High-Functioning Depression

Depression

Depression is not always obvious. Teens can suffer for years with depression, without family, friends, or other loved ones ever suspecting that something is wrong. In these cases, the teen usually has high-functioning depression. A form of depression in which they still live their day-to-day life while silently suffering inside. 

Signs

It is important you be able to recognize the signs of high functioning depression, as they are harder to spot than with regular depression. These signs include:

  • Bouts of insomnia or sleeping too much.
  • Feelings of hopelessness.
  • Lack of self-esteem.
  • Low energy.
  • Fatigue.
  • Difficulty making decisions. 
  • Frustration.
  • Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities.

It should be noted that a person with high-functioning depression will often mask these signs. They will either hide them completely or make excuses for them. For example, instead of admitting they have insomnia, they may claim they’re only tired due to staying up late to finish a project for school. They will play it off like it is nothing to be worried about. Additionally, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, depression can look different in everyone. For these reasons, you must be extremely observant to notice signs of high-functioning depression in your child. 

How Is High-Functioning Depression Different?

The main difference of high-functioning depression is that those suffering from it are still able to carry out their daily tasks and responsibilities. Most parents believe that a child suffering from depression will spend all day in bed, allowing their grades and relationships to suffer. This is not the case with high-function depression. Teens experiencing it may:

  • Complete all schoolwork and have high grades.
  • Complete their daily chores.
  • Work at a part-time job.
  • Have meaningful relationships with others.
  • Have a positive attitude.

This ability to function day-to-day is what makes high-functioning depression so incredibly dangerous. There can be no obvious warning signs. The individual just suffers silently, allowing their depression to fester and worsen day after day until it reaches a breaking point. 

How to Help Someone With High-Functioning Depression

There are multiple ways to help your teen if they have high-functioning depression. These can be done on your own, and are mostly just about being there for them. Ways to help include: 

  • Checking In: Remember that high-functioning depression is not always noticeable. Even when things seem perfect, check in with your child, encouraging them to share how they are really feeling. It is important to let them know that it is ok if they are feeling depressed and that you will not judge them.
  • Be Vulnerable: Share your own struggles and challenges that you have dealt with. This will encourage an honest and open environment, making your child more likely to be honest and share their own problems with you. 
  • Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage your child to continue eating healthy, staying active, and being social, even though they may not want to. If they begin lacking in these areas, their depression will likely worsen. 

Even if you believe your child’s depression has lessened, you should continue utilizing these methods. Making these a part of your regular routine can ensure that you catch high-functioning depression as soon as it presents itself, allowing it to be treated as soon as possible. 

How to Treat High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression requires professional help. Your best option is to enroll your child in an outpatient treatment program. This will allow them to receive the help they so desperately need without disrupting their lives. They will still be able to attend school and spend time with friends. These programs will treat your child with therapy and help them learn ways to treat it at home.

Therapy

The most commonly used therapy for high-functioning depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses on unlearning negative behaviors and thought patterns while learning to use healthier thinking habits. CBT is often used in conjunction with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), in which your child will learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way, regulate their emotions, live in the moment, and improve their relationships with others. Group therapy may also be used. This will allow your child to see that they are not alone in feeling this way by connecting with peers who are undergoing similar struggles and challenges. 

At Home

Not all treatment must occur in a medical setting. There are also activities your child can do at home to help treat their depression. These include: 

  • Staying Active: Exercise is proven to help treat symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
  • Journaling: Writing down their thoughts and feelings can give your teen an outlet, lessening feelings of depression.
  • Art Therapy: Creating art is another outlet which can help with feelings of depression. Painting, creating music, drawing, and any other artistic pursuits work in this way. 
  • Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness means taking time to be aware of your thoughts and feelings. 

Remember, even when your child is remaining active, they may still feel depressed. They will likely be the only one who can recognize when they are feeling depressive symptoms. With this in mind, always give them time and space to engage in these activities to treat their depression. 

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