Depression is a common mental health disorder known for its signs and symptoms of being sad, down, and hopeless.

But not all types of depresison look the same. Some individuals can experience the same signs and symptoms as other forms of depression but put on a mask to try to hide their true thoughts and feelings. In a way, they can smile through the pain and make it seem like they’re doing okay despite how they’re feeling on the inside.

Since high-functioning depression is harder to spot, it’s important to recognize the signs. Here are 10 signs of high-functioning depression.

1. Low Self-Esteem

While a person with high-functioning depression may seem like they’re doing fine on the outside, they are typically struggling internally. Depression, no matter the type, can bring on feelings of low self-esteem. This can impact the way a person feels about themselves and their own abilities. Low self-esteem can include things like fear of failure, negative self-talk, and playing the comparison game.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue and depression can be a hard cycle to break. People with depression are more likely to show signs of exhaustion, but fatigue can lead to an increased risk of depression. Depression can cause changes in someone’s daily life and routine that can also cause fatigue.

3. Changes in Eating Habits

One of those changes that impacts fatigue is a change in someone’s eating habits. A person with depression may experience changes in their eating habits, especially in relation to their food preferences and appetite. Depression can lead to someone not eating enough or overeating. People with depression may gravitate towards foods that are high in calories, sugar, or fat as a quick fix or short-term solution to feeling better.

4. Sleeping Problems

Another fatigue-related cause is a change in someone’s sleep schedule and routine. Depression is known to cause sleeping problems. Sleep is essential in order for the body and brain to function properly. Depression makes it difficult for someone to fall asleep at night and stay asleep during the night. The quality of sleep isn’t high, which means that people with depression won’t wake up feeling refreshed even if they did get enough hours of sleep.

5. Difficulty Concentrating

Depression can impact the way a person feels and thinks, which includes their concentration. It can cause someone to have trouble concentrating on tasks, remembering certain details, and their ability to make decisions.

6. Anger Issues

Anger is another symptom of depression. People who have depression are more likely to experience anger issues due to their lack of patience or irritability with certain tasks. Due to their inability to regulate their emotions, they may experience feelings of anger towards their family, friends, or coworkers if they become frustrated about a conversation or task.

7. Withdrawing from Social Activities

Isolating and withdrawing from loved ones and social activities that were previously enjoyed can be a big indicator of high-functioning depression. Isolating oneself is something that people who are depressed tend to do to avoid ruminating or additional stressors and anxiety.

8. Reduced Productivity

A reduction in productivity can be a major sign of depression. Someone with depression will have a harder time finding motivation to get things done. They will experience a lack of interest in activities, which means they may push things off or procrastinate.

9. Guiltiness

Guilt and depression can be a vicious cycle. Depression can lead to feelings of guilt, but guilt can further enable feelings of depression. Someone with depresison may feel guilty about being depressed and feeling like a burden.

10. Self-Critical

Self-criticism is high with depression. It’s one of the most common characteristics due to someone feeling down or low about oneself. This negative view can lead to other pure, problems like feeling a failure, worthless, or hopeless.

Next Steps

Most of the signs and symptoms of depression can actually lead to worsening signs of depression. Even though high-functioning depression can be more difficult to spot compared to other forms of depression, it’s vital to seek additional support as soon as you suspect there’s an issue. You don’t have to continue smiling through the pain. Reach out today to learn more about depression therapy and how we can get you to experience true happiness again.