Online Therapy for High Functioning Depression in Texas
What is Functional Depression?
Functional, or High-Functioning depression, describes someone who has symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating, but is still able to handle daily responsibilities. This ability to function outwardly can mask the internal struggles someone may be experiencing, making it difficult for the individual or others to recognize the seriousness of the condition.
This condition can be easily overlooked or misunderstood, and symptoms often chalked up to stress, external factors, or personality traits. Since it doesn't conform to the stereotypical idea of depression, it can lead to delays in seeking help, allowing the condition to negatively impact their overall well-being.
What can cause Functional Depression?
Depression, in general, can be caused by variety of factors, including genetics, chemical imbalances, stressful or traumatic life experiences, and personality traits.
But what can cause someone to experience high functioning depression, while others experience debilitating depression?
Severity of symptoms: people with high functioning depression typically show less severe symptoms than those with more severe forms of depression. Nonetheless, less severe symptoms of depression can still be persistent.
Masking: in high functioning depression, there can be a tendency to "mask", or hide the depression symptoms. Often called "Smiling Depression", those suffering from functional depression may mask by appearing happy and engaged externally, but internally experiencing deep feelings of sadness and despair.
Hidden dysfunction: Some individuals with depression may not be as high functioning as they appear. Although outwardly it may seem they are doing well or excelling, it could be that the depression is keeping them from being functional in other areas of their life--areas that are hidden from others. For example, a co-worker may be doing very well at work, but what you may not know is they have a hard time getting out of bed during the weekend, or tend to isolate outside of work.
What are the Symptoms of High Functioning Depression?
It can be challenging to recognize that we have high functioning depression, especially since it tends to hide behind an appearance of normalcy. People with this condition may continue with their daily activities and meet their responsibilities, but secretly battle with persistent emotional numbing, sadness, and hopelessness.
Common symptoms of High Functioning Depression include:
Chronic fatigue or tiredness
Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
Increased irritability or anxiety
Hopelessness or pessimism about the future
Difficulty with focus, memory, or decision-making
Guilt or feelings of worthlessness
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Slowed speech or movements
Changes in sleep patterns or difficulties sleeping
Unexplained physical symptoms, like headaches or digestive issues
Fluctuations in appetite and weight
Withdrawal from social interactions
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
Therapy for High Functioning Depression can help you move forward.
High Functioning Depression can feel overwhelming, isolating, and make us feel stuck. If you are experiencing this, know that you don’t have to work through it alone.
How I help clients with High Functioning Depression
To help my clients through this process, I use a variety of therapeutic styles and techniques as needed, including:
Psychodynamic therapy
Emotion & attachment focused therapy
Parts work (Internal Family Systems therapy-informed)
Inner child work
Trauma informed therapy and bottom-up techniques