May 9, 2024

High-functioning depression: typical symptoms and triggers

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Patients with high-functioning depression can sometimes feel cheerful and cope with their daily lives. However, they quietly suffer from the typical symptoms of depression inside.

Successful on the outside, hopeless on the inside – this best describes the condition of a person with high-functioning depression. Because those affected usually continue to work and have a “job” on the outside, while on the inside they feel empty and drained. There is often chaos in their inner life, and despite being able to function, patients with this particular form of depression experience typical depressive symptoms. However, it differs from the classic form.

A distinction must be made between high-functioning depression and classic depression: differences and typical symptoms

Women suffer from high-functioning depression more than men. © Bond5 Images/Imago
  • High-functioning depression primarily affects women who manage their daily lives successfully despite the illness.
  • Those affected feel exhausted, sad and hopeless inside, as if they often live in two different worlds.
  • In contrast to classical depression, high-functioning depression is a milder form, but can be long-lasting and stressful.
  • Symptoms are similar to those of classic depression and include self-doubt, perfectionism, feeling stressed, criticizing yourself or others, low energy, sadness, resorting to coping strategies and difficulty relaxing.
  • Possible triggers include stress, pressure to perform, financial problems, interpersonal conflicts, traumatic events in childhood, and genetic predisposition.
  • Research shows that too Diet plays a role in the development of this depression he can play.
  • Diagnosing high-functioning depression often takes a long time because it develops gradually and continuously.
  • Unlike classic depression, it does not appear in stages, but rather continuously.
  • Sufferers can sometimes feel cheerful and go on with their lives normally on the surface, which makes them less likely to initially suspect depression and makes diagnosis more difficult.
  • Lifestyle modifications, professional help, antidepressants, and psychotherapy can help improve the condition and promote recovery.
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This article only contains general information about the health topic in question and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not, in any way, replace a visit to a doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.

This article was created using automated assistance and was carefully reviewed by editor Judith Brown before publication.