May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Additionally, National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week (May 12-18) is a good reminder of the struggles many face, often in silence. One of these lesser-known but widely experienced conditions is high-functioning depression, a form of depression that remains masked behind the appearance of normalcy.
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
When people think of depression, they often picture someone withdrawn from life—isolated, struggling to get out of bed, and unable to meet daily responsibilities. However, depression does not always manifest this way. High-functioning depression affects individuals who continue to fulfill their daily obligations—going to work, maintaining relationships, and even excelling in their careers—while internally battling persistent sadness, exhaustion, and disinterest in life.
Unlike major depressive disorder, high-functioning depression is often less visibly disruptive but can still be deeply painful. People experiencing it may dismiss their own symptoms, believing they aren’t “bad enough” to seek help. However, this mindset can lead to worsening mental health over time.
Recognizing the Signs of High-Functioning Depression
Because those with high-functioning depression appear to have their lives together, it can be difficult to identify when someone is struggling. Yet, beneath the surface, they may experience:
- Persistent sadness – Feeling low, moody, or generally down, even if they seem fine to others.
- Chronic fatigue – Always feeling drained, regardless of sleep quality or quantity.
- Low self-esteem – A pervasive sense of inadequacy, self-doubt, or unworthiness.
- Loss of interest – Forcing themselves to engage in hobbies or social activities they once enjoyed.
- Difficulty concentrating – Struggling to stay focused at work, in conversations, or on everyday tasks.
- Changes in appetite – Eating significantly more or less than usual without a clear reason.
The Toll of Concealing Depression
Living with high-functioning depression can be exhausting. Many individuals feel pressured to maintain a facade of normalcy, leading to emotional burnout. The effort to suppress their struggles often results in self-isolation, as they may believe that admitting their pain would be burdensome to others. Over time, this isolation can worsen symptoms and create a cycle of exhaustion, self-doubt, and deeper depression.
How to Support Someone with High-Functioning Depression
Because those struggling with high-functioning depression often hide their symptoms, checking in on loved ones is crucial. Here are a few ways to offer meaningful support:
- Reach out regularly – A simple text or call to let someone know you’re thinking of them can be incredibly impactful. Many people with high-functioning depression feel unseen, so small gestures of connection can make a difference.
- Create a safe space for honesty – Encouraging open conversations about mental health without judgment helps break down barriers. If you’re comfortable, sharing your own struggles can foster a sense of understanding and reduce stigma.
- Listen without judgment – Many people with high-functioning depression have had their feelings dismissed as just being “moody” or “having a bad day.” Instead of offering advice, try listening with empathy and validation.
- Encourage professional help – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other mental health treatments can be highly beneficial. While suggesting therapy may feel like a difficult conversation, it can be a sign of love and support rather than criticism.
Breaking the Silence
Mental health struggles don’t always look the way we expect. Just because someone is functioning doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering. By raising awareness of high-functioning depression and fostering supportive conversations, we can help those who are silently struggling feel seen, heard, and encouraged to seek the help they deserve.
This Mental Health Awareness Month and National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week, let’s commit to checking in with ourselves and those around us. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember—help is available, and you are never alone.
