High-functioning depression is often overlooked because it’s common in people who are successful in their careers. According to Talkspace, high-functioning depression “isn’t a clinical term or a diagnosis. Instead, it’s a descriptor for a type of depression with particular symptoms,” it says on the Talkspace site. “While some types of depression cause people to lose their ability to function in their daily life, high-functioning depression is different. People with this type of depression often keep a job, maintain relationships, and meet other obligations,” it says.
Many people with high-functioning depression have people who rely on them. It can make professionals who thrive in their careers only acknowledge their depression behind closed doors.
“These are very driven people. They don’t want anything getting in the way of the goal. As a therapist you have to reframe it as ‘how do you get to your goals?’ Therapy may be helpful in reaching that goal,’’ says Dr. Judith Joseph, a board certified psychiatrist and Chairwoman of the Women in Medicine Board at Columbia University.
Forbes spoke with two psychologists about how to manage high-functioning depression in the workplace.
Seek Out Support
Therapy is a great way to cope with high-functioning depression. Professionals with high-functioning depression should seek out professional help. Depression, whether it’s high-functioning or not, can cause suicidal ideation.
Even if you’re doing well in your career or have a high salary, you should still seek out support. You are might be a workaholic. Your self-worth may come from work-related accomplishments.
You believe you don’t need a therapist because you do well at work. Although picking a therapist can be daunting, it’s important for people with high-functioning depression to talk to someone. If they are not comfortable with doing one-on-one therapy sessions, check out support groups.
“There are online resources for groups of specific backgrounds where you can have peer group therapy so you don’t feel like you’re in this one on one therapy session, but you’re with similar like-minded individuals,” says Dr. Joseph.
There are several free virtual support groups people with depression can attend. If you are someone who has an intersectional identity, acknowledge all of the facets of your identity by finding several support systems. Dr. Joseph believes support groups help depressed professionals.
“You help each other because you’re sharing your story of what works for you and then someone else sharing their story ensures that works for them,” she says.
If you are interested in learning more about support groups, look up the hashtag #supportgroups or find one through a mental health Facebook group. The best way to find a support group is to attend National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) free support groups. Learn more here.
Get Outside
Maria Sosa, a psychologist who is originally from Venezuela and currently resides in Miami, believes heading outdoors is crucial for depressed people. “Being outside in nature— there is something about the connection to nature that has been shown time and time again to help minimize symptoms of depression,” she says.
According to a study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, spending time outdoors helps depressed people. “Nature is extremely important in working through depression,” says Sosa.
“Whether it’s being outside in nature or getting sunlight, there is something about the connection to nature that has been shown to help minimize symptoms of depression,” she says.
Connect with Others
Talking to friends and loved ones can help with high-functioning depression. Isolation is dangerous for people who are depressed. The less someone with depression talks about their mental state the more likely they are to harm themselves or rely on substances for relief. Psychologists say socializing can make a huge impact on professionals with high-functioning depression.
“The more that we’re able to connect with other individuals and loved ones, we realize that we’re not alone. Conversations are really impactful,” says Sosa.
She has over 400,000 followers on Instagram, which is a testament to how many people want and need to discuss mental health. “Depression has a tendency to really isolate us,” Sosa says. “Being able to be productive doesn’t mean you’re not struggling with depression.’’
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