You might imagine that depression is easily recognizable—in others and in yourself. In many cases, you would be correct. However, a condition called Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is also a reality. Euphemistically called “high-function depression,” PDD is less severe than a major depressive disorder. However, that’s where the danger may lie. 

If it’s downplayed or even ignored, it will (as the name implies) persist even though treatment is needed. Since all forms of depression carry with them a risk of suicide, this is obviously not what anyone wants.

High-Functioning Depression and Its Risks 

PDD may feel like you’re in some kind of limbo. On the one hand, you’re functioning. You go to work or school, and you handle the basic daily functions of life. At the same time, you’re unhappy and lacking energy. It feels like too much to maintain relationships and friendships. Your responsibilities are overwhelming. This in-between state puts you at risk for:

“It’s all in my head.”

If there’s no clear-cut sign of an illness, you may think you’re being overdramatic. Things are not that bad, and none of the people in your life seem too concerned about you. They tell you—and you tell yourself—that the answer is as simple as “snapping out of it.”

“It’s no big deal.”

It is critical that more people learn to recognize the signs of PDD. When you minimize the severity of your feelings, you surrender the opportunity to get help. The longer this lasts, the greater the risks.

5 Signs of High-Functioning Depression

Someone with PDD may smile as often as anyone else. They may hold down a job, have friends, and be raising a family. Upon closer examination, all is not nearly as well as it seems. 

1. Talking About Feeling Sad or Hopeless

People with PDD cry a lot but may be good at hiding it. If you listen carefully, what you might identify are:

• Chronic self-criticism 

• Comments about feeling “empty” or lacking hope

• Expressing regret about things they did in the past or decisions they made that led to where they are now

• Outbursts of anger and/or irritability 

• Morbid curiosity about death and dying

On their own, statements like this don’t automatically diagnose anything. But, for certain, they must not be dismissed or ignored. 

2. More Effort Needed

Sure, you can get things done with high-functioning depression. But wow, it takes a whole lot of extra effort. Your to-do list has been tackled, but you’ve got nothing left. Even during the process of being productive, you’re still not working at the level you once did. Concentrating, in particular, feels exhausting.

3. The Pain Comes Out in Other Ways

Since PDD is less obvious, the person may feel ashamed that they’re down “for no reason.” They opt to hide it from loved ones. What they can’t hide is how the problem manifests elsewhere, e.g.

• Unexplained aches, pain, and tension (including headaches) 

• Appetite swings from increase to decrease

• Unplanned weight loss or gain

• Sleep disturbances that can involve insomnia or excessive sleep 

• Feeling low energy even when you sleep for 10 or more hours 

4. Self-Medication 

When you don’t recognize that you’re depressed or you’re trying to hide it, what do you do for comfort? The answer, too often, is self-medication. It might be drugs, alcohol, overeating, risky behaviors, pornography — basically anything that might temporarily fill the void. 

5. Less Joy, Less Fun

Here is where friends and family members can recognize the problem. People with PDD lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. This can include sex. 

Look For Clarity

If you have a sense of feeling depressed, why not reach out and learn more? It could be the most important call you ever make. 

Learn more about Depression Therapy.