Recognizing High-Functioning Depression

People struggling with high-functioning depression may sometimes self-medicate and develop a substance use disorder (SUD), or develop another co-occurring mental health issue. Interestingly, this type of depression is not even listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Therefore, it can be difficult for people like this to even consider seeking professional help.

If you’re searching for a depression treatment program in Florida that recognizes high-functioning depression, reach out to Coalition Recovery today. Call 888.707.2873 or contact our team online.

What Is High-Functioning Depression?

High-functioning depression isn’t a clinical diagnosis. In fact, it’s a term that’s commonly used to describe people whose struggle with depression is so well hidden that it doesn’t seem to affect their day-to-day functioning. In truth, people like this are not what they seem. Rather, they may be under overwhelming stress as they struggle to not disrupt their relationships, responsibilities, and routines with depression symptoms they’re managing beneath the surface.

Not everyone falls into the typical stereotype of depression. Some people can find it difficult to get out of bed or perform adequately in school or work but still do. This capacity for hiding depression doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no mental health issue that’s affecting their lives. The depression stereotype that involves social withdrawal, laziness, or lack of hygiene doesn’t apply to someone with high-functioning depression.

People struggling with high-functioning depression don’t show many outward symptoms but can feel many worrisome emotions, such as:

• Anxiety
• Inadequacy
• Self-doubt

These emotions, as well as behaviors and thought patterns related to them, can have a negative impact on mental health. High-functioning depression should be treated professionally. Why? Because the term incorrectly implies that people struggling with this mental health issue have no problems functioning well in their day-to-day lives.

What Is the Connection Between High-Functioning Depression and Living With Addiction?

As mentioned earlier, someone struggling with high-functioning depression — or any type of depression disorder — may eventually develop a SUD. In fact, this is a common type of dual diagnosis. After all, people struggling with high-functioning depression often have trouble processing their symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to self-medicate. This is especially true when addictive substances are accessible, such as alcohol or prescription medication.

A dual diagnosis case that involves high-functioning depression and a SUD may not be recognized as such by some rehab facilities. As mentioned earlier, this is because high-functioning depression isn’t an official diagnosis mental health professionals can make. However, it’s important to consider high-functioning depression in addiction treatment if it occurs with a SUD because its symptoms may affect and even worsen addiction. Likewise, treating high-functioning depression without addressing addiction can lead to worsening mental health.

When Should You Consider a Depression Treatment Program?

Living with addiction isn’t the same as living with high-functioning depression. Eventually, addiction symptoms will disrupt a person’s relationships, responsibilities, and routines. If you or someone you care about is struggling with high-functioning depression and developing an addiction, definitely consider getting professional help.

If the struggle is just with high-functioning depression, it’s still worth considering a depression treatment program. Going through a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis process may reveal a depression disorder that can be treated effectively with medications and psychotherapy. Or, the mental health team can simply recommend psychotherapy sessions to help clients struggling with high-functioning depression by teaching them how to:

• Identify unwanted behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns
• Discover and apply healthier coping mechanisms when dealing with these undesirable situations

Ready To Learn More About Coalition Recovery’s Depression Treatment Program?

If you’re looking for a depression treatment program in Florida that recognizes high-functioning depression, contact Coalition Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 888.707.2873.