You rarely hear about mental health in the media unless it’s a crisis situation. That’s why you’ve probably not heard the term high-functioning depression recently.
I myself have had high-functioning depression and anxiety for many years. I have bad days (or weeks) and I experience symptoms daily. But most of the time I can go about life pretty normally. To the point I’m sure almost all my friends and family, who aren’t aware, never would be.
What does high-functioning mean?
I have a job and haven’t had a day off sick for a long time. I am in a long term relationship, and I have a social group of friends and hobbies I enjoy. I have symptoms of depression, like- low mood, irritability and lack of motivation at times – but it isn’t all encompassing.
While the numbers show how common depression and anxiety are, the symptoms (or severity of symptoms) people experience can be like night and day.
Although you might have typical signs of depression, you may be able to function normally, or almost normally, most of the time. People like us would be referred to as high-functioning.
We’re not confined to our beds all day. But we’re struggling inside and we know it’s not quite right.
Do they not believe me?
Sadly, although many cases are severe enough to affect a person’s daily life, significant disruption is often needed before anyone will even begin to make a diagnosis.
This may mean not being able to hold down a job, having poor grades or not leaving your house, before your GP even gives a depression diagnosis a second thought. Seems counter-productive, right?
Also, recognizing the signs of high-functioning depression isn’t always easy. It hides behind a happy face and a successful person. Even as the one struggling, it isn’t easy to realize that there is a real, underlying mental illness. And so we don’t always ask for help right away.
Brave face- activated
Even though, as high-functioning people, we can get sh*t done, we shouldn’t reject help when we need it. In fact, I’ve found the longer I go without talking about my thoughts and anxieties, the worse I feel and the bigger explosion of emotion I have when it gets too much.
When a high-functioning person experiences significant symptoms of depression, it is called persistent depressive disorder (PDD for short). Anyone with PDD is also at risk of experiencing episodes of major depression.
So without these conditions being properly discussed where people can see it, a lot of us aren’t going to even realise we might need a hand. This is why people end up being pushed further and further into crisis situations.
Living with high-functioning depression
Living with depression – high functioning or not – is exhausting. But when people around you don’t understand because you go to work and smile about it, it can feel even lonelier.
It can often feel like you’re living a lie. You need to remember though, they can’t see inside your head. And although they don’t see it- it doesn’t make how you’re feeling any less valid.
So, continue to live your life in a way that works for you. But don’t look for validation before you look for help.
How to get help
Accepting your mental health and asking for help is the strongest thing you can do. At risk of sounding cliché, finding a coping strategy that worked for me truly felt like a weight was lifted.
The most effective way to access free psychological therapies in the UK is to talk to your GP. But they will discuss your options and you can work out together what might be the best route for you to take. There is of course medication, which can be used as well as, or instead of therapy.
There are also charities – including Mind, or Turning Point – which offer free or low-cost treatments.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ community
Research suggests that people identifying as LGBTQ+ are at higher risk of poor mental health. Some counselling services may be free for members of the community and there are lots of charities who offer support specific to people who identify as LGBTQ+.
The LGBT Foundation is just one of these charities. They are based in Manchester and have even provided sexual health screenings and offer face-to-face therapies. The NHS has a list of resources that may also be useful.
Useful websites and helplines:
- NHS website
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritansoffers an over-the-phone listening service 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (FREE to call in the UK and ROI)
- The Mixis a free service for people under 25 who want info or support for a range of issues.
- The LGBT Foundation – Support for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Author bio – Ex-swim teacher turned artist and copywriter. I write about anything and everything, but in ‘Emma-time’ I’m all about the conspiracy theories and video games. You’ll find me at the gym or on the console!
