5 signs of high-functioning depression; How is it different from clinical depression?

High-functioning depression or functional depression is a term used to describe a mental state in which a person is able to function normally but gradually loses interest in social activities and feels empty or numb internally, experiencing less pleasure and joy. than before. High-functioning depression is not a medical diagnosis, but a term used in social media to describe a stage that can be a precursor to depression. Psychologist Dr. Julie Smith, in her recent Instagram post, explains why you need to work on your mental health if you detect signs of high-functioning depression instead of waiting for it to develop into full-blown clinical depression. (Also read: Do you cry in your sleep? Unresolved trauma linked to depression; 10 reasons why this can happen)

Dr Smith says what are described as high-functioning depression symptoms on the internet could help a person work on their mental health sooner. The psychologist says that depression does not start suddenly and initially there are certain changes in our mental state.

“High-functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis. The term is used on the Internet as people search for language to describe their daily struggles with mental health. I think this term has empowered many people What we need to do is recognize that depression doesn’t start the day you can’t get out of bed. You can suffer intensely while going about your normal daily activities. If we wait until we can no longer function before asking help or work on our recovery, we have a much bigger battle to fight.” So even if everyone in your life has no idea, the best time to work on your mental health is as soon as that you notice these changes,” says Dr. Smith.

5 signs of high-functioning depression

Dr. Smith says people with high-functioning depression may say yes to everything people ask them to cover up their low feelings. They can watch movies or browse social media endlessly.

Here are the signs to look out for:

1. You do everything the world asks you to do, so no one knows. But most of the time you feel empty inside.

2. You work hard, but you never really feel energized or enthusiastic where you used to find pleasure, now you’re just going through the motions.

3. You find yourself scrolling through social media, watching hours of TV, and eating junk food to numb these feelings

4. Social events can feel more like hard work than fun, because it takes a lot of effort to maintain the appearance of being happy.

5. High operation ends when no one is looking. This is when self-neglect begins.

The term itself is not a clinical diagnosis, but a term that has been used online to describe the experience of those who live with depressive symptoms and struggle to function but do not stop functioning. This term is very useful because many people have a preconceived notion that good mental health depends on whether or not you can always go to work. They often feel that they do not deserve any support because they are not outwardly at their lowest.

Dr. Smith says the best time to start doing the right things for your mental health is when you think you could benefit from them, and don’t wait until your mental health stops you from functioning, because that could be a much longer and more difficult flashback. .

Signs of clinical depression

To be diagnosed with depression, you must have five of these nine symptoms for at least two weeks, says Dr. Smith.

1. Constantly feeling depressed, moody, or hopeless.

2. Having little or no interest or pleasure in doing things.

3. Disturbed sleep, too much or not enough, compared to usual.

4. Changes in appetite and weight. You may be eating more or less than usual.

5. Fatigue and loss of energy. Even everyday tasks seem exhausting.

6. Agitation or slowing of movements.

7. Poor concentration or indecision. You may have difficulty making even the smallest daily decisions.

8. Feeling worthless or excessive guilt about things you wouldn’t normally feel as intense about.

9. Suicidal thoughts or urges.