Luxe Recovery LA is an industry-leading inpatient treatment center located in the city of Los Angeles, California. In our world-class facility, we offer treatment for a variety of substance abuse disorders, process addictions, and mental health conditions.
An Overview of Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder whose main symptoms are being sad, feeling empty, losing interest in once enjoyable things, and, in severe cases, self-harm and suicidal ideation. It should be noted that depression is normal and that anyone can feel depressed now and again.
What is not normal is when this feeling of depression becomes overwhelming or persistent. The most common type of depression that is diagnosed is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, there are also other forms of depression, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Postpartum Depression (PPD).
It’s not understood what causes most forms of depression, but it’s believed that a combination of genetics and environment play a role in whether or not someone develops a depressive disorder.
A family history of depression can often reliably predict whether or not someone will develop depression or not.
However, there are some cases wherein there is an identifiable culprit. For SAD, it is believed that the reduced sunlight in winter months causes depression. For PDD, it is speculated that the hormonal changes that a body goes through after giving birth can contribute to depression.
What is High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression, otherwise known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia, is a form of depression wherein someone experiences persistent sadness and hopelessness, two common symptoms of depression.
However, these symptoms are far often much less severe than those present in MDD, but they can last much longer. Some individuals have high-functioning depression, whose symptoms can last upwards of two years, with a few sporadic periods during which they may not experience symptoms.
While depression may often interfere with the ability to function in day-to-day life, this is not always the case with PDD. Many people with PDD can be incredibly successful.
They could have a big house, a nice car, a lot of money, and a desirable romantic partner, but they still find themselves coping with their mental well-being. In short, a person can have what many would consider to be a dream life and still be depressed.
It has to be said that while individuals with high-functioning depression may often function at a level that seems normal, they are at risk for episodes of major depression, and their functionality can decrease significantly as their symptoms worsen.
What Are the Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression?
Mental health disorders are often referred to as invisible illnesses because there are no outward signs of disease. With dysthymia in particular, because people are often high-functioning, this form of depression can often be missed, not just by a mental health professional but by the depressed person themselves.
They may not believe that they have a mental health condition precisely because they can function so well. But that ability to function isn’t a sign that they don’t have depression; it just means that they’re able to go through the motions.
Some of the signs of high-functioning depression may include common depression symptoms such as a persistent low mood, a lack of energy, low self-esteem, insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much), and difficulty concentrating.
Many individuals with PDD also withdraw socially, and they can experience physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and muscle aches for no discernible reason.
Living With High-Functioning Depression Symptoms
Many people who have high-functioning depression may display the same symptoms of MDD and other forms of depression.
However, because these symptoms are less severe, they may be seen as more manageable, and many will not seek help because they do not believe that their condition warrants reaching out to a mental health professional, so they never seek help.
While many people with clinical depression may experience fatigue, individuals who live with PDD may be able to summon just enough energy to function normally, but that’s all the energy they’ll be able to summon, and they may feel tired all the time, even when they’re able to get enough sleep.
Many people who have high-functioning depression can also feel unworthy. They can be outwardly successful and happy, but they may feel like they’re underserving of their success.
They can also do well at work or school but have difficulty concentrating and finishing tasks.
Depression can often cause people to withdraw socially, but people with PDD are able to muster up the energy to socialize and interact with others, even if they’d rather withdraw and be alone.
Some individuals who have PDD may develop problems that can seem unrelated to their PDD, such as relationship problems and a substance abuse disorder.
During their depressive episodes, they may also experience appetite changes and either eat more or have a reduced appetite.
How is High-Functioning Depression Treated?
One aspect of treating depression is making lifestyle changes. People with PDD, in particular, can often find that making a few adjustments to their day-to-day life can impact their mood and help manage high-functioning depression. Some of these changes can include:
Living A Healthy Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle is often suggested for individuals who have depression. Regular exercise can be especially helpful, as exercise produces dopamine, which improves mood.
Exercise can also reduce stress and increase energy levels. A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein is also suggested.
Therapy
People who have dysthymia can benefit greatly from different forms of therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help them identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their depression.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) can help them work on their communication skills, address personal conflicts, and work through grief that may contribute to their depression.
Medication
Individuals with PDD may also be prescribed antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and other medications to help ease their depressive symptoms. It should be noted that there can be some trial and error with medication as it may take some time before a person finds the medication and dosage that works best for them.
Manage Your Depression and Get Treatment
Depression can be difficult to live with, and high-functioning depression often goes unnoticed. But just because something goes unnoticed doesn’t mean it can’t have a debilitating effect on a person’s life quality. Sure, a person can go through their day, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy any of it.
That’s one of the worst things about depression: it takes the joy and fun out of life. But that doesn’t mean that the joy and fun can’t be taken back. Depression is a complex condition to manage, but effective treatment is available.
Many people who have depression are able to live joyful, fulfilling lives. Contact us now, and we’ll get you started on a treatment program for depression.
