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Signs experts say point to high-functioning depression
🇷🇸 Serbia /Health & Science

Signs experts say point to high-functioning depression

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • High-functioning depression can be difficult to recognize because individuals often appear to manage daily life successfully, sometimes even excelling.
  • Key signs include anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), avoiding enjoyable activities, and constantly staying busy as a coping mechanism.
  • Perfectionism and a need for control can mask internal struggles, leading to external validation that reinforces the cycle, making it hard for others to notice the person is suffering.

High-functioning depression often goes unnoticed because those experiencing it can appear to be managing their lives perfectly, even achieving great success. Experts explain that this form of depression is challenging to identify because it doesn't fit the typical image of someone unable to perform daily tasks. Instead, individuals may seem to be functioning well externally, while internally they struggle with negative emotions, concentration problems, and a loss of pleasure in activities they once enjoyed.

Often we think depression leads to a person being unable to perform daily activities or fulfill their obligations. While that is often true, high-functioning depression can look completely the opposite.

— Dr. Marie-Elizabeth RamasA family physician with the American Academy of Family Physicians explains the common misconception about depression.

One significant, often hidden, symptom is anhedonia, described as a loss of interest or pleasure in life experiences. This can manifest as a change in social habits, where individuals continue to engage in work and basic interactions but begin to avoid activities that should bring them joy, such as socializing or pursuing hobbies. Some may also cope by constantly filling their schedules with obligations, a psychological mechanism known as "masking" that redirects internal difficulties into productive activities. This outward appearance of being busy, social, and stable makes it difficult for others to perceive their inner turmoil.

loss of interest, enjoyment, or pleasure in life experiences

— ExpertsDescribing anhedonia, a key symptom of high-functioning depression.

The paradox of high-functioning depression lies in the individual's external achievements. Success in work, personal life, or volunteer activities can lead to external validation, creating a cycle that reinforces the masking behavior. Perfectionism can also serve as a coping strategy, with a constant drive for improvement and productivity appearing as ambition rather than a way to ignore emotional distress. This outward success can be praised, further obscuring the underlying emotional difficulties that are being neglected.

External validation they receive for over-exertion can create a vicious cycle.

— Dr. Marie-Elizabeth RamasExplaining how external praise can reinforce unhealthy coping mechanisms.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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