You have a great job, a happy family and pals for life. But on the inside, you’re hanging by a thread – exhausted, listless, self-critical and irritable. If this sounds familiar, you may have high-functioning depression.
Thanks to our do-it-all, have-it-all tendencies, the term “high-functioning depression” has been making its rounds in popular media in recent years. Many successful folks who seem to be on top of everything in life are well, actually not. “Outwardly, those with high-functioning depression take care of their families, homes and appearances, but internally, they struggle with negativity, sadness and despair,” says Dr Marcus Tan, consultant psychiatrist at Nobel Psychological Wellness Clinic.
While there is no medical defi nition of high-functioning depression, doctors recognise it as something closest to persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia, a mild but chronic form of clinical depression.
“Symptoms are often grumbling in the background and hindering individuals from reaching their full potential,” says Dr Iris Rawtaer, consultant psychiatrist at Sengkang General Hospital. Some may challenge themselves to “try harder” or “organise better” or see their internal struggles as a weakness, she adds.
Dr Tan agrees, saying those with high- functioning depression don’t actually realise they are depressed or can hardly cope until a major life event happens.
Those with high-functioning depression take care of their families, homes and appearances, but internally, they struggle with negativity, sadness and despair.
TEXT NG MEI YAN / PHOTOS 123RF.COM
