Depression doesn’t always leave you unable to get out of bed in the morning and crying all the time.
In fact, many people battle with this mental health condition, all while carrying on with their normal everyday responsibilities. They go to work every day, hang out with friends, and maybe even seem to be thriving. However, if you notice these signs, they may be battling with high-functioning depression.
1. They seem exhausted all the time, no matter how much rest they get.
Even with enough sleep, they always seem tired. It’s not just physical exhaustion—emotional fatigue makes every day feel like a heavy lift, even if they’re going through the motions like normal. The exhaustion is so bad, it can make even simple decisions feel overwhelming.
2. They still get things done, but it feels like a chore.
They might be keeping up with work, chores, and responsibilities, but everything feels like a major effort. Completing simple tasks doesn’t bring any sense of accomplishment, just relief that it’s over. There’s often a lingering sense of emptiness, even after finishing something.
3. They cancel plans more often than usual.
Someone with high-functioning depression might agree to plans, but when the time comes, they cancel last minute. It’s not that they don’t want to see you—they just don’t have the energy to follow through. Socialising can feel like a huge drain, even if they enjoy the company.
4. They’ve become more irritable or easily frustrated.
Little things that wouldn’t usually bother them suddenly seem overwhelming. They might snap at people or get frustrated quickly, even though they know it’s not a big deal. These reactions can surprise even them, adding to their frustration.
5. Their sleep patterns are all over the place.
Some nights they can’t sleep at all, and other times they sleep far too much. High-functioning depression can mess with sleep, leaving them either restless or feeling like they can’t get out of bed. The problem is, their irregular sleep cycle only worsens their emotional state.
6. They’ve lost interest in things they used to enjoy.
Activities or hobbies that used to make them happy now feel like a hassle. Even though they might still participate, the excitement or joy just isn’t there anymore, and it feels like they’re going through the motions. Such a lack of passion can leave them feeling disconnected from themselves.
7. They laugh and joke, but it feels forced.
They can still smile and laugh in social settings, but it feels more like they’re performing rather than actually feeling happy. On the surface, everything looks fine, but inside, there’s a disconnect. Behind that laughter, they may feel emotionally drained and empty.
8. They struggle with concentration and focus.
Tasks that require concentration, like reading or working on a project, become harder to stick with. Their mind keeps wandering, and staying focused feels like a bigger challenge than usual. It can feel like their brain is working at half-speed, no matter how hard they try.
9. They’ve developed unhealthy coping mechanisms.
They might start relying on things like excessive screen time, overeating, or drinking to numb the feelings they’re avoiding. These habits offer temporary relief, but don’t actually help in the long run. Instead of feeling better, they often feel worse after indulging.
10. They downplay their own struggles.
When asked how they’re doing, they always say, “I’m fine,” or “It’s no big deal,” even when things are clearly off. They don’t want to burden anyone or admit that they’re struggling because they think they should be able to handle it. The constant minimising of their feelings can isolate them even further.
11. They’re overly self-critical.
People with high-functioning depression often have an inner dialogue that’s harsh and critical. They beat themselves up over little things, feeling like they’re not doing enough, even when they’re doing their best. Their constant self-criticism wears down their self-esteem over time.
12. They feel numb more than sad.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by sadness, they might just feel emotionally numb. It’s not that they’re crying all the time—it’s more that they don’t feel much of anything, like they’re going through life on autopilot. Their emotional numbness can make everything feel flat and unfulfilling.
13. They try to stay busy to avoid feeling.
Keeping themselves constantly busy helps them avoid sitting with their emotions. From the outside, they seem productive, but they’re really just trying to distract themselves from dealing with their depression. The busyness becomes a way to avoid facing the uncomfortable feelings lurking beneath the surface.
