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Did you know that depression impacts approximately 40 million people in the US alone? Those who struggle with depression may do so without ever being noticed by loved ones, especially if they are dealing with undiagnosed and untreated high-functioning depression. If you are wondering what is high functioning depression, it is highly advisable to first get to know more about the seriousness of depression in anyone, regardless of severity.
How Serious is Depression?
Depression is one of the most serious mental health issues and disorders throughout the US and even throughout the world today. With an increase in anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, individuals are experiencing a range of uncontrolled emotions and negative responses that have never been seen before.
Avoiding depression and maintaining a negative stigma when it comes to mental health is extremely dangerous, and often leads individuals to avoid seeking help as their condition deteriorates or worsens. Without speaking up and speaking out about depression, individuals who struggle even with high-functioning depression are much more likely to struggle with work, relationships, goals, and even with suicidal ideation in severe cases.
What is High-Functioning Depression?
In order to understand high-functioning depression signs and symptoms, it is first important to familiarize yourself with the concept of high-functioning depression. High-functioning depression is still depression, though an individual may find it possible to complete daily tasks while maintaining their job and social life.
A person who is suffering from high functioning depression is more likely to remain under the radar when it comes to family and friends suspecting that anything is off or unusual about them. Individuals with high-functioning depression may feel just as awful as those with low-functioning depression but may have a better chance of pursuing goals and sticking to daily routines and habits.
Why is High-Functioning Depression Difficult to Spot and Identify?
After you understand what is high functioning depression and how can it seep into one’s life, it is important to learn more about high functioning depression signs and symptoms that are likely to manifest at one point or another. High-functioning depression is not always easy to spot, even if you believe you know someone well or have the ability to detect when something is off or wrong about a friend or loved one.
Those with high-functioning depression and other mood or behavioral disorders are typically very good at masking their true feelings or emotions. The better an individual becomes at masking their feelings, the less likely others are to have the ability to intervene and lend a helping hand when they are in need.
Some of the most tell-tale signs that an individual is struggling with high-functioning depression include:
- Loss of Interest: A loss of interest in social outings, socialization, hobbies, and extracurricular activities may be a sign that someone is struggling with depression.
- Loss of Enthusiasm: If you no longer find yourself enthusiastic or joyful even when you believe you should feel happier, you may be suffering from depression.
- Feeling Numb: Feeling numb while still completing your job, socializing with co-workers, and doing daily chores may be a sign that your mind and body are depressed.
- Losing Interest in Goals: If you are able to work and maintain your everyday life, but you no longer have an interest in setting or achieving goals of your own, you may have high-functioning depression.
Because high functioning depression signs and symptoms are likely to vary from person to person, it is best to keep track of the schedule and routine of a loved one you suspect may be suffering to gain valuable insight into how they are truly feeling.
How Can High-Functioning Depression Lead to Addiction?
Whether you are a working adult or a teenager, high-functioning depression can affect individuals of all ages, regardless of location and social class.
Depression and addiction often go hand-in-hand, as feeling depressed may quickly lead to the use of alcohol and other substances in order to cope with a negative outcome or reaction to one’s current experiences in life.
If you begin to feel extremely overwhelmed due to undiagnosed and untreated depression or other issues in your life, you may feel the temptation of turning to drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medications to help cope and mask your true feelings and emotions. Turning to substances to help negate or numb the feelings you have can quickly lead down a road to addiction, especially if you are not seeking help for your depression.
How Does Treatment Help Those With High-Functioning Depression?
Getting the right treatment for high-functioning depression is key to truly facing and overcoming depressive episodes and extended periods of sadness. Both mental health as well as substance abuse programs are essential to working on the treatment of addiction and depression, especially for those with high-functioning depression.
Both inpatient and outpatient Southern California rehab centers are optimal for those who struggle with both addiction and depression, providing an opportunity for dual diagnosis, access to medical professionals, and one-on-one time with counselors and addiction specialists. With the right Southern California rehab for you, it is much easier to assimilate to a zero-tolerance environment without feeling judged, shamed, or humiliated about your mental health and any addiction struggles you are facing each day.
Both inpatient and outpatient programs in areas like Santa Barbara and Southern California can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual who requires care and guidance on their road to recovery.
Dealing with depression and/or addiction, even if you are considered high-functioning, is never easy, especially as time passes and life continues to move on. If you are struggling with depression and are looking for ways to overcome your struggles, seeking the right treatment center or facility is one way to commit to taking action. At Mission Harbor, it is possible to regain control over the direction of your life and your future without the burden of depression and addiction along the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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