professional. Here are some of the most common symptoms of high functioning depression to look out for. If you resonate with any of these, reach out to Dr. Lynn Winsten for an appointment to get the help you need.
Here are some of the symptoms of depression
Depression can be tricky and difficult too diagnose. However, here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Fluctuating or decreased appetite
- Overeating or stress-eating
- Insomnia and difficulty getting a full night of rest
- Oversleeping and difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
- Significant decrease in self-esteem
- Significant decrease in self-image
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Taking a long time to make decisions
- Feeling sad often
- Feeling hopeless
- Digestion issues
- Chest pains
- Headaches
- Aching muscles and joints
- Feeling constantly agitated and restless
- Feeling fatigued and tired constantly
- Losing interest in activities
- Feeling anxious and empty
- Here are some of the symptoms of high functioning depression
Although the symptoms above describe depression, high functioning depression comes with a few more symptoms that are harder to diagnose. This is why you should always consult a mental health professional like Dr. Lynn Winsten for a trustworthy diagnosis and for the best possible guidance through the treatment process. Although it may be difficult to self-diagnose, here are some of the symptoms of high functioning depression:
When the feelings and symptoms above are consistent and occur on most days for more than two years without any relief, this can be a sign of high functioning depression.
If you have been suffering from depression or depression-like symptoms for an extended period of time without any feelings of euphoria, happiness, or excitement.
You could have high functioning depression if your symptoms cannot be described accurately by another mental illness.
If your symptoms of depression are causing impairment in one or more areas of your normal life, you should seek guidance from a mental health professional.
You Are Not Alone
If you are suffering from high functioning depression, you can often feel like you are suffering in silence. You may feel unnoticed and alone, but it is important to remember that this is not the case. In addition to feeling the support and love of those around you, it is also important to remember that feeling this way is completely normal. All human beings experience some form of depression from time to time.
In the United States, it is believed that about 6.7% of people over the age of 18 suffer from some form of depression. In addition to this, depression is the leading cause of disability for Americans between the ages of 15 to 44. Although it may seem like everyone is in good spirits and has their lives in order, on the inside, it can be a completely different story.
In addition to getting professional care, it is always great to have a support system in place that you can rely on. The journey towards beating depression can consist of many ups and downs. This is where a strong support system among trusted family and friends can help you stay on track. They can also provide you with the positive reinforcement you need to beat the negative thoughts that can bring you down.
Set An Appointment with Dr. Lynn Winsten Today
Depression can be a difficult thing to go through, but you are never alone. With the right therapy and lifestyle changes, you can help turn your life around for the better. It is important to remember that if you ever need help, talking to a mental health professional is one of the best steps to take on the path to recovery. Partnering with the right mental health professional can help equip you with the tools you need to live a healthier, happier life.
Mental health professionals like Dr. Lynn Winsten can help you diagnose high functioning depression as well as guide you through every step of the treatment process. This comprehensive approach is the best way to achieve long-term, sustainable recovery.
For a reputable and trustworthy Berkeley therapist, get in touch with Dr. Lynn Winsten to book a session today. Comprehensive treatment is vital to help prevent harm to your physical and mental health. Dr. Lynn Winsten is an experienced professional who can help guide you from a place of suffering to a place of greater control and peace.
Additional Reading
10 Ways To Cope With Depression
The Stigma of Loneliness: How A Berkeley Therapist Can Help
The Hidden Danger Of Smiling Depression – And How To Find Help From A Berkeley Psychologist
When Should You See A Professional For Depression? – An Article by A Berkeley Psychologist
