Dealing with depression while still being able to meet daily demands is often referred to as high-functioning 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 and think I may be a good fit to assist with your mental health needs.
Update 5/6/2206: My understanding of “high-functioning depression” now also includes common presentations of masking with neurodivergence, specifically Autism. If I were to write this article today, I would include information about Autistic burnout and how that experience can mimic high-functioning depression.
Michelle F. Moseley (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC (#12491). She believes ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and access to mental and physical healthcare. Michelle specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma, and with those who have body image concerns, finding there is frequent overlap in these areas. She also frequently supports late-identified neurodivergent individuals as they navigate the grief and relief of a new understanding of self. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
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