Top psychologist shares 5 crucial signs of high-functioning depression

Time of India

4 days ago

Dr. Julie Smith highlights the importance of recognizing high-functioning depression (HFD), a state where individuals manage daily tasks while internally battling sadness and fatigue. Though not a clinical diagnosis, HFD is a crucial warning sign, as those affected often mask their struggles, leading to self-neglect and emotional avoidance.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Although there are growing conversations about
emotional well-being
today, there's still much that goes unrecognized. For instance, one can be depressed and still go on with the daily chores.
Depression does not always look like not being able to get out of bed.
Which is why Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, is now emphasizing the importance of identifying the crucial signs of high-functioning depression. Let's take a look
What is high-functioning depression
Though it is not a clinical diagnosis yet, high-functioning depression (HFD) is a warning sign. It is not a term used in the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM-5-TR), the tool that clinicians use to diagnose mental health conditions.
However, this stage is crucial.
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HFD is a form of depression where one may experience depressive symptoms but can still will be able to function and meet daily tasks. They may appear to be managing their lives well to outsiders; however, they internally struggle with persistent feelings of sadness, low motivation, and fatigue.
'There is an important reason I made this video when high functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis.
The term is being used across the Internet as people search for the language to describe their daily struggles with mental health. I think what this term has enabled many people to do, is acknowledge that depression does not begin on the day that you can't get out of bed. You can be suffering intensely while going about your normal daily routine.
If we wait until we cannot function before seeking help or working on recovery, we have a much bigger battle on our hands. So even if everyone in your life has no idea, the best time to work on your mental health is as soon as you notice these changes,' Dr. Smith
said
.
What are the signs of HFD
Dr. Smith has shared 5 crucial signs of HFD, and she cautions against ignoring the fifth. Take a look.
High-functioning ends when no one's around: The high-functioning ends when no one is looking. 'That's when the self-neglect begins,' the doctor notes.
Social events = Hard work: Though social events are supposed to be fun, you feel it more like hard work. 'It takes so much effort to keep up the appearance of being happy,' the doctor adds.
Doomscrolling and binge watching to avoid emotions: You find yourself scrolling on social, watching hours of TV, and eating junk food to numb those feelings.
No energy: You work hard but never really feel energized or enthusiastic. Where you used to find pleasure, now you're just going through the motions.
Emptiness: You do everything the world asks of you. So no one would ever know, but most days you feel empty inside