Dealing with depression while still being able to meet daily demands is often referred to as high-funtioning depression.
There is no official diagnosis of “High-Functioning Depression.”
Yet, most people who work in the mental health field would acknowledge that some folks who have depressive symptoms continue to be able to function in many areas of their lives. Functioning even to the point that those around them don’t recognize their depression.
I have dealt with depression since I was a young teen in the early 90s. Primary care doctors didn’t do regular screenings for depression back then. Very few people in my world at the time talked about mental health. The signs were easily missed by many because I showed up to school, I did well in my classes, and I was involved in some activities. I didn’t get in trouble or draw attention from adults, so it was easy to overlook that I spent lunch alone in the library. I often told folks that I was “tired” without knowing that is a common way for depression to show up in teens.
This pattern of being able to function even when depressed has continued throughout my life.
I was recently asked to contribute to an article for Insider.com on the topic of high-functioning depression. My perspective is unique as someone who has experienced depression on and off over the past 30 years, and who also is a licensed mental health provider.
“Moseley realized she could have high-functioning depression in her late 20s, after reading about and hearing other people’s experiences with this condition. She says only a few people noticed her symptoms, due to her consistently excellent job performance and ability to accomplish daily tasks.”
Insider.com – Living with High-Functioning Depression
If the topic of high-functioning depression resonates with you, you can read the full article here. I also invite you to contact me if you’re located in North Carolina or Florida and think I may be a good fit to assist with your mental health needs.
Michelle F. Moseley is a licensed clinical mental health counselor providing telehealth services in the states of North Carolina and Florida. She specializes in providing support for folks who struggle with feelings of not being enough, which often stem from messages of being “too much.” She works from a trauma-informed perspective, and believes that ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and to feel heard. Learn more about Michelle by visiting www.MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle