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Understanding High-Functioning Depression

Understanding High Functioning Depression

It’s normal to feel the effects of life’s ups and downs. Sadness is a part of the experience of living, and normally, people are able to move on from it and look forward to a new day. Depression, on the other hand, is a vastly different experience, and it doesn’t just involve feeling sad for prolonged periods of time. It’s the most common mental health condition suffered by Americans, with millions of people going through depression each year. Many people don’t even realize that they’re depressed. In fact, they continue with their day-to-day lives while struggling with a serious mental health condition.

When someone can function despite experiencing the symptoms of depression, it is called high-functioning depression. Living with this kind of low mood for months or years takes a severe toll on a person’s physical and mental health. At Recovery Bay Center, we offer a comprehensive depression treatment program as well as other therapies to suit each individual’s specific needs. Our treatment programs are gender-specific and cater to men ages 18 and above. If you or someone you care about needs depression treatment, you can call us at 833.991.2955 and we’d be more than happy to help.

What Are the Types of Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues that people experience. It affects a person’s ability to enjoy life and handle the day-to-day tasks of living. Depression in men can generally be classified into several types:

  • Bipolar depression – those suffering from bipolar disorder experience intense highs and lows, and the low periods typically have symptoms of depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder or SAD – some people are affected by seasonal depression that generally starts in late fall or early winter, then eases during spring and summer
  • Psychotic depression – people suffering from psychotic depression can experience severe depressive symptoms, as well as delusions and hallucinations
  • Major depressive disorder or clinical depression- this is the classic type of depression that has intense symptoms which last for more than two weeks
  • Persistent depressive disorder – the symptoms of this type of depression are usually less severe than in other cases but persist for over two years
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All types of depression affect a person’s mood and health, with different types having different severities and lengths of episodes. In general, those struggling with depression may experience the following symptoms to a greater or lesser degree:

  • A deep and unshakeable sadness
  • Lack of motivation to engage in activities that they once found fun or interesting
  • Low self-esteem
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks
  • Physical or emotional exhaustion
  • Thoughts or plans of self-harm

What is High-Functioning Depression?

High-functioning depression is a non-clinical term for depression. It’s not considered severe enough to be diagnosed as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. There are some experts who consider high-functioning depression to be the same as persistent depressive disorder. Those who experience high-functioning depression may appear to function almost normally but are struggling internally.

All forms of depression can have serious health consequences if left untreated. High-functioning depression may not seem as severe as other types of depression. However, it should still be addressed with a depression treatment program. A person’s quality of life is still impaired by high-functioning depression, and that’s more than enough reason for someone to seek help.

Get Depression Disorder Treatment at Recovery Bay Center

If you or someone you care about has been battling depression for a long time, you can reach out to Recovery Bay Center for help. Our compassionate and professional staff members understand that there are a variety of types of depression. Furthermore, we’re committed to helping you find better ways to cope with the condition.

We also offer a variety of other therapies to encourage whole-body healing and recovery, including:

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During the initial assessment, our licensed counselors will work with you to craft a program that suits your specific needs. You can contact us at 833.991.2955 and we’d be happy to get you started on the road to a brighter future.