Depression is not always easy to identify. Many people go through their daily lives with symptoms of depression, but they seem to be fine on the outside.

High functioning depression, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of depression that is hard to diagnose as the sufferers usually appear to be high functioning people, tackling everyday tasks, going to work every day, and interacting with friends and colleagues, but they struggle with subtle, long-term symptoms of depression that add up over time.

What is High Functioning Depression?

High functioning depression is a term used to describe a type of depression that is difficult to spot because the person still functions as they usually would in their day-to-day life.

People with high functioning depression may appear fine to others, but they are dealing with the symptoms of depression on a daily basis and still manage to keep up with their daily responsibilities and activities. This type of depression is normally known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD).

10 Symptoms of High Functioning Depression

Here are ten symptoms that you might experience if you are suffering from high functioning depression:.

1. Difficulty Sleeping

If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, having difficulty sleeping or sleeping for extended periods, it could be a sign of depression.

People with high functioning depression often report feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.

2. Lack of Interest in Activities

You may have little or no interest in activities that you used to enjoy, such as meeting up with friends, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. This loss of interest may be gradual and hard to spot as it may not affect your work or social life.

3. General Discontent and Numbness

If you are struggling to feel happy or content, or you feel numb or emotionless, it could be an indicator of depression.

People with high functioning depression often report feeling ’empty’ or ‘flat’ emotionally, which can make it hard for them to connect with others in meaningful ways.

4. Low Energy Levels

You may frequently feel sluggish or less energetic than normal, even if there is no physical reason for this. A lack of energy may make it hard to concentrate or perform well at work or school.

5. Negative Thoughts

If you find yourself often believing negative things about yourself, such as “I’m worthless” or “I’m not good enough,” you may be experiencing negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem.

People with high functioning depression often struggle with low self-worth, and this can affect their ability to form positive relationships and get ahead in their career.

6. Irritability and Anger

If you find yourself getting irritated or angry with little provocation, it could be a sign of high functioning depression. You may find yourself snapping at coworkers, friends or family members, even though on the surface everything seems fine.

7. Self-isolation

You may find yourself withdrawing from social activities or avoiding social gatherings altogether.

This self-isolation can be a significant sign of high functioning depression as people tend to withdraw themselves from the social scene, leading to further diminished emotional health.

8. Difficulty Concentrating

If you find it hard to focus or stay on task, it could be a sign of depression. People with high functioning depression may not perform exceptionally at work, which is something they used to ace easily earlier.

9. Pessimistic Attitude

You may start to believe that things will never work out and view everything in a negative light, including the future. This type of pessimistic attitude can make it hard to feel positive or hopeful about life.

10. Physical Symptoms

Depression can have physical symptoms too, including headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain. These symptoms are not always easy to identify, as they could be anything from anxiety to other physical ailments.

Final Thoughts

High functioning depression can be a unique struggle as compared to other types of depression. If you or a loved one have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Therapy or antidepressants could assist with managing the symptoms and building to a positive mental health status.