In recent years a certain image has emergedfixed in our minds: people who suffer from depression are listless, sad and withdrawn. But there is another type of depression.In the case of high-functioning depression, the signs can hardly be recognized from the outside.Those affected give the impression that they have their lives firmly under control. But that doesn't mean they aren't sick. But because we are making a false assumption,High-functioning depression is usually not diagnosed? not even from those affected themselves. But if you recognize the signs, you can seek help.
Efficient despite exhaustion: This is high-functioning depression
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of external circumstances. People who have a fulfilling job and live in a happy relationship can also be affected if they have a corresponding predisposition. Depression has many faces, just like other illnesses. Recognizing the signs means giving yourself the opportunity to seek help.
Difficult to recognize: definition of high-functioning depression
People with high functioningare often very successful professionally and maintain their social contacts. However, you feel drained afterwards. This illness is one of the atypical forms of depression, as the typical features of depression? like listlessness and difficulty concentrating? mostly missing. Those affected continue to show motivation and the ability to concentrate, although fundamental changes occur in their feelings, thinking and behavior. A closer look is necessary to recognize this form of depression. Those who suffer from high-functioning depression are sometimes not sure whether help is needed at all? after all, you function in everyday life.
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Double life: six signs that help is needed
What is typical of this form of depression is that those affected do not appear depressed on the outside? whatever that should look like. They do not withdraw completely, but rather manage their everyday lives and fulfill their professional and family obligations. It feels like they are living a double life. Active and committed on the outside, but plagued by intense sadness, exhaustion and a feeling of emptiness on the inside. This ability to “function” externally However, it makes it considerably more difficult to recognize the disease from the outside. If these signs sound familiar, then it's time to seek help.
- Increased need for sleep and cravings
Unlike typical depression, which is often accompanied by loss of sleep and appetite, those affected experience a greatly increased need for sleep and food cravings. Alcohol and pill consumption are often also included, either individually or in combination. - Perfectionism as a stress amplifier
Excessive demands on yourself and compulsive perfectionism often allow relaxing leisure activities to take a back seat. Instead, self-imposed obligations predominate, which further increases stress levels and increases inner suffering. - Social contacts as energy robbers
In order to maintain the appearance of a successful and active life, you stay in touch with friends or colleagues exist. But unlike classic depression, which often leads to withdrawal, those affected find such social interactions stressful and often feel drained afterwards. - Endless thought spirals
Compulsive rumination and negative thoughts occur primarily in moments of calm. While those affected try to suppress depressive thoughts in company, these come to the fore more when they are alone? for example after work or on the weekend. - Feeling of constant exhaustion
Those affected struggle with exhaustion, sadness, excessive demands and a feeling of inner emptiness. Thoughts like “I can’t do it anymore?” often circle in your head. They also react particularly sensitively to criticism, rejection or rejection. - Internal contradictions in everyday life
Many of those affected are plagued by self-blame and find their lives contradictory: everything seems fine on the outside, but inside they feel no satisfaction or fulfillment.
High-functioning depression: These are the differences from classic depression
The diagnosis of high-functioning depression often takes longer because it differs in some ways from classic depression.
- Slow development: The disease often develops over a long period of time and remains inconspicuous.
- Continuous symptoms: Unlike classic depression, there are no clear episodes; the symptoms persist permanently.
- Maintaining everyday life: Despite internal suffering and a deterioration in well-being, those affected usually continue with their daily lives as if everything were normal.
- Ability to feel joy: In contrast to classic depression, those affected can occasionally experience positive feelings and joy, even if their general psychological state is impaired.
Online depression test provides initial information
Free depression tests, such as this oneSelf-test from the German Depression Aid Foundation, help with an initial assessment. A self-test cannot replace a visit to the doctor or a medical diagnosis. If the test shows signs of depression, those affected should definitely seek help. It's not just important to go to experts. There are also numerous offers of help from various associations and organizations, such as:
How those affected with high-functioning depression can be helped
The first and most important step in treating high-functioning depression is insight from those affected. Only when they notice that something is wrong and they feel bad can they seek support. However, for many this step is particularly difficult. Even though they find that everyday tasks are draining them of more energy and becoming increasingly difficult, they continue to perform as usual. They regularly exceed their boundaries and ignore their own needs, which is why they often don't see the need for action for a long time. Treatment for high-functioning depression depends on the severity of the symptoms. In milder forms, lifestyle changes such as reducing workload and promoting social contacts can bring about an improvement. However, in more severe cases, professional support is required, whether through psychotherapy or medication.
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